Translation and Meaning of: 次 - shi

The Japanese word 次[し] is a versatile term frequently used in everyday life, but it can cause confusion for language students. Its main meaning relates to the idea of "next" or "following," but its usage goes beyond that, appearing in common expressions and various contexts. In this article, we will explore the meaning, origin, and practical uses of this word, along with tips for memorizing it correctly.

If you have ever wondered how to use 次[し] in sentences or what its correct pronunciation is, you are in the right place. Here at Suki Nihongo, we aim to provide clear and precise explanations for those who wish to learn Japanese efficiently. Let’s dive into the details of this word and discover how it fits into everyday communication in Japan.

Meaning and usage of 次[し]

The term 次[し] carries the meaning of "next" or "following", being used to indicate something that comes after in a sequence. For example, in situations such as waiting in line or scheduling a future appointment, this word appears frequently. Its simplicity makes it essential for those who are starting to learn Japanese.

In addition to its basic meaning, 次[し] can also be found in expressions like 次回 (jikai), which means "next time" or "next episode." This versatility makes it one of the first words that students memorize, as it appears in everyday contexts and even in Japanese animes and dramas.

Origin and writing of the kanji 次

The kanji 次 is composed of the radical 欠 (which represents "opening" or "lack") combined with the component 二 (which means "two"). This combination suggests the idea of something that comes after, like a sequence. The reading し is one of the kun'yomi forms, while the most common on'yomi reading is じ (ji), as in 次回 (jikai).

It is worth noting that the kanji 次 can also be read as "tsugi" in certain contexts, such as in the word 次々 (tsugitsugi), which means "one after another." This variation in reading is common in Japanese and emphasizes the importance of studying vocabulary within real sentences and situations.

Tips for memorizing and using 次[し]

An effective way to reinforce the meaning of 次[し] is to associate it with everyday situations, such as waiting for the next bus or waiting your turn in a line. Repeating phrases like "次は私の番です" (Tsugi wa watashi no ban desu - "Next is my turn") helps to internalize its usage naturally.

Another tip is to pay attention to how the word appears in animes, songs, and TV shows. Often, it comes up in simple dialogues, like when a character says "次に行こう" (Tsugi ni ikou - "Let's go to the next one"). This type of exposure to real Japanese makes it easier to memorize and understand the context in which the word is used.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 次へ (Tsugi e) - For the next
• 次に (Tsugi ni) - Next
• 次回 (Jikai) - Next time
• 次の (Tsugi no) - The next (before a noun)
• 次のように (Tsugi no you ni) - As follows
• 次に進む (Tsugi ni susumu) - Proceed to the next
• 次のステップ (Tsugi no suteppu) - Next step
• 次の段階 (Tsugi no dankai) - Next age phase or stage
• 次のフェーズ (Tsugi no feizu) - Next phase in a process
• 次のステージ (Tsugi no suteeji) - Next stage or level
• 次のレベル (Tsugi no reberu) - Next level
• 次のチャプター (Tsugi no chaputaa) - Next chapter
• 次のシーン (Tsugi no shiin) - Next scene
• 次のエピソード (Tsugi no episod) - Next episode
• 次のターン (Tsugi no taan) - Next turn
• 次のラウンド (Tsugi no raundo) - Next round
• 次のマッチ (Tsugi no macchi) - Next game
• 次の試合 (Tsugi no shiai) - Next confrontation
• 次のイベント (Tsugi no ibento) - Next event
• 次のミッション (Tsugi no misshon) - Next mission
• 次の課題 (Tsugi no kadai) - Next task or problem to be solved
• 次の目標 (Tsugi no mokuhyou) - Next objective
• 次の目的 (Tsugi no mokuteki) - Next purpose or intent
• 次の目指す (Tsugi no mezasu) - Next to be achieved

次

Romaji: shi
Kana: し
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n5

Translation / Meaning: order; sequence; times; Next; below

Meaning in English: order;sequence;times;next;below

Definition: Next: A word that refers to something that will continue later or in the future.

Example Sentences - (次) shi

See below some example sentences:

彼は次ぐ者がいない。

Kare wa tsugu mono ga inai

He has no one to succeed him.

He doesn't have the next one.

• 彼 - The Japanese personal pronoun that means "he" is "彼" (kare).
• は - topic particle that indicates the theme of the sentence, in this case "he"
• 次ぐ - Japanese verb that means "to follow", "to come after" or "to surpass"
• 者 - Japanese noun meaning "person"
• が - subject particle that indicates the subject of the sentence, in this case "person"
• いない - Japanese verb in negative form that means "does not exist" or "there is not"

この本の目次を見てください。

Kono hon no mokuji wo mite kudasai

Please look at the index of this book.

Look at the index of this book.

• この - demonstrative pronoun
• 本 - noun meaning "book"
• の - Particle that indicates possession
• 目次 - noun that means "index"
• を - particle that indicates direct object
• 見てください - "See" in the imperative, followed by an auxiliary verb indicating "please"

次の駅で降ります。

Tsugi no eki de orimasu

I will go down next season.

Get out next season.

• 次の駅 - "next station"
• で - Particle that indicates the place where something happens
• 降ります - "vou descer"

次々に新しいアイデアを出していく。

Tsugitsugi ni atarashii aidea wo dashite iku

We will give new ideas one after another.

• 次々に - adverb that indicates a consecutive action, one after the other;
• 新しい - adjective meaning "new";
• アイデア - noun meaning "idea";
• を - particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence;
• 出していく - compound verb meaning "to launch, present" and "to continue doing something in the future."

私は電話を取り次ぐことができます。

Watashi wa denwa o toritsugu koto ga dekimasu

I can pass the call.

I can hand over the phone.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case "I"
• 電話 (denwa) - noun meaning "telephone"
• を (wo) - particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence, in this case "telefone"
• 取り次ぐ (toritsugu) - The verb "to transfer (a phone call) to another person"
• こと (koto) - noun indicating an action or abstract event, in this case, "transfer a call"
• が (ga) - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence, in this case "I"
• できます (dekimasu) - Verb that means "to be able to"