順番

• Reading: じゅんばん
• Romaji: junban
• Kanji breakdown: 順 (jun) — order, sequence; 番 (ban) — number, turn
• Pronunciation: /dʑɯɴ.baɴ/

Meaning

Turn; order of things. One's place in a sequence or queue.

A noun referring to one's turn in a sequence, queue, or rotation. More concrete and everyday than 順序 (which is more abstract/formal). Common phrases include 順番を待つ (to wait one's turn), 順番に (in order/taking turns), and 順番が来る (one's turn comes). Essential vocabulary for daily life in Japan.

Examples

1. 順番を守って並んでください。 Please wait in line and follow the order.
2. もうすぐあなたの順番が来ますよ。 Your turn is coming up soon.
3. 順番に一人ずつ発表してください。 Please present one at a time, in order.

Usage Guide

Context: queues, daily life, school

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Composed of 順 (order, sequence) and 番 (number, turn). Together they specify one's numbered position in a sequence.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal