noun HSK 4
order · sequence · arrangement
Meaning
次序 refers to the arrangement or sequential order of things, events, or actions. It emphasizes the proper or logical progression in which items are organized or should occur.
Usage
Commonly used in formal and everyday contexts when discussing the arrangement of items, steps in a process, or the order of events. Often appears in instructions, schedules, and organizational contexts. Can be used interchangeably with 顺序 in many cases, though 次序 is slightly more formal.
Examples
- 01请按次序排队进场。.Please line up and enter in order.
- 02这些文件的次序被打乱了，需要重新整理。, .The order of these documents has been disrupted and needs to be reorganized.
Characters
Common collocations
- 按次序in order, according to sequence
- 次序颠倒order reversed, out of sequence
- 排列次序arrangement order
- 先后次序sequential order, order of priority
Antonyms
Origin
Both characters relate to ordering and arrangement. 次 originally depicted stopping at stations in sequence, while 序 combines 广 (building) and 予 (to give), originally referring to the orderly arrangement of a school building.