下次

• Pinyin: xià cì
• Hanzi breakdown: 下 = next/following; 次 = 冫(ice) + 欠 (yawn) — originally 'to come after,' now meaning 'time/occasion'

Meaning

Next time. Refers to the occasion that will follow the current or most recent one.

Used to talk about a future occasion or repetition of an event. Very commonly appears in promises, plans, and polite refusals. Often placed at the beginning of a sentence as a time word.

Examples

1. 下次我请你吃饭。 Next time I'll treat you to a meal.
2. 下次你来我家玩吧。 Come to my house to hang out next time.
3. 这次没去，下次一定去。 I didn't go this time, but I'll definitely go next time.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, social

Tone: friendly

Do Say

• 下次一起去吧。(Let's go together next time.)
• 下次注意一点。(Be more careful next time.)

Don't Say

• 在下次的时候。(Overly wordy — simply say 下次 without adding 的时候)

Origin & History

A compound of 下 (next/following) and 次 (time/occasion). Literally means 'the following occasion.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal