How to say: Next Time in Mandarin.

“Next time” is commonly said as “下次” (xià cì).

Let’s break it down:

• 下 (xià) = next, below
• 次 (cì) = time, occurrence

So 下次 literally means “next time”.

✅ Example Sentences:

1. 下次见！(Xià cì jiàn!) — See you next time!
   • A common way to say goodbye and imply you’ll see the person again.
2. 我们下次再聊。(Wǒmen xià cì zài liáo.) — Let’s chat again next time.
   • Used to end a conversation politely, suggesting you’ll talk again.
3. 下次我请你吃饭。(Xià cì wǒ qǐng nǐ chī fàn.) — Next time, I’ll treat you to a meal.
   • Great for social situations when offering to pay next time.
4. 下次不要迟到了。(Xià cì bú yào chí dào le.) — Don’t be late next time.
   • Polite but firm way to remind someone.
5. 这次我输了，下次一定赢！(Zhè cì wǒ shū le, xià cì yí dìng yíng!) — I lost this time, but I will definitely win next time!
   • Motivational sentence if playing games or sports.

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🔑 Structure Insight:

You can usually place 下次 at the beginning or middle of a sentence, depending on what you want to say.

Pattern 1 (Beginning):

• 下次 + (subject) + verb + object
• Example: 下次我们一起去。(Next time, let’s go together.)

Pattern 2 (Middle):

• (Subject) + 下次 + verb + object
• Example: 我下次会早点来。(I will come earlier next time.)

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🎯 More Practice Sentences:

• 下次我不会忘记。(Xià cì wǒ bú huì wàng jì.) — I won’t forget next time.
• 下次可以带我一起去吗？(Xià cì kě yǐ dài wǒ yī qǐ qù ma?) — Can you take me along next time?
• 我们下次去别的地方吧。(Wǒmen xià cì qù bié de dì fāng ba.) — Let’s go somewhere else next time.

✅ Difference between 下次 and 下回:

• 下次 (xià cì):
  • More formal and common in both spoken and written Chinese.
  • Suitable for daily conversations, work, and polite settings.
• 下回 (xià huí):
  • More casual, colloquial, and often used in friendly conversations.
  • Less formal, sometimes feels more “laid-back” or “chatty.”

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✅ Example Sentences with 下回:

1. 下回再说吧！(Xià huí zài shuō ba!) — Let’s talk about it next time!
   • Casual way to postpone a conversation or decision.
2. 这次算了，下回一定来。(Zhè cì suàn le, xià huí yí dìng lái.) — Let it go this time, I’ll definitely come next time.
3. 下回别忘了带你的书。(Xià huí bié wàng le dài nǐ de shū.) — Don’t forget to bring your book next time.
4. 没关系，下回请我就好。(Méi guān xì, xià huí qǐng wǒ jiù hǎo.) — No worries, just treat me next time.
5. 下回一起来吧！(Xià huí yī qǐ lái ba!) — Let’s come together next time!

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🔑 Tone/Feeling of 下回吧:

Adding “吧 (ba)” makes it softer and suggests a proposal or suggestion, kind of like:

• “How about next time?”
• “Let’s do it next time.”
• “Maybe next time.”

Example:

• 我们下回吧。(Wǒmen xià huí ba.) — Let’s do it next time. (Casual, friendly)

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🎯 Summary:

Phrase	Usage	Tone
下次	Common, formal/informal	Neutral, polite
下回	Casual, conversational	Friendly, informal