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A1 noun #3,943 most common 10 min read

次回

jikai Top 3,943

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 次回 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 次回 in your Level:

At the A1 level, learners encounter 'jikai' as a basic time marker for scheduled events. It is most commonly used in simple phrases like 'Jikai no jugyou' (the next class) or 'Jikai, aimashou' (Let's meet next time). At this stage, the focus is on recognizing the word in a calendar or at the end of a lesson. You don't need to worry about complex nuances; just understand that it means 'next time' in a sequence. It helps you understand when your next Japanese lesson or meeting might be. You will often see it written in Katakana in some informal contexts, but the Kanji '次回' is very common and should be learned early. It's a key word for basic planning and following a simple schedule. Think of it as a way to link your current activity to the one that follows it logically.

For A2 learners, 'jikai' becomes a tool for more detailed scheduling and social interaction. You will start using it with particles like 'kara' (from) and 'made' (until) to describe time spans. For example, 'Jikai kara basho ga kawarimasu' (From next time, the location will change). You'll also notice it in media, specifically in 'jikai yokoku' (next episode previews). At this level, you should be able to distinguish 'jikai' from 'tsugi' in simple contexts. You might use it to politely decline an invitation by saying 'Jikai wa zehi' (Next time, definitely). This shows you are moving beyond simple vocabulary and into the realm of social etiquette and more complex sentence structures. It's also useful for following instructions in textbooks or online courses where 'jikai' marks the next chapter or unit.

At the B1 level, you will use 'jikai' frequently in business and professional contexts. It is essential for managing meetings, setting deadlines, and discussing project phases. You'll use it in phrases like 'Jikai no kaigi made ni' (by the time of the next meeting). You should also understand the difference between 'jikai' and 'kondo' more clearly—using 'jikai' for formal, scheduled events and 'kondo' for more casual or immediate ones. You might encounter it in news broadcasts or formal announcements. At this stage, you are expected to use 'jikai' naturally in emails and spoken reports. It helps in providing structure to your speech, allowing you to transition smoothly between what happened today and what will happen in the next iteration of your work. You'll also start to see it in compound words and more formal written documents.

B2 learners should have a nuanced command of 'jikai,' using it to discuss abstract sequences or complex schedules. You might use it in legal or contractual contexts, such as 'jikai no koushin-bi' (the next renewal date). You will understand its role in formal literature and journalism to maintain a sense of narrative progression. At this level, you can use 'jikai' to summarize points and lead into future discussions with sophistication. You are also aware of its stylistic impact; choosing 'jikai' over 'tsugi' can make your speech sound more professional and authoritative. You should be able to handle variations like 'jikai ikou' (from next time onwards) in formal policy descriptions. Your ability to use 'jikai' correctly in various registers—from a casual anime preview to a corporate board meeting—demonstrates a high level of linguistic adaptability.

At the C1 level, 'jikai' is used with precision in academic, legal, and highly formal settings. You will encounter it in complex sentence structures where it might be part of a larger conditional or hypothetical clause. For example, discussing the implications of a policy 'jikai no kaisei ni oite' (in the next revision). You should understand its historical and kanji-based nuances deeply, recognizing why 'kai' (occurrence) is used instead of other counters. You can use it to critique schedules or propose structural changes to a series of events. Your understanding extends to the subtle social 'cues' that 'jikai' provides in high-level negotiations, where referring to the 'next time' can be a strategic move to defer a difficult decision. You are also comfortable with its use in literary analysis, discussing the 'jikai' of a serialized novel or the structure of a multi-part play.

For C2 learners, 'jikai' is a tool for masterful communication. You use it with complete naturalness, often in ways that reflect deep cultural understanding. You might use it in philosophical discussions about the nature of time and recurrence. You are fully aware of how 'jikai' fits into the broader landscape of Japanese temporal vocabulary, including archaic or highly specialized terms. In professional environments, you use it to manage complex multi-year projects where 'jikai' refers to major milestones. You can detect the slightest misuse of the word by others and understand the social implications of using 'jikai' versus 'kondo' in delicate diplomatic or high-stakes business situations. Your command of the word is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker, allowing you to use it effectively in everything from poetic expression to technical specifications.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

次回 in 30 Seconds

Jikai specifically means 'the next time' in a sequence or series, like an episode or meeting.
It is more formal than 'tsugi' and more specific than 'kondo' which can be vague.
Commonly heard in anime previews (jikai yokoku) and business scheduling (jikai no kaigi).
It is a noun but often acts like an adverb to set future expectations.

The Japanese word 次回 (じかい - jikai) is a fundamental noun that translates most directly to next time or the next occasion. While it may seem simple at first glance, its usage is deeply rooted in the concept of a series or a sequence of events. Unlike the more general word 今度 (kondo), which can refer to 'this time,' 'next time,' or even 'recently' depending on the context, 次回 is strictly forward-looking and specifically denotes the very next installment in a predetermined or recurring set of occurrences.

Kanji Breakdown: The first kanji, 次 (ji), means 'next,' 'order,' or 'subsequent.' It suggests a logical progression. The second kanji, 回 (kai), is the counter for occurrences, times, or rounds. Together, they literally mean 'the next round' or 'the next occurrence.'
Business Context: In professional settings, 次回 is the standard term for scheduling. You will hear it used for 'the next meeting' (次回の会議) or 'the next project phase.' It carries a tone of reliability and formal planning.
Media Usage: If you watch anime or Japanese television, you are virtually guaranteed to hear this word at the end of an episode. The phrase 'Jikai, [Episode Title]!' serves as the hook for the next broadcast, signaling a continuation of the narrative thread.

詳細は次回お話しします。(Shousai wa jikai ohanashi shimasu.)

Translation: I will talk about the details next time.

One of the most important nuances to understand about 次回 is its objective nature. It doesn't just mean 'sometime in the future'; it implies that there is a slot or a spot already reserved for the next event. If you are at a doctor's office and they mention your next appointment, they will almost certainly use 次回. It provides a sense of continuity that anchors the speaker and listener in a shared timeline of events.

次回の予告編を見ましたか。(Jikai no yokokuhen o mimashita ka?)

Translation: Did you see the preview for the next time/episode?

Culturally, Japanese communication places a high value on predictability and sequence. By using 次回, you are affirming that the current interaction is part of an ongoing relationship or process. This is why it is so common in lessons, seminars, and even casual club activities. It creates a bridge between the present moment and the future commitment, reinforcing social bonds and professional expectations.

Using 次回 correctly involves understanding its grammatical role as a noun that often functions as an adverbial phrase or as a noun modified by the particle no. It is incredibly versatile and can be placed at the beginning of a sentence to set the temporal stage, or it can be attached to other nouns to specify exactly which 'next thing' you are talking about.

Pattern 1: 次回 + [Noun]: This is the most common way to specify a future event. You use the particle の (no) to connect 次回 to the event. For example: 次回のテスト (jikai no tesuto) means 'the next test.'
Pattern 2: 次回は...: When you want to start a sentence by talking about what will happen next time, you use the topic marker は (wa). For example: 次回は、もっと早く来てください (Jikai wa, motto hayaku kite kudasai) which means 'Next time, please come earlier.'

次回のレッスンで会いましょう。(Jikai no ressun de aimashou.)

Translation: Let's meet at the next lesson.

In more formal or written Japanese, 次回 is often paired with verbs like 開催する (kaisai suru - to hold/host) or 予定されている (yotei sarete iru - to be scheduled). This level of precision is expected in newsletters, official announcements, and academic schedules. For instance, a university might announce, 'The next symposium is scheduled for October' using 次回 to indicate it is part of an annual series.

次回から気をつけます。(Jikai kara ki o tsukemasu.)

Translation: I will be careful from next time (onwards).

Another useful construction is 次回から (jikai kara), which means 'from next time' or 'starting next time.' This is frequently used when making a promise to improve behavior or change a procedure. Similarly, 次回まで (jikai made) means 'until next time,' often used when giving homework or assignments: 次回までにこれを読んでください (Please read this by next time). These structures allow for clear boundaries in time management and goal setting.

The word 次回 (jikai) is ubiquitous in Japanese daily life, serving as a temporal anchor in various social and professional spheres. From the mundane to the highly formal, its presence ensures that everyone is on the same page regarding the sequence of events. Understanding where you will hear it helps in anticipating its meaning and responding appropriately.

Television and Streaming: Every serial drama, anime, and variety show uses 次回. The 'Next Episode Preview' is almost always titled 次回予告 (jikai yokoku). In this context, it builds anticipation and summarizes what the audience can look forward to in the coming week.
Medical and Professional Appointments: When finishing a dentist or doctor visit, the receptionist will ask about 次回の予約 (jikai no yoyaku)—the next appointment. This is the standard way to refer to the follow-up visit in a treatment plan.
Educational Settings: Teachers use 次回 to manage the curriculum. 'The next class,' 'the next test,' and 'the next deadline' are all prefaced with this word. It helps students organize their study schedules around a linear progression of topics.

次回の放送は午後８時からです。(Jikai no housou wa gogo hachi-ji kara desu.)

Translation: The next broadcast is from 8:00 PM.

In addition to these common areas, you'll find 次回 in digital interfaces. Subscription services might display 'Your next billing date' as 次回の決済日 (jikai no kessai-bi). Mobile games often use it to indicate when the next event or 'gacha' update will occur. It is a word that signifies modern life's scheduled nature.

次回の更新をお楽しみに！(Jikai no koushin o o-tanoshimi ni!)

Translation: Look forward to the next update!

Finally, in social gatherings, 次回 is used to soften a refusal or to express a desire for future interaction. If someone invites you to a party but you cannot attend, saying 次回はぜひ (Jikai wa zehi)—meaning 'Next time, definitely'—is a polite way to show interest while declining the current offer. It maintains social harmony by looking toward the next link in the chain of friendship.

While 次回 (jikai) is relatively straightforward, English speakers often stumble over its specific nuances compared to other 'next' words in Japanese. The most frequent errors involve confusing it with 今度 (kondo), 次 (tsugi), or 来〜 (rai-) prefixes. Avoiding these pitfalls will make your Japanese sound much more natural and precise.

Mistake 1: Confusing Jikai with Kondo: Many learners use 今度 (kondo) for everything. However, kondo can mean 'this time' (referring to the present). If you say 'Kondo no kaigi' during a meeting, people might think you are talking about the meeting you are currently in. 次回 always refers to the future meeting in the series.
Mistake 2: Physical vs. Temporal 'Next': Do not use 次回 for physical objects or people. If you want to say 'the next station' or 'the next person,' you must use 次 (tsugi). Saying 'jikai no eki' is grammatically incorrect and confusing because a station is not an 'occurrence' or a 'time.'
Mistake 3: Overusing Jikai for Calendar Units: While you can say 'jikai no getsuyoubi' (the next Monday in a series of meetings), it's more common to use 来週 (raishuu - next week) or 次の (tsugi no) for specific calendar days unless you are specifically referring to a recurring event on that day.

❌ 次回の人は誰ですか？ (Jikai no hito wa dare desu ka?)
✅ 次の人は誰ですか？ (Tsugi no hito wa dare desu ka?)

Correction: 'Who is the next person?' uses 'tsugi', not 'jikai'.

Another subtle mistake is using 次回 for a one-off future event that isn't part of a series. If you are planning a trip to Japan for the first time, you wouldn't call it your 'jikai' trip. You would say 今度 (kondo) or 将来 (shourai - in the future). 次回 requires a 'current' or 'previous' time to exist for there to be a 'next' time.

❌ 次回のバスは何時ですか？ (Jikai no basu wa nan-ji desu ka?)
✅ 次のバスは何時ですか？ (Tsugi no basu wa nan-ji desu ka?)

Correction: While a bus is part of a series, 'tsugi' is the natural choice for public transport schedules.

Lastly, be careful with the particle に (ni). While you can say jikai ni in some formal contexts, it is much more common to use it as a standalone adverbial noun (Jikai, aimashou) or with wa (Jikai wa, aimashou). Adding ni can sometimes make the sentence feel unnecessarily cluttered or slightly unnatural in daily conversation.

To master the Japanese concept of 'next,' you must distinguish between several words that overlap in meaning but differ in usage and register. 次回 (jikai) is just one piece of the puzzle. Understanding its synonyms and alternatives will allow you to choose the most appropriate word for every situation.

今度 (Kondo): The most versatile alternative. It can mean 'this time,' 'next time,' or 'just now.' It is less formal than 次回 and is used for both scheduled and unscheduled future events. If you say 'Kondo asobou' (Let's hang out next time), it's a vague future suggestion.
次 (Tsugi): The most literal word for 'next.' It is used for physical sequences (the next chair), spatial sequences (the next station), and simple temporal sequences (the next day). It is more general and less formal than 次回.
来〜 (Rai-): This prefix is used for calendar units: 来週 (raishuu - next week), 来月 (raigetsu - next month), 来年 (rainen - next year). Use these when you want to be specific about the timeframe rather than the sequence of the event itself.

次回 vs 今度 (Jikai vs Kondo)

Jikai is 'the next in a series' (very specific). Kondo is 'next time' (can be vague).

In formal or technical writing, you might encounter 次期 (jiki), which means 'the next term' or 'the next period.' This is used for political terms, business quarters, or software versions. Another formal alternative is 後日 (gojitsu), which means 'at a later date.' This is useful when you don't know exactly when the 'next time' will be but want to remain professional.

次回 vs 次期 (Jikai vs Jiki)

Jikai refers to an event/occurrence. Jiki refers to a phase/period of time.

Finally, consider 今後 (kongo), which means 'from now on' or 'in the future.' While 次回 points to a single upcoming event, 今後 refers to the entire stretch of time following the present. Choosing between these depends on whether you are talking about a specific next step or a general future direction.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

The kanji '回' originally depicted a whirlpool, which is why it means 'to go around' or 'times'. '次回' literally means 'the next time it goes around'.

Pronunciation Guide

UK dʒɪ.kaɪ

US dʒi.kaɪ

Flat (Heiban type). Both syllables are pronounced with relatively even pitch.

Rhymes With

Sakai (boundary) Nikai (second floor) Sekai (world) Kikai (machine/opportunity) Shikai (view/moderator) Hakai (destruction) Mikai (uncivilized) Tokai (city)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'kai' like 'kay' (should be like 'eye').
Stressing the first syllable too heavily.
Using a hard 'g' sound for 'j'.
Making the 'i' in 'ji' too short or silent.
Mixing it up with 'jikai' (self-command) which has different kanji.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Kanji are common but basic. Easy to recognize once learned.

Writing 3/5

Writing 'kai' (回) requires attention to stroke order (box within a box).

Speaking 1/5

Two simple syllables, very easy to pronounce.

Listening 1/5

Very distinct sound, frequently used at the end of shows.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

次 (tsugi) 回 (kai) 今度 (kondo) 前 (mae) 後 (ato)

Learn Next

今回 (konkai) 前回 (zenkai) 予定 (yotei) 予約 (yoyaku) 開催 (kaisai)

Advanced

次期 (jiki) 今後 (kongo) 後日 (gojitsu) 来賓 (raihin) 累次 (ruiji)

Grammar to Know

Noun + の + Noun

次回の会議 (Jikai no kaigi)

Time word + から/まで

次回から (Jikai kara)

Topic Marker 'wa'

次回は私がやります。(Jikai wa watashi ga yarimasu.)

Adverbial usage without particles

次回、会いましょう。(Jikai, aimashou.)

Counters with 'kai'

三回目 (Sankaime - the third time)

Examples by Level

次回、会いましょう。

Let's meet next time.

Jikai is used here as a simple time adverb.

次回のレッスンは月曜日です。

The next lesson is on Monday.

Jikai + no + Noun (lesson).

次回はいつですか？

When is the next time?

Using 'wa' to make 'jikai' the topic.

次回も来てください。

Please come next time too.

Particle 'mo' means 'also/too'.

次回のテストは簡単です。

The next test is easy.

Jikai modifies the noun 'test'.

次回、がんばります。

I will do my best next time.

Common expression of future intent.

次回のパーティーはどこですか？

Where is the next party?

Standard 'where is' question with jikai.

次回、これを買います。

I will buy this next time.

Future plan using jikai.

次回の予約をお願いします。

I'd like to make the next appointment, please.

Standard phrase at a clinic or salon.

次回から、もっと早く来ます。

From next time, I will come earlier.

Jikai + kara (from/starting).

次回の放送をお楽しみに。

Look forward to the next broadcast.

Formal closing for media programs.

次回は、私が払います。

Next time, I will pay.

Polite social offer.

次回までに宿題をやってください。

Please do your homework by next time.

Jikai + made ni (by/before).

次回のイベントは中止になりました。

The next event has been cancelled.

Formal notification of change.

次回は、もっと練習しましょう。

Next time, let's practice more.

Suggestion for future improvement.

次回の更新は明日です。

The next update is tomorrow.

Common in digital contexts.

次回の会議のアジェンダを送ってください。

Please send the agenda for the next meeting.

Business request using jikai.

次回の出張は大阪の予定です。

The next business trip is scheduled for Osaka.

Describing a future plan (yotei).

詳細は次回のレポートで報告します。

I will report the details in the next report.

Professional promise of information.

次回のオリンピックはどこで開催されますか？

Where will the next Olympics be held?

Using 'kaisai sareru' (to be held).

次回のチャンスを待ちましょう。

Let's wait for the next chance.

Encouragement for future opportunity.

次回の契約更新について話し合いたい。

I want to discuss the next contract renewal.

Topic introduction with 'nitsuite'.

次回からは、このルールを守ってください。

Starting next time, please follow this rule.

Setting a new boundary/expectation.

次回の入荷は未定です。

The next shipment is undecided.

Common retail phrase.

次回のシンポジウムの基調講演者は誰ですか？

Who is the keynote speaker for the next symposium?

Specific academic/professional inquiry.

次回以降の対応については、改めて検討します。

Regarding the response from next time onwards, we will reconsider.

Jikai ikou (from next time onwards).

次回の予算編成には慎重な議論が必要です。

Careful discussion is needed for the next budget compilation.

Formal administrative context.

次回の選挙で、彼は再選を目指している。

He is aiming for re-election in the next election.

Political context.

次回のアップデートで、不具合が修正される予定です。

The bugs are scheduled to be fixed in the next update.

Technical software context.

次回の会合では、新役員の選出を行います。

At the next meeting, we will elect new officers.

Organizational procedure.

次回の作品は、彼の最高傑作になると言われている。

His next work is said to be his greatest masterpiece.

Artistic/literary commentary.

次回の講義までに、この論文を要約しておいてください。

Please summarize this paper by the next lecture.

Academic instruction.

次回の法改正により、税率が変更される見込みです。

Tax rates are expected to change due to the next legal revision.

Formal legal/economic prediction.

次回の理事会で、この動議を提出するつもりだ。

I intend to submit this motion at the next board meeting.

High-level corporate strategy.

次回の治験結果が、新薬承認の鍵を握っている。

The results of the next clinical trial hold the key to the new drug's approval.

Scientific/medical research context.

次回の国勢調査は、人口減少の実態を浮き彫りにするだろう。

The next census will likely highlight the reality of population decline.

Sociological/statistical analysis.

次回の株主総会では、経営責任が厳しく問われるだろう。

At the next shareholders' meeting, management's responsibility will be strictly questioned.

Corporate accountability.

次回の宇宙探査ミッションは、火星の生命の痕跡を探る。

The next space exploration mission will search for traces of life on Mars.

Advanced scientific context.

次回の定期刊行物で、この特集記事が掲載されます。

This special feature article will be published in the next periodical.

Publishing industry terminology.

次回の交渉が決裂すれば、ストライキは避けられない。

If the next negotiation breaks down, a strike is inevitable.

Labor relations context.

次回の政権交代が、我が国の外交政策に与える影響は計り知れない。

The impact that the next change of government will have on our foreign policy is immeasurable.

Sophisticated political analysis.

次回の技術革新が、既存の産業構造を根底から覆す可能性がある。

There is a possibility that the next technological innovation will fundamentally overturn existing industrial structures.

Economic/philosophical speculation.

次回の惑星直列は、数百年後の天体観測における一大イベントとなる。

The next planetary alignment will be a major event in astronomical observation hundreds of years from now.

Scientific/historical perspective.

次回の文学賞の選考過程において、多様性が重要なテーマとなるだろう。

Diversity will likely be an important theme in the selection process for the next literary prize.

Cultural/critical discourse.

次回の国際会議の成否は、各国の利害調整にかかっている。

The success or failure of the next international conference depends on the adjustment of interests among various countries.

Diplomatic/formal register.

次回の建築基準の改定により、耐震性能の向上が義務付けられる。

With the next revision of building standards, improving earthquake resistance will be mandated.

Technical/regulatory context.

次回の演奏会で、彼は亡き師に捧げる新曲を初演する予定だ。

At the next concert, he plans to premiere a new piece dedicated to his late master.

Artistic/biographical context.

次回の哲学フォーラムでは、「時間の再定義」が議論の焦点となる。

In the next philosophy forum, 'Redefining Time' will be the focus of the discussion.

Abstract academic context.

Synonyms

今度次来週次の機会後日

Antonyms

前回今回

Common Collocations

次回の会議

次回の予約

次回予告

次回の更新

次回のレッスン

次回の入荷

次回の放送

次回のテスト

次回の分

次回の開催

Common Phrases

次回をお楽しみに

— Please look forward to the next time. Used as a closing in shows or blogs.

次回の更新をお楽しみに！

次回はぜひ

— Definitely next time. Used to politely decline an offer while showing interest.

今日は行けませんが、次回はぜひ。

次回から気をつけます

— I will be careful from next time. Used to apologize and promise improvement.

遅刻してすみません。次回から気をつけます。

次回に期待

— Hoping for better results next time. Often used after a disappointment.

今回は残念だったが、次回に期待しよう。

次回に持ち越し

— Carrying over to the next time. Used when a task isn't finished.

この議題は次回に持ち越します。

次回までさようなら

— Goodbye until next time. A common formal closing.

それでは、次回までさようなら。

次回を期する

— To look forward to another opportunity. Very formal.

再会を次回に期する。

次回に回す

— To postpone until next time.

その質問は次回に回しましょう。

次回作

— The next work (by an author, director, etc.).

監督の次回作が楽しみだ。

次回分

— The portion for next time.

次回分のチケットを渡す。

Often Confused With

次回 vs 今度 (Kondo)

Kondo can mean 'this time' or 'next time'. Jikai is strictly 'next time'.

次回 vs 次 (Tsugi)

Tsugi is for physical order. Jikai is for temporal occurrences in a series.

次回 vs 将来 (Shourai)

Shourai is 'distant future'. Jikai is the 'immediate next occurrence'.

Idioms & Expressions

"次回に譲る"

— To defer something to the next occasion. Often used in polite conversation.

詳しい説明は次回に譲ります。

Formal

"次回を待つ"

— To wait for the next turn or opportunity.

今は手が出ないので次回を待つ。

Neutral

"次回の心だ"

— Wait for the next installment to find out. (Old TV trope style).

結末は次回の心だ。

Archaic/Stylistic

"次回へ続く"

— To be continued next time.

物語は次回へ続く。

Neutral

"次回への課題"

— A challenge or task for the next time.

これが次回への課題です。

Academic/Business

"次回に期待をかける"

— To pin one's hopes on the next time.

チームは次回に期待をかけている。

Neutral

"次回のご縁"

— Next time we have a connection/chance. Very polite.

次回のご縁をお待ちしております。

Very Formal

"次回を期して"

— In anticipation of the next time.

次回を期して、今日は解散しよう。

Formal

"次回に託す"

— To entrust (the result/task) to the next time.

勝負は次回に託された。

Formal

"次回もまた"

— Next time once again. Standard closing phrase.

次回もまた見てくださいね。

Informal/Neutral

Easily Confused

次回 vs 自戒 (Jikai)

Same pronunciation.

自戒 means self-admonition or self-warning. Context usually makes it clear.

自戒の念を込める。(With a feeling of self-admonition.)

次回 vs 次会 (Jikai)

Similar kanji and same sound.

次会 is rarely used alone; it usually refers to a 'second meeting' or 'after-party' (nijikai).

二次会に行こう。(Let's go to the after-party.)

次回 vs 磁界 (Jikai)

Same pronunciation.

磁界 is a scientific term meaning 'magnetic field'.

磁界の強さを測る。(Measure the strength of the magnetic field.)

次回 vs 時機 (Jiki)

Similar sound.

時機 means 'opportunity' or 'the right time'.

時機を逸する。(To miss the opportunity.)

次回 vs 次期 (Jiki)

Similar sound and meaning.

次期 refers to the 'next term' or 'next period' (like a presidency).

次期大統領。(The next president.)

Sentence Patterns

次回は[Day/Time]です。

次回は月曜日です。

次回、[Verb-mashou]。

次回、遊びましょう。

次回の[Noun]をお願いします。

次回の予約をお願いします。

次回から[Sentence]。

次回から気をつけます。

次回の[Noun]までに[Verb-te kudasai]。

次回の会議までにこれを読んでください。

次回は[Place]で開催されます。

次回は東京で開催されます。

次回[Noun]については、[Sentence]。

次回予算については、改めて話し合います。

次回の[Noun]に際して、[Sentence]。

次回の法改正に際して、対策を講じる。

Word Family

Nouns

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in media, business, and education.

Common Mistakes

Using 'jikai' for the next train. → 次の電車 (tsugi no densha)
Trains are physical objects in a sequence, not just abstract 'occurrences'. Use 'tsugi'.
Saying 'jikai no hito'. → 次の人 (tsugi no hito)
You cannot use 'jikai' to refer to a person. Use 'tsugi'.
Confusing 'jikai' with 'kondo' in the present. → 今回の会議 (konkai no kaigi)
If you mean the meeting happening right now, use 'konkai'. 'Kondo' is ambiguous, and 'jikai' is always future.
Using 'jikai' for a non-series event. → 今度日本に行きます。(Kondo nihon ni ikimasu.)
If it's just a future trip that isn't part of a regular schedule, 'kondo' or 'shourai' is better.
Adding 'ni' unnecessarily. → 次回、会いましょう。(Jikai, aimashou.)
While 'jikai ni' is possible in formal writing, it's usually omitted in spoken Japanese.

Tips

Email Etiquette

When ending a business email, use '次回の会議を楽しみにしています' (I am looking forward to the next meeting) to sound professional.

Anime Ending

Watch the last 30 seconds of an anime episode. When you hear 'jikai', the narrator is telling you what happens next week!

The 'No' Particle

Remember to use 'no' when connecting 'jikai' to a noun. 'Jikai kaigi' is wrong; 'Jikai no kaigi' is right.

Polite Refusal

If you can't go somewhere, say 'Jikai wa zehi sanka shitai desu' (I definitely want to participate next time) to keep the relationship warm.

Kanji Practice

Practice 'kai' (回) by drawing a big box and then a small box inside. It looks like something going around and around!

Appointments

At a Japanese dentist, they will give you a card for '次回の予約'. Keep it to remember your next visit!

Tone

Keep your pitch flat for 'jikai'. If you raise the end, it sounds like a question: 'Next time?'

Chapter Titles

If you write a story, use '次回：[Title]' at the end to hook your readers, just like Japanese manga authors.

Series Thinking

Always think of 'jikai' as part of a series. If there is no 'previous' or 'current', 'jikai' is usually not used.

Not for People

Never use 'jikai' for people. If you want to say 'next person', use 'tsugi no hito'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'JI' as 'Just In' (the next one) and 'KAI' as 'Kind of Instance'. Jikai = Just the next Instance.

Visual Association

Imagine a TV remote clicking the 'Channel Up' button. Each click is a 'jikai' to the next channel in the sequence.

Word Web

Next Series Episode Meeting Schedule Sequence Future Cycle

Challenge

Try to use 'jikai' in a sentence about your next Japanese lesson or a TV show you are currently watching.

Word Origin

Composed of two Sino-Japanese characters (Kanji). '次' originates from an ideograph representing someone breathing out or a sequence. '回' represents a revolving or circular motion, used as a counter for occurrences.

Original meaning: The next point in a revolving cycle or sequence.

Sino-Japanese (Kango).

Cultural Context

None. It is a very safe and standard word.

English speakers often just say 'next time' for everything, but Japanese distinguishes between physical next (tsugi) and serial next (jikai).

Jikai Yokoku (Ending segments of almost all anime series). Jikai, Shisuru! (Famous 'next time' meme from Yu-Gi-Oh). Weekly Shonen Jump's 'Jikai no Yotei' (Next issue's schedule).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At the Doctor/Dentist

次回の予約
次回はいつですか？
次回までに
次回の診察

In a Business Meeting

次回の議題
次回の会議
次回に持ち越す
次回の予定

Watching TV/Anime

次回予告
次回もお楽しみに
次回、最終回
次回へ続く

At School/Lesson

次回のテスト
次回の宿題
次回の授業
次回から

Shopping

次回の入荷
次回のセール
次回使えるクーポン
次回分

Conversation Starters

"次回のイベントには参加しますか？ (Will you participate in the next event?)"

"次回の休みはどこに行きたいですか？ (Where do you want to go for your next break?)"

"次回のテストの準備はできましたか？ (Are you ready for the next test?)"

"次回の飲み会はいつにしましょうか？ (When shall we have the next drinking party?)"

"次回の映画の公開日が楽しみですね。 (Looking forward to the release date of the next movie, right?)"

Journal Prompts

次回の日本語のレッスンで話したいことを書いてください。 (Write about what you want to talk about in your next Japanese lesson.)

次回の旅行で行きたい場所を三つ挙げてください。 (List three places you want to go on your next trip.)

次回の目標は何ですか？ (What is your next goal?)

次回の週末の予定を詳しく書いてください。 (Write your plans for next weekend in detail.)

次回の自分へのアドバイスを書いてください。 (Write advice for your future self for the next time.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, you should use 'tsugi' (次) for people. 'Jikai' is only for 'times' or 'occurrences'. For example, 'Tsugi no hito' is correct.

Yes, 'jikai' is more formal and precise. 'Kondo' is very common in casual speech but can be ambiguous since it also means 'this time'.

It is '次回予告' (jikai yokoku). You'll see this at the end of almost every anime.

It depends. You can use it as an adverb ('Jikai, aimashou') or with 'wa' ('Jikai wa getsuyoubi desu'). To modify a noun, use 'no' ('Jikai no kaigi').

Only if you are talking about a yearly event. For example, 'Jikai no matsuri' (the next festival). Otherwise, use 'rainen' (来年).

The opposite is 'zenkai' (前回), which means 'the previous time' or 'last time'.

Both! It's very common in spoken Japanese (lessons, TV) and written Japanese (emails, schedules).

No, that doesn't make sense. Use 'ashita' (tomorrow) or 'tsugi no hi' (the next day). 'Jikai' is for events, not general days.

It means 'from next time onwards'. It's used when a new rule or schedule starts next time and continues.

Yes, for 'the next game' or 'the next match' in a tournament. 'Jikai no shiai' is very common.