顺序 (shùnxù) — order / sequence

顺序 (shùnxù)

顺序 refers to the order or sequence of things — the arrangement in which steps, people, or events follow each other. It implies a proper or intended flow, often used when giving instructions, describing procedures, or talking about queues and rankings.

Meanings

1. [noun] Order; sequence; arrangement; the correct or logical order of steps or items.

Example Sentences

请按顺序回答问题。 Qǐng àn shùnxù huídá wèntí. Please answer the questions in order.

这些步骤的顺序不能乱。 Zhèxiē bùzhòu de shùnxù bù néng luàn. The sequence of these steps cannot be mixed up.

孩子们按顺序排队进教室。 Háizimen àn shùnxù páiduì jìn jiàoshì. The children lined up in order to enter the classroom.

我把文件的顺序弄错了，需要重新整理。 Wǒ bǎ wénjiàn de shùnxù nòng cuò le, xūyào chóngxīn zhěnglǐ. I got the order of the documents wrong and need to reorganize them.

Collocations

Memory Hook

顺 means "to follow along smoothly" and 序 means "order / preface" (the beginning that sets the flow). 顺序 is smooth, flowing order — everything following naturally from one to the next.