次
つぎ · tsugi · JLPT N5 · noun
next
⏭️ tsugi = from tsugu, to follow or succeed: the one that follows
次 (tsugi) is the noun form of the verb 次ぐ (tsugu), to come after or rank next. The same root gives 継ぐ (to succeed, inherit) and 接ぐ (to join on). So next is literally the thing joined on behind the current one.
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.'