How do you use "second" in a sentence?

She finished in second place. Just wait a second while I find my keys. On second thoughts, I'll have the fish instead.

second

Q: What does "second" mean?

The number two in a sequence; a very short period of time Second functions as an ordinal number (coming after first), a unit of time (1/60 of a minute), or a verb meaning to support a proposal. As an adjective, it can mean additional ('a second opinion'). Expressions include 'second to none' (the best), 'second nature' (habitual), and 'have second thoughts' (reconsider).

Vocabulary Word BritishAmerican ★★★★★ Very Common Neutral

Practice this with flashcards, quizzes & audio on WordLoci →

Meaning: The number two in a sequence; a very short period of time

第二，秒，片刻

segundo

二番目の、秒、ちょっとの間

두 번째의, 초, 잠깐

Second functions as an ordinal number (coming after first), a unit of time (1/60 of a minute), or a verb meaning to support a proposal. As an adjective, it can mean additional ('a second opinion'). Expressions include 'second to none' (the best), 'second nature' (habitual), and 'have second thoughts' (reconsider).

「second」作为序数词（排在第一之后）、时间单位（一分钟的1/60）或动词表示支持提案。作为形容词，它可以表示额外的（「a second opinion」）。常见表达包括「second to none」（首屈一指）、「second nature」（习惯成自然）和「have second thoughts」（重新考虑）。

«Second» funciona como número ordinal (después del primero), unidad de tiempo (1/60 de minuto) o verbo que significa apoyar una propuesta. Como adjetivo, puede significar adicional («una segunda opinión»). Las expresiones incluyen «second to none» (sin igual), «second nature» (algo natural) y «have second thoughts» (reconsiderar).

「second」は序数（最初の次）、時間の単位（1分の1/60）、または提案を支持することを意味する動詞として機能します。形容詞としては、追加の（「a second opinion」）を意味することがあります。表現には「second to none」（誰にも負けない）、「second nature」（第二の天性）、「have second thoughts」（考え直す）があります。

second는 서수(첫 번째 다음), 시간 단위(1분의 1/60), 또는 제안을 지지하다라는 뜻의 동사로 쓰입니다. 형용사로는 추가적인('다른 의견')이라는 뜻이 될 수 있습니다. 표현으로는 'second to none'(최고의), 'second nature'(습관적인), 'have second thoughts'(다시 생각하다) 등이 있습니다.

Examples

She finished in second place.
她获得了第二名。
Ella terminó en segundo lugar.
彼女は2位でフィニッシュしました。
그녀는 2위로 들어왔습니다.
Just wait a second while I find my keys.
等我一下，我找一下钥匙。
Espera un segundo mientras encuentro mis llaves.
鍵を探す間、ちょっと待ってください。
열쇠를 찾는 동안 잠깐만 기다려 주세요.
On second thoughts, I'll have the fish instead.
再想想，我还是吃鱼吧。
Pensándolo bien, tomaré el pescado.
やっぱり考え直して、魚にします。
역시 다시 생각해 보니, 생선으로 하겠습니다.

Pronunciation

Usage Guide

Context: general

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Latin 'secundus' meaning 'following, next'. The time unit comes from Latin 'secunda minuta' — the 'second minute' division of an hour (the first division giving minutes, the second giving seconds).

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal

Story & Trivia

The word 'second' meaning a time unit comes from Latin 'secunda minuta' (second minute), referring to the second division of an hour by sixty. The first division gives us minutes; the second division gives us seconds.