次 (cì) - Meaning, Stroke Order, Words & Examples

Q: What does 次 (cì) mean in Chinese?

The Chinese character 次 (cì) means "Time / Order / Next". It is an HSK Level 1 character, with 6 strokes and the radical 欠.

Q: How do you write 次 stroke by stroke?

次 has 6 strokes. The radical is 欠. Follow the standard stroke order: top to bottom, left to right, outside before inside. Practice with stroke animation to build muscle memory.

Q: What's the difference between 次 and 欠?

次 (cì) and 欠 look similar but differ in meaning and usage. Check the radical and stroke count to tell them apart.

Q: What mistakes do learners make writing 次?

Common mistake: incorrect stroke order or miswriting the radical 欠. Pay attention to the proportion between components — keep the radical compact.

Q: What common words use 次?

Common words containing 次 include: 第一次 (dì yī cì) — The first time; 几次 (jǐ cì) — several times; how many times; 下次 (xià cì) — next time.

How to Write 次

The character 次 (cì) is written with 6 strokes. Follow the standard Chinese stroke order: top to bottom, left to right, outside before inside. The radical 欠 is one of its key components.

Practice the correct stroke order with the Hanzi Writer app to see animated stroke-by-stroke guidance with real-time feedback.

Meaning & Pronunciation

次 is pronounced cì in Mandarin Chinese. It means Time / Order / Next.

As an HSK Level 1 character, 次 is among the first characters beginners learn.

Common Words with 次

第一次 dì yī cì

The first time

几次 jǐ cì

several times; how many times

下次 xià cì

next time

Example Sentences

这是我第一次来北京。

zhè shì wǒ dì yī cì lái běi jīng

This is my first time in Beijing.

你去过几次中国？

nǐ qù guò jǐ cì zhōng guó

How many times have you been to China?

我们下次再见。

wǒ men xià cì zài jiàn

See you next time.

Similar Characters

欠 qiàn

欢 huān

欣 xīn

Practice Writing 次 (cì)

Open Hanzi Writer to see the animated stroke order and practice writing 次 with real-time feedback.

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Frequently Asked Questions about 次

What does 次 (cì) mean in Chinese?

How do you write 次 stroke by stroke?

What's the difference between 次 and 欠?

What mistakes do learners make writing 次?

What common words use 次?

How to Write 次 (cì)