次
cì · HSK 1
order
🔢 次 = 二 (two) + 欠 (yawn/lack); second turn after a yawn → next in order
Etymology: a person (欠, originally an open-mouthed figure) plus 二 (two strokes) hints at second place or the next turn. Core senses: order, sequence, the next one in line, or a counter for occurrences.
次 — 冫 ice + 欠 yawn/lack
Originally depicted a person (欠) sighing or hesitating, with 二 (later written 冫) marking repetition or a secondary position. The core sense developed from 'second in order' or 'next' into related meanings like 'sequence,' 'time/occurrence,' and 'inferior quality.'