依次

• Pinyin: yī cì
• Hanzi breakdown: 依 = 亻 (person) + 衣 (clothing), meaning to rely on/according to; 次 = 冫 (ice) + 欠 (lack), meaning order/sequence

Meaning

In sequence; one by one; in order. Indicating actions performed in a specific sequence.

Used to describe orderly, sequential actions. Similar to 按顺序 (in order) but more formal. Common usage: 依次排队 (line up in order), 依次介绍 (introduce one by one), 依次进行 (proceed in sequence).

Examples

1. 请大家依次进入会场就座。 Please enter the venue and take your seats in order.
2. 主持人依次介绍了今天的嘉宾。 The host introduced today's guests one by one.
3. 申请材料将依次审核。 Application materials will be reviewed in sequence.

Usage Guide

Context: procedures, ceremonies, instructions

Tone: orderly

Do Say

• 请依次排队。(Please line up in order.)
• 文件会依次处理。(Documents will be processed in order.)

Don't Say

• 依次地做 — 依次本身已包含顺序含义，不需要加'地'

Origin & History

Compound of 依 (according to) + 次 (order, sequence). Together meaning according to sequence.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal