其次

• Pinyin: qí cì
• Hanzi breakdown: 其 = ancient demonstrative pronoun with 八 (divide) + 目-like base; 次 = 冫(ice) + 欠 (owe/lack), meaning order or sequence

Meaning

Secondly; next; moreover. Used to introduce the second point in an ordered list of reasons or arguments.

A discourse marker typically paired with 首先 (firstly). Used in both spoken and written Chinese to organise ideas logically. Can also mean 'of secondary importance.' Very useful in essays, presentations, and structured arguments.

Examples

1. 首先要注意安全，其次要注意卫生。 First pay attention to safety, and second pay attention to hygiene.
2. 其次，我想谈谈价格的问题。 Secondly, I would like to talk about the issue of price.
3. 学习首先要有兴趣，其次要有耐心。 To study, you first need interest, and then you need patience.

Usage Guide

Context: writing, presentations, discussions

Tone: structured

Do Say

• 首先是质量，其次是价格。(First comes quality, then comes price.)
• 其次，我觉得时间也不太合适。(Secondly, I feel the timing is not quite right either.)

Don't Say

• 其次我吃了一碗面。(Don't use 其次 to narrate daily events in time order — 其次 ranks points by importance. For time sequence, use 然后 or 接着.)

Origin & History

其 is a pronoun meaning 'its' or 'that'; 次 means time, order, or next. Together: the next in sequence, or secondarily.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal