qícì: 其次 - Secondly, Next, Furthermore

• Keywords: qici, 其次, secondly in Chinese, next in Chinese, Chinese sequencing words, how to use qici, Chinese transition words, Chinese conjunctions, 首先其次, shouxian qici, HSK 4 grammar
• Summary: “其次” (qícì) is an essential Chinese transition word that means “secondly,” “next,” or “in the second place.” It is primarily used to structure arguments, list priorities, or outline steps in a logical order, often following “首先” (shǒuxiān, “firstly”). Understanding how to use 其次 is key to making your spoken and written Chinese sound more organized, formal, and articulate, especially in academic or professional settings. This page will guide you through its core meaning, cultural significance, and practical usage with clear examples.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): qícì
• Part of Speech: Adverb / Conjunction
• HSK Level: HSK 4
• Concise Definition: Secondly; next; then; in the second place.
• In a Nutshell: Think of “其次” as a signpost that tells your audience you are moving to the second point in a structured list. It’s not just about what comes next in time, but what comes next in order of importance or logic. It brings clarity and organization to your thoughts, showing that you've considered the hierarchy of your ideas.

• 其 (qí): This character most often acts as a pronoun, meaning “his,” “her,” “its,” or “their.” In classical Chinese, it can also mean “that” or “such.” In 其次, it functions like “that,” pointing to the overall topic being discussed.
• 次 (cì): This character's core meaning is “order,” “sequence,” or “next.” It's the same character used in words like 一次 (yī cì - once) and 每次 (měi cì - every time).

When combined, 其 (that) + 次 (order) literally translates to “that which is next in order,” which perfectly creates the meaning of “secondly.”

In Chinese communication, especially in formal or educational contexts, there is a high value placed on clarity, structure, and logical progression. Presenting ideas in a disorganized way can be seen as a reflection of a disorganized mind. Words like 其次 are not just linguistic tools; they are cultural tools for demonstrating thoughtfulness and respect for the listener's time and intellect. To an English speaker, the frequent use of “Firstly… Secondly… Thirdly…” (首先… 其次… 再次…) might sound overly formal or academic for everyday conversation. In Western contexts, people might list points more fluidly using phrases like “and another thing is…” or “also…”. However, in China, using this structure is common and appreciated even in semi-formal discussions, such as giving advice to a colleague or explaining your reasoning in a group setting. It signals that you are presenting a well-considered, organized argument, which builds credibility.

其次 is most powerful when used to create a clear, hierarchical list of points. It is common in speeches, presentations, essays, business meetings, and when giving detailed instructions or advice.

This is the most common and important structure for using 其次. It creates a clear “First… Second…” framework.

• 首先 (shǒuxiān): Firstly; first of all.
• 其次 (qícì): Secondly.

After 其次, you can continue the list with:

• 再次 (zàicì): Thirdly; furthermore.
• 然后 (ránhòu): Then; after that.
• 最后 (zuìhòu): Finally; lastly.

While it has a formal feel, this pattern is widely used and understood in many contexts beyond just academic writing.

Sometimes, 其次 can be used without a preceding 首先, especially when the first point is already clearly established by the context. In this case, it functions more like “furthermore” or “besides,” introducing a secondary consideration.

• Example 1:
  • 要想学好中文，首先，你需要每天练习，其次，你应该多跟中国人交流。
  • Pinyin: Yào xiǎng xué hǎo Zhōngwén, shǒuxiān, nǐ xūyào měitiān liànxí, qícì, nǐ yīnggāi duō gēn Zhōngguó rén jiāoliú.
  • English: If you want to learn Chinese well, firstly, you need to practice every day; secondly, you should talk more with Chinese people.
  • Analysis: A classic example of the 首先…其次… pattern, used for giving structured advice.
• Example 2:
  • 我选择这份工作主要有两个原因。首先是薪水高，其次是离家近。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ xuǎnzé zhè fèn gōngzuò zhǔyào yǒu liǎng gè yuányīn. Shǒuxiān shì xīnshuǐ gāo, qícì shì lí jiā jìn.
  • English: I chose this job for two main reasons. The first is the high salary, and the second is that it's close to home.
  • Analysis: Here, 其次 clearly establishes the second priority in a decision-making process.
• Example 3:
  • 这次旅行我们要去很多地方。我们先去北京，其次是西安，最后去上海。
  • Pinyin: Zhè cì lǚxíng wǒmen yào qù hěn duō dìfang. Wǒmen xiān qù Běijīng, qícì shì Xī'ān, zuìhòu qù Shànghǎi.
  • English: We're going to many places on this trip. We'll go to Beijing first, next is Xi'an, and finally Shanghai.
  • Analysis: This shows 其次 used to outline a sequence of events or an itinerary. Note the use of “先 (xiān - first)” instead of 首先, which is a common variation.
• Example 4:
  • 这个项目很重要，因为它能帮我们打开市场。其次，它也能提升我们的品牌形象。
  • Pinyin: Zhège xiàngmù hěn zhòngyào, yīnwèi tā néng bāng wǒmen dǎkāi shìchǎng. Qícì, tā yě néng tíshēng wǒmen de pǐnpái xíngxiàng.
  • English: This project is very important because it can help us open up the market. Furthermore, it can also improve our brand image.
  • Analysis: In this case, 其次 is used without an explicit “firstly.” The first point is the entire preceding sentence. 其次 introduces a secondary, additional benefit.
• Example 5:
  • 健康是第一位的，其次才是工作和财富。
  • Pinyin: Jiànkāng shì dì-yī wèi de, qícì cái shì gōngzuò hé cáifù.
  • English: Health is the number one priority; only after that come work and wealth.
  • Analysis: This sentence powerfully demonstrates the hierarchical nature of 其次. It shows a clear ranking of life priorities.
• Example 6:
  • 做菜时，首先要准备好所有材料。其次，要注意火候。
  • Pinyin: Zuò cài shí, shǒuxiān yào zhǔnbèi hǎo suǒyǒu cáiliào. Qícì, yào zhùyì huǒhou.
  • English: When cooking, you must first prepare all the ingredients. Secondly, you must pay attention to the heat of the stove.
  • Analysis: Perfect for explaining a process with clear, distinct steps.
• Example 7:
  • 一个好的领导，首先要以身作则，其次要懂得如何激励团队。
  • Pinyin: Yī gè hǎo de lǐngdǎo, shǒuxiān yào yǐshēnzuòzé, qícì yào dǒngde rúhé jīlì tuánduì.
  • English: A good leader must first lead by example, and secondly, must know how to motivate the team.
  • Analysis: This example is common in business or management contexts, listing qualities in order of importance.
• Example 8:
  • 我们必须保护环境，因为这是我们唯一的家园。其次，环境问题也直接影响我们的健康。
  • Pinyin: Wǒmen bìxū bǎohù huánjìng, yīnwèi zhè shì wǒmen wéiyī de jiāyuán. Qícì, huánjìng wèntí yě zhíjiē yǐngxiǎng wǒmen de jiànkāng.
  • English: We must protect the environment because this is our only home. Next, environmental problems also directly affect our health.
  • Analysis: Another example of 其次 standing alone to add a secondary, supporting argument to the main point.
• Example 9:
  • 在古代，皇帝的权力是至高无上的，其次是贵族和官员。
  • Pinyin: Zài gǔdài, huángdì de quánlì shì zhìgāowúshàng de, qícì shì guìzú hé guānyuán.
  • English: In ancient times, the emperor's power was supreme, followed by the nobility and officials.
  • Analysis: This shows 其次 being used to describe a social or political hierarchy.
• Example 10:
  • 买房子，位置是关键。其次，你才需要考虑价格和户型。
  • Pinyin: Mǎi fángzi, wèizhì shì guānjiàn. Qícì, nǐ cái xūyào kǎolǜ jiàgé hé hùxíng.
  • English: When buying a house, location is key. Only after that do you need to consider the price and layout.
  • Analysis: The structure “其次, 你才 (qícì, nǐ cái…)” emphasizes that the second point is strictly subordinate to the first.

• Mistake 1: Overusing it in casual conversation.
  • If you're listing what you did this morning (“I got up, brushed my teeth, and ate breakfast”), using 其次 would sound overly formal and unnatural.
  • Incorrect: 我早上起床了，其次我刷牙了。 (Wǒ zǎoshang qǐchuáng le, qícì wǒ shuāyá le.)
  • Correct: 我早上起床了，然后刷了牙。 (Wǒ zǎoshang qǐchuáng le, ránhòu shuā le yá.)
  • Reason: For simple, chronological sequences, 然后 (ránhòu) or 接着 (jiēzhe) are much more appropriate.
• Mistake 2: Confusing 其次 (qícì) with 然后 (ránhòu).
  • This is the most common pitfall. Remember the core difference:
    • 其次 (qícì): Implies a hierarchy of importance or a logical grouping (Secondly, In the next category).
    • 然后 (ránhòu): Implies a simple chronological sequence (And then…).
  • Example: “The most important quality is honesty; secondly is diligence.” → Use 其次.
  • Example: “I finished my homework, and then I watched TV.” → Use 然后.
• Mistake 3: Using it for the first point.
  • 其次 by definition means “the second one.” You cannot use it to introduce the first item in a list. You must use 首先 (shǒuxiān), 第一 (dì-yī), or simply state the first point directly.

• 首先 (shǒuxiān) - Firstly, first of all. The most common partner to 其次, used to begin a structured list.
• 然后 (ránhòu) - Then, after that. A chronological linker, distinct from the hierarchical meaning of 其次.
• 再次 (zàicì) - Thirdly, once again. Often follows 其次 to introduce the third point in a list.
• 最后 (zuìhòu) - Finally, lastly. Used to introduce the final point in a list or sequence.
• 另外 (lìngwài) - In addition, besides. Used to add another point that might be on a different topic or of equal importance, rather than a subordinate one.
• 第一…第二… (dì-yī… dì-èr…) - First… Second… A more direct, numerical way to list points. It's very clear but can feel more like a simple enumeration than a structured argument.
• 而且 (érqiě) - Moreover, and also. Used to add a reinforcing point, often to strengthen the previous statement, not to introduce a new, separate point in a sequence.
• 接着 (jiēzhe) - And then, to follow up with. Similar to 然后, it emphasizes an immediate succession of actions.