次
ジ, シ, つ.ぐ, つぎ, き, すき, つぐ, よし

next, order, sequence

JLPT3 G3 S6 F222

The relevant bronzeware inscription form is 二# (align) + 欠 bent, open-mouthed figure → bend/kneel in aligning small objects → *order*; *sequence* (← place things in precise order) → *next*; *follow*; *after that*; *counter* (for times/matters). In dual-element characters 次 is sometimes written in the form seen for example in 恣.

[Full Kanji Etymology List]