Translation guide
The English word 'next' can refer to the following item in a sequence, the immediate future, or spatial adjacency. Japanese uses different words depending on whether you mean 'next in order', 'next time', 'next to', or 'the following'. This guide helps you choose the right expression.
Referring to the following item in a list, the next turn, the next station, etc.
The most common and versatile word for 'next'. Can be used as a noun or with の to modify another noun.
I'll get off at the next station.
Next is your turn.
Used mainly in written or formal contexts for 'the next' day, week, month, year, etc. Often combined with time words.
The next day, he returned to his country.
Used in specific time expressions like 明日 (tomorrow), 明後日 (day after tomorrow), 明くる日 (the next day). Mostly fixed phrases.
The next morning, snow had piled up.
Talking about the next occurrence or the immediate future.
Means 'next time' (for events, meetings, etc.). Slightly formal but very common.
The next meeting is on Monday.
Means 'this time' or 'next time' depending on context. Very common in casual speech for 'next time'.
Literally 'this next', used like 'next time' in casual conversation.
Can also mean 'next time' when used alone or in phrases like 次に (next, then).
Describing physical proximity or adjacency.
Means 'next to' or 'neighboring'. Used for things that are side by side.
The post office is next to the bank.
Means 'beside' or 'next to'. More general than 隣 and can refer to any side.
Emphasizes 'right next to' or 'immediately adjacent'.
The convenience store is right next to the station.
Referring to something that comes after, often in explanations or narratives.
Used with time words (翌日, 翌週, 翌年) to mean 'the next/following'.
The following week, a letter arrived from him.
The standard way to say 'the next/following' when modifying a noun.
Please read the next chapter.
Used in fixed expressions like 明くる日 (the next day).
次 (つぎ) is the general word for 'next' and can be used in most situations. 翌 (よく) is mainly used with time words (day, week, year) in formal or written contexts. In casual speech, 次の日 is more common than 翌日.
When you mean 'next to' as in physical adjacency, use 隣 (となり) or 横 (よこ). Using 次 would be incorrect.
Let's watch a movie together next time.
この次はもっと早く来てね。
Come earlier next time.
I'll return it next time we meet.
He sat next to me.
The next day, he set out on a journey.