仅次于

• Pinyin: jǐn cì yú
• Hanzi breakdown: 仅 = 亻+ 又 — only, merely; 次 = 冫+ 欠 — second, inferior; 于 = preposition, at/to

Meaning

Second only to; only inferior to. Ranking immediately after something in a hierarchy.

Used to indicate second place or ranking just below the top position. Common in comparisons of size, importance, or quality. A useful expression for nuanced comparisons that acknowledge excellence while noting a higher rank exists.

Examples

1. 这座城市的经济总量仅次于首都，位居全国第二。 This city's economic output is second only to the capital, ranking second in the country.
2. 她的英语水平在班上仅次于那位归国留学生。 Her English level in the class is second only to that returned overseas student.
3. 足球在这个国家的受欢迎程度仅次于篮球。 Football's popularity in this country is second only to basketball.

Usage Guide

Context: rankings, comparisons, statistics

Tone: analytical

Do Say

• 中国人口仅次于印度。(China's population is second only to India.)
• 他的成绩仅次于冠军。(His score was second only to the champion.)

Don't Say

• 用于第三名或更低的排名 (Don't use 仅次于 for third place or lower — it specifically means second place; for third, say 位居第三)

Origin & History

Composed of 仅 (only; merely) + 次于 (second to; inferior to). Together expressing being just below in ranking.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Formal contexts