次々

• Reading: つぎつぎ
• Romaji: tsugitsugi
• Kanji breakdown: 次 (tsugi/ji) — next, following
• Pronunciation: /t͡sɯ.ɡi.t͡sɯ.ɡi/

Meaning

In succession; one after another; one by one. Describes events or actions occurring in rapid sequence.

An adverb formed by reduplicating 次 (tsugi, next), emphasising a continuous flow of events. Often followed by に or と: 次々に問題が起きる (problems arise one after another). Used to convey both positive momentum and overwhelming situations. Creates a vivid sense of relentless succession.

Examples

1. 桜の花が次々と咲き始めた。 The cherry blossoms started blooming one after another.
2. 新しいカフェが次々にオープンしている。 New cafes are opening up one after another.
3. 質問が次々と出て、時間が足りなくなった。 Questions kept coming one after another, and we ran out of time.

Usage Guide

Context: narrative, news, daily life

Tone: dynamic

Origin & History

Reduplication of 次 (tsugi, next). The kanji 次 depicts a person yawning (opening the mouth for what comes next). Doubled, it means 'next after next' — a continuous chain.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal