次 (cì)

next in sequence; second; the second (day, time etc); secondary; vice-

Etymology

The 二 (two) component represents the meaning "second" and also indicates the sound. The 欠 (deficient) represents the meaning "secondary" or "substandard".

Shuowen Jiezi

《說文》:“次,不前不精也。从欠,二聲。,古文次。”

Components