second
/ˈsek.ənd/ (bre, ipa) · [sˈɛkənd] /ˈsek.ənd/ (ame, ipa) · [sˈɛkənd] /ˈse-kənd also -kənt especially before a consonant -kən, -kᵊŋ/ (ame, mw)
second — 動詞
- secondpresent simple I / you / we / they
- seconds3rd person singular
- seconding-ing form
- secondedpast simple
1. to officially express agreement with another person's proposal or suggestion dur
附議
在會議中正式支持他人提議
to officially express agreement with another person's proposal or suggestion during a formal meeting, so that the idea can then be discussed or put to a vote
Asher seconded the motion to increase the library's opening hours.
Asher 附議了延長圖書館開放時間的動議。
second + motion
The chairperson asked whether anyone would second the nomination for treasurer.
主席詢問是否有人願意附議財務長的提名。
Before the proposal went to a vote, a board member had to second it.
在那項提案可以付諸表決之前，必須先有另一位董事會成員附議。
Hamza seconded his colleague's suggestion during the monthly committee meeting.
Hamza 在每月委員會會議上附議了同事的建議。
Anyone who wishes to second the plan should raise their hand now.
任何想要附議這項計畫的人，請現在舉手。
文法句型
second + noun phrase (motion / proposal / nomination)
be seconded (passive)
用法筆記
In formal meetings, a motion or nomination must be seconded before a vote can take place. Often used in passive constructions: 'The proposal was seconded by the finance director.'
常見錯誤
2. to send or assign a worker to a different role, team, or location for a limited
借調
將員工暫時調至其他單位工作
to send or assign a worker to a different role, team, or location for a limited period of time, often to cover a staffing need or to share skills and experience
The company seconded Yuna from the sales team to the marketing department for three months.
公司將 Yuna 從業務團隊借調到行銷部門三個月。
second + from + to + duration
Nora was seconded to the Tokyo branch to help set up the new office.
Nora 被借調到東京分公司協助設立新辦公室。
passive: be seconded to + place + purpose
Engineers are sometimes seconded to overseas projects when extra help is needed.
工程師有時會被借調到海外專案，以因應人力需求。
The hospital decided to second two nurses to the rural clinic during the winter months.
那家醫院決定在冬季期間將兩名護理師借調到鄉村診所。
During the merger, several accountants were seconded from the head office to the new division.
在合併期間，有幾位會計師從總公司被借調到新部門。
- assign
more general; can be temporary or permanent, and less formal
- transfer
can be temporary or permanent; more common in US English
- loan (out)
British English; slightly informal, often used in professional services
文法句型
second + noun + to/from + noun
be seconded to + place/department
用法筆記
Common in British and Commonwealth business English. The American equivalent is usually 'loan' or 'temporarily assign.' Frequently used in the passive voice. The period of secondment is always temporary.
常見錯誤
second — 名詞
- secondsingular
- secondsplural
1. one of the sixty equal parts that make up a minute — the standard length of time
秒
時間單位，一分鐘等於六十秒
one of the sixty equal parts that make up a minute — the standard length of time for measuring short periods in science and daily life
The race ended with a difference of only three seconds between the two runners.
這場賽跑結束時，兩名選手之間只差三秒鐘。
countable noun with number + seconds
A microwave can heat a bowl of soup in about sixty seconds.
微波爐大約六十秒就能加熱一碗湯。
Élise checked her watch every few seconds during the exam.
Élise 在考試期間每隔幾秒就看一次手錶。
The timer on the oven counts down the remaining seconds with a loud beep.
烤箱上的定時器大聲地倒數剩餘的秒數。
Each second of the song was recorded with care in the studio.
這首歌的每一秒都是在錄音室裡精心錄製的。
文法句型
second + of + noun
2. a very brief period of time, used in everyday speech to ask someone to wait, or
片刻；剎那
很短的時間
a very brief period of time, used in everyday speech to ask someone to wait, or to say that something happens almost immediately
Wait a second — I think I left my keys on the kitchen table.
等一下——我好像把鑰匙留在餐桌上了。
idiomatic: wait a second — ask someone to pause briefly
Dario paused for a second before answering the difficult question.
Dario 在回答那個困難的問題之前停頓了片刻。
Could you hold that door open for just a second?
可以幫我撐住那扇門一下嗎？
The traffic light changed from green to red in a second.
紅綠燈在一秒鐘內就從綠燈變成了紅燈。
Tomás promised to be ready in a second, but we waited five minutes.
Tomás 保證馬上就準備好，但我們等了五分鐘。
文法句型
a second
just a second
wait a second
in a second
用法筆記
Often interchangeable with 'moment' in phrases like 'wait a second/moment'. In informal speech, 'second' feels slightly shorter and more urgent than 'moment'.
常見錯誤
3. at the exact moment when something happens; immediately after — used to connect
一…就…
在某事發生的那一刻
at the exact moment when something happens; immediately after — used to connect two actions that happen one right after the other
The second the alarm went off, Tanvi jumped out of bed.
鬧鐘一響，Tanvi 就跳下了床。
the second + clause — conjunction pattern
I called my mother the second I heard the good news.
我一聽到好消息就打電話給我媽媽。
The children ran outside the second the bell rang at the end of class.
下課鈴一響，孩子們就跑到外面去了。
Mert started feeling better the second he took the medicine.
Mert 一吃藥就開始覺得好多了。
- as soon as
more common and neutral; 'the second' adds emphasis on immediacy
- the moment
similar structure and meaning
- immediately
adverb, not conjunction; requires different sentence structure
文法句型
the second (that) + clause
the second + subject + verb
用法筆記
The word 'that' can sometimes be dropped after 'the second' in informal English (e.g. 'the second I saw him' = 'the second that I saw him'). This sense functions as a conjunction, not a noun.
常見錯誤
4. someone or something that comes right after the person or item at position numbe
第二名；次位
緊接在第一之後的人事物
someone or something that comes right after the person or item at position number one, whether in a list, contest, or ordered group
Amani was the second to finish the math test, just behind Felix.
Amani 是第二個寫完數學測驗的人，只比 Felix 慢了一點。
the second to + infinitive — order pattern
The second of the three books in the series is my favourite.
這個系列三本書中的第二本是我的最愛。
Christopher finished in second place in the swimming competition.
Christopher 在游泳比賽中獲得了第二名。
Manuela always buys the second of everything because she thinks it is cheaper.
Manuela 總是買第二樣東西，因為她覺得這樣比較便宜。
The bus shelter was the second thing they saw after leaving the station.
他們離開車站後看到的第二樣東西就是公車候車亭。
文法句型
the second + to-infinitive
be the second
in second place
用法筆記
When used with an infinitive ('the second to arrive'), the reference is to a person. When used with 'of' ('the second of the month'), the reference is to a date or position in a sequence.
5. an additional serving of food taken after finishing the first helping, usually a
第二份
吃完第一份後再取的一份食物
an additional serving of food taken after finishing the first helping, usually at a shared meal
The roast chicken was so good that everyone asked for seconds.
烤雞太好吃了，每個人都要求再來一份。
ask for seconds — typical collocation
Talia went back to the kitchen to get seconds of the chocolate cake.
Talia 回到廚房去拿第二份巧克力蛋糕。
Wei offered seconds to all the hungry guests at the dinner party.
Wei 主動提供第二份食物給派對上所有飢餓的客人。
There is plenty of rice left if anyone wants seconds.
如果還有人想要第二份，米飯還有很多。
- second helping
the full, more formal version of the same meaning
- extra serving
more formal and less common in casual conversation
文法句型
have seconds
go for seconds
ask for seconds
用法筆記
Almost always used in the plural form ('seconds') even when referring to a single additional serving. 'Second helping' is the singular form and is slightly more formal.
常見錯誤
6. one-sixtieth of an angular minute, used in geometry and astronomy to indicate ex
秒（角度）
角度單位，一分鐘弧的六十分之一
one-sixtieth of an angular minute, used in geometry and astronomy to indicate exact angles on a map or in the sky
The map shows the village at a position of a few seconds of longitude.
地圖上顯示那個村莊的位置精確到幾秒經度。
seconds of longitude — geographic use
Christopher calculated that the angle was forty-five degrees, thirty minutes, and twelve seconds.
Christopher 算出那個角度是四十五度三十分十二秒。
degrees, minutes, and seconds — full sequence
The telescope can track stars with an accuracy of one second of arc.
這台望遠鏡追蹤恆星的精度可達一角秒。
Surveyors measure land using degrees, minutes, and seconds to give precise boundaries.
測量員用度、分、秒來測量土地，以標出精確的邊界。
- arcsecond
the full technical term; 'second' is the shortened form used in context
文法句型
second of arc
degrees, minutes, and seconds
用法筆記
Used mainly in technical fields such as astronomy, navigation, surveying, and map-making. The symbol for a second of angle is the double prime (″).
7. an item that a shop sells more cheaply than normal because it has a small flaw,
次品；瑕疵品
因有小缺陷而低價出售的商品
an item that a shop sells more cheaply than normal because it has a small flaw, such as a scratch or a stain, that stops it from being sold as a faultless product
The store sells factory seconds with small scratches at half the regular price.
那家商店以半價出售帶有小刮痕的工廠次品。
factory seconds — common term for imperfect goods
Shirin bought a second from the pottery shop because the handle had a tiny crack.
Shirin 在陶器店買了一件瑕疵品，因為把手有一道細小的裂縫。
The furniture warehouse has a corner where seconds of tables and chairs are marked down.
那間傢具倉庫有一個專門存放桌椅次品的角落，價格都已調低。
Piotr saw a small stain on the second's collar, so it cost less.
Piotr 看到那件瑕疵品的領子上有一個小污漬，所以比較便宜。
- irregular
more formal; often used in clothing retail for items with minor defects
- flawed item
descriptive rather than a fixed term
- reject
stronger negative connotation; suggests the item failed quality inspection entirely
- first
a perfect-quality item sold at full price
文法句型
seconds (plural)
a second (singular)
factory seconds
用法筆記
Often used in the plural form 'seconds' even when referring to a category of goods. The singular 'a second' refers to one specific item. 'Factory seconds' is a fixed expression for goods sold directly by the manufacturer.
常見錯誤
8. a person whose task is to attend to a boxer before and during a match, such as b
助手（拳擊）
比賽中協助拳擊手的後援人員
a person whose task is to attend to a boxer before and during a match, such as by passing them a towel, dressing wounds between rounds, or giving tactical advice; historically, the same role for someone engaged in a duel
Lara worked as a second for the champion boxer during the title fight.
Lara 在那場冠軍賽中擔任那位拳王的助手。
The second rushed into the ring carrying a towel and water after the bell.
助手在鈴聲響後拿著毛巾和水衝進了拳擊臺。
the second — role reference, definite article
Ayana trained as a second by learning how to treat cuts and bruises between rounds.
Ayana 學習如何在中場休息時處理割傷和瘀青，訓練成為拳擊助手。
In historical stories, a gentleman often brought a second to guard him in a duel.
在歷史故事中，紳士決鬥時往往會帶一名助手在旁邊保護他。
- corner man
more common in modern boxing; refers to anyone in the boxer's corner team
- handler
broader term; can include trainers and managers
文法句型
second + of/for + person
用法筆記
In modern boxing, the term is used mainly in professional contexts. Each boxer may have multiple seconds in their corner. The role historically was also important in formal duels, where the second would ensure fair conduct.
9. the next gear up from first in a vehicle, used to provide more pulling power at
二檔
車輛的第二個前進檔位，用於中低速行駛
the next gear up from first in a vehicle, used to provide more pulling power at medium-low speeds, such as when driving up a slope or moving through slow traffic
Theo shifted into second gear as the road began to climb the steep hill.
Theo 在道路開始爬上陡坡時切換到了二檔。
shifted into second gear — standard driving phrase
The driving instructor told Pim to use second gear when going around the sharp corner.
駕訓教練告訴 Pim 在轉那個急彎時要使用二檔。
Adina's car struggled in second gear going up the mountain road.
Adina 的車在上山路時掛著二檔開得很吃力。
Saira learned that second gear gives her car more pulling power at slower speeds.
Saira 學到二檔能讓她的車在低速時有更大的拉力。
Zuri moved the gear stick into second after reaching about twenty kilometres an hour.
Zuri 在車速達到時速約二十公里後把排檔桿推入了二檔。
- second speed
less common; used mainly in older British driving manuals
- first gear
the gear below second, used for starting and very slow speeds
- top gear
the highest gear, used for fast cruising
文法句型
in second (gear)
shift into second
second gear
use second
用法筆記
In manual transmission cars, second gear is typically used between roughly 10 and 30 kilometres per hour (6 to 18 miles per hour). In automatic cars, the transmission selects second gear automatically. The word 'gear' is often dropped in casual speech: 'shift into second'.
常見錯誤
10. at British and some other universities, the level of degree that is one step bel
二等學位
英國大學中次於一等的學位等級
at British and some other universities, the level of degree that is one step below the top grade, usually split into upper second (good) and lower second (average)
Zuri graduated with an upper second in history from the University of Manchester.
Zuri 以歷史科二級甲等學位畢業於曼徹斯特大學。
upper second — the higher tier of second-class degree
Many graduate jobs in the UK ask for at least a second-class degree from applicants.
英國許多畢業生職位都要求求職者至少持有二等學位。
Madison was pleased to get a second in her final exams at Bristol University.
Madison 在布里斯托大學期末考試中獲得二等學位，感到很高興。
A second in engineering is enough to enter most training programmes in London.
在工程領域，持有二等學位就足以申請倫敦多數培訓課程。
- second-class degree
the full form, more formal
文法句型
upper second
lower second
a second in + subject
second-class degree
用法筆記
British universities classify undergraduate degrees as First Class (highest), Upper Second Class (2:1, pronounced 'two-one'), Lower Second Class (2:2, 'two-two'), and Third Class. The term 'a second' usually means an Upper Second unless specified otherwise.
常見錯誤
11. on a baseball field, the base that a runner must reach after first base in order
二壘
棒球場上的第二個壘包或防守位置
on a baseball field, the base that a runner must reach after first base in order to score a run; also the name for the spot where a fielder stands when guarding that part of the field
Lara hit the ball hard and ran safely to second before the throw arrived.
Lara 用力擊球，在球傳到之前安全地跑上了二壘。
The coach told Bilal to practise throwing from second to first after every catch.
教練告訴 Bilal 每次接球後都要練習從二壘傳到一壘。
second [the base] — definite article dropped in baseball talk
Ayana stole second while the pitcher was looking towards home plate.
Ayana 趁投手看向本壘的時候盜上了二壘。
Pim has played second for the local baseball team for the past three summers.
Pim 過去三個夏天都為當地棒球隊擔任二壘手。
The umpire called the runner out at second after a close play at the bag.
經過一番激烈的判決，裁判裁定跑者在二壘被刺殺出局。
- second base
the full term, equally common
- keystone
informal baseball term for the second base position; rhymes with 'second sack'
- first base
the base a runner must touch first
- home plate
the final base where runs are scored
文法句型
at second base
to second base
play second
second baseman
用法筆記
In baseball, 'second' can mean either the physical base pad itself or the defensive fielding position. The position is also called 'second base' or 'second baseman'. The word is often used without an article in baseball shorthand: 'playing second', 'running to second'.
12. a musician or vocalist in an ensemble who carries the harmony part beneath the l
次部；二部
演奏或演唱較低聲部的樂手或歌手
a musician or vocalist in an ensemble who carries the harmony part beneath the lead, such as a second violinist, second soprano, or second trumpeter
Aoi played second violin in the school orchestra for three years.
Aoi 在學校管弦樂團拉了三年第二小提琴。
Adina sang second soprano in the church choir every Sunday morning.
Adina 每週日早上在教堂詩班擔任第二女高音。
second soprano — voice part in a choir
The second clarinetist had to match the tempo set by the first player.
第二單簧管手必須跟上首席所設定的節奏。
Saira asked to switch from first flute to second because she preferred the harmony.
Saira 請求從第一長笛換到第二長笛，因為她更喜歡和聲部分。
Zuri joined the jazz band as a second trumpeter after passing the audition.
Zuri 通過試音後加入爵士樂團擔任第二小號手。
- subordinate part
more formal; describes the musical function rather than the player
- harmony part
descriptive term focusing on the musical role
- first
the player of the higher, leading part, e.g. first violin
文法句型
second + instrument/voice
play second
sing second
用法筆記
In orchestras and choirs, 'second' parts provide harmonic support beneath the first (principal) part. A 'second violin' plays a lower-pitched harmony, not a less important role. This sense is distinct from the musical interval sense (noun/13), which measures the distance between two notes.
13. in music, the amount by which the pitch of one note is higher or lower than the
二度
音階中相差一階的兩個音之間的音程
in music, the amount by which the pitch of one note is higher or lower than the pitch of the note one step away on a scale — for instance, the gap from C to D is a second
The interval between C and D is called a major second in Western music.
C 音與 D 音之間的音程在西方音樂中被稱為大二度。
passive: is called [term name]
Yael practised playing the second interval on her flute until it sounded smooth.
Yael 練習在長笛上吹奏二度音程，直到聽起來圓潤流暢。
collocation: play the second interval on [instrument]
The class sang a second, then a third, to hear the difference.
全班先唱二度、再唱三度，來聽出兩者的差異。
In this piano piece, every second interval between the two hands creates a gentle tension.
在這首鋼琴曲中，雙手之間的每一個二度音程都營造出輕微的緊張感。
A minor second sounds much more tense than a major second to most listeners.
對大多數聽眾來說，小二度聽起來比大二度緊張得多。
- interval
broader term; a second is a specific type of interval
用法筆記
Seconds come in two common types: a major second (two semitones apart, like C to D) and a minor second (one semitone apart, like E to F).
常見錯誤
second — 形容詞
- secondpositive
- more secondcomparative
- most secondsuperlative
1. happening or located immediately after the first one in a series of events or po
第二的
時間或空間上排在第一之後的
happening or located immediately after the first one in a series of events or positions.
Haruto won a silver medal for coming second place in the race.
Haruto 在賽跑中獲得第二名，贏得銀牌。
second + noun (place/position)
The second house on the left belongs to Rachel's grandmother.
左邊第二棟房子是 Rachel 祖母的。
second + noun (house)
Sofia pressed the second button from the top to call the lift.
Sofia 按下從上數來第二個按鈕叫電梯。
On the second day of the trip, the group visited an old castle.
旅程的第二天，這群人參觀了一座古老的城堡。
- next
less specific; 'next' can mean immediately following without implying a numbered sequence
- 2nd
the written abbreviation, used in addresses and dates
- subsequent
more formal; can refer to any later item, not just the first after the first
- first
the one that comes before second in order
文法句型
second + noun
用法筆記
Always appears before a noun — you cannot say 'the house second' to mean the one after the first.
常見錯誤
2. ranking just below the highest possible level in quality, importance, or merit.
次等的
品質或重要性僅次於最高的
ranking just below the highest possible level in quality, importance, or merit.
Tokyo is the second largest city in the world by population.
東京是世界人口第二多的城市。
second + superlative adjective
Vikram was promoted to second in command at the shipping company.
Vikram 被晉升為這家航運公司的副主管。
For Ari, nothing was more important than his family, with his career a close second.
對 Ari 來說，沒有什麼比家人更重要，事業則緊追在後。
The hotel offered only second class service despite charging top prices.
這家旅館雖然收取頂級價格，卻只提供二等服務。
文法句型
second + noun (superlative implied)
用法筆記
Frequently paired with superlative adjectives in a 'second + superlative + noun' structure (e.g. 'second biggest', 'second oldest').
3. not as good as someone or something else in the same category; lower in status,
較差的
地位或品質不如其他人的
not as good as someone or something else in the same category; lower in status, skill, or quality.
Yael refused to be treated as a second class citizen in her own country.
Yael 拒絕在自己的國家被當成二等公民對待。
second class citizen (fixed phrase)
Compared to Haruto's cooking, Henrik's efforts were definitely second rate.
跟 Haruto 的厨藝比起來，Henrik 做的菜顯然是二流的。
The coach warned the team that second place was not good enough.
教練警告隊員們，第二名是不夠好的。
In terms of sound quality, cheap headphones are second to proper studio equipment.
就音質而言，便宜的耳機無法比得上專業錄音室設備。
- substandard
more formal; below an expected level rather than just not the best
- inferior
directly compares to something better; blunter judgment
- lesser
gentler than 'inferior'; can apply to rank, size, or quality
- first class
the highest standard, opposite of second rate
- superior
higher in quality or rank
文法句型
second + to + noun
second-rate + noun
用法筆記
Often carries a negative judgment about quality. 'Second rate' and 'second class' are fixed expressions. 'Second to' patterns with a noun phrase denoting the superior item.
常見錯誤
4. holding the position just under the most senior role in an organisation, rank, o
副手的
組織中地位僅次於最高主管的
holding the position just under the most senior role in an organisation, rank, or system of authority.
Karim served as second officer on a cargo ship for three years.
Karim 在一艘貨船上擔任二副，工作了三年。
second + job title
The second engineer on the team handled all the maintenance work.
團隊中的二級工程師負責所有維修工作。
Cyrus was the second violinist, sitting behind the concertmaster.
Cyrus 是第二小提琴手，坐在首席小提琴手後方。
In the army, a second lieutenant is the lowest rank of officer.
在軍隊中，少尉是軍官最低的軍階。
- first
the top rank in a role hierarchy, e.g. first officer vs second officer
文法句型
second + in/on + noun phrase
用法筆記
Common in job titles and military ranks. The specific rank 'second lieutenant' is a fixed rank, not a description of seniority within a unit.
5. happening or occurring every other time in a repeating pattern; not the first ch
隔一的
每隔一次發生的；備用的
happening or occurring every other time in a repeating pattern; not the first choice or option.
The garbage truck comes every second Tuesday in our neighbourhood.
垃圾車每隔一個星期二來我們社區。
every second + day/week/time unit
Léa visits her grandparents every second weekend during the school term.
Léa 在學期中每隔一個週末去探望祖父母。
The bakery closes on the second and fourth Sundays of the month.
這家麵包店在每個月的第二個和第四個星期日休息。
Ayana always chooses a second option in case her first plan falls through.
Ayana 總是準備一個備用方案，以防第一個計畫失敗。
- alternate
slightly more formal; used in schedules and formal patterns
- other
more general; 'the other Tuesday' could mean the next or the alternate one depending on context
- alternating
emphasises the back-and-forth pattern between two options
- every
occurs each time without skipping
文法句型
every second + noun
用法筆記
The phrase 'every second' + time unit means 'every other' (e.g. 'every second day' = every other day). 'Second option' means a backup plan, not a worse plan.
常見錯誤
6. being another version of a well-known or typical person or thing, closely resemb
再一位；另一
與著名原型或典範相似的又一個實例
being another version of a well-known or typical person or thing, closely resembling a recognised original example.
Some critics call the young pianist a second Mozart because of her talent.
有些評論家稱這位年輕鋼琴家為莫札特再世。
a second + famous person (figurative)
Fire destroyed the original house, so they built a second home on the land.
一場火災燒毀了原來的房子，所以他們在該處蓋了第二棟房子。
Reuben treated the charity project like a second job, working on it every evening.
Reuben 把慈善專案當成第二份工作，每天晚上都在做。
The town built a second school when the first one became too crowded.
第一所學校變得過於擁擠時，鎮上蓋了第二所學校。
- original
the first version that others resemble or duplicate
文法句型
a second + noun (meaning 'another')
用法筆記
Used metaphorically with famous names ('a second Einstein') to suggest comparable talent. Also used literally for a duplicate or replacement of something ('a second home', 'a second chance').
常見錯誤
7. describing a higher forward gear in a car or other vehicle, the one you move int
第二檔的
車輛中比一檔速度更快的檔位
describing a higher forward gear in a car or other vehicle, the one you move into after first gear to gain more speed.
Asher shifted into second gear as the car reached the top of the hill.
車子抵達山頂時，Asher 換到了二檔。
second gear (fixed collocation)
On the narrow road, the driver kept the truck in second speed to stay safe.
在狹窄的道路上，司機把卡車維持在二速以策安全。
Darius slowed down and dropped the car back into second for the sharp turn.
Darius 放慢速度，為了應付急轉彎而把車子降到二檔。
Lotte's driving instructor told her to move into second gear after the junction.
Lotte 的駕訓教練要她在過了路口後換到二檔。
- 2nd gear
the written abbreviation; identical meaning in driving contexts
文法句型
second + noun (gear/speed)
用法筆記
Nearly always paired with 'gear' in modern English — 'second gear' is the standard term. 'Second speed' is older or technical. The gear provides more torque than higher gears, making it useful for low-speed driving.
常見錯誤
8. describing a musical role that provides the lower-pitched or accompanying line w
第二部的
音樂中音調較低的聲部或伴奏部
describing a musical role that provides the lower-pitched or accompanying line when a group performs together, sitting beneath the lead part in pitch and importance.
Dahlia plays second violin in the city orchestra's string section.
Dahlia 在市立管弦樂團的弦樂部演奏第二小提琴。
second + instrument name (second violin)
The choir needs more singers for the second soprano part in the new piece.
合唱團需要更多歌手來唱這首新作品中的第二女高音聲部。
Christopher practised the second trumpet part until he could play it by memory.
Christopher 反覆練習第二小號部，直到他能背譜演奏。
Nina moved from first violin to second violin when the orchestra needed a stronger harmony section.
Nina 在管弦樂團需要更強的和聲部時，從第一小提琴轉到了第二小提琴。
- lower
describes the pitch relationship; less specific than 'second'
- supporting
emphasises the role rather than the position
- alto
specific to voice types; narrower and not interchangeable with 'second' for instruments
- first
the lead part in a musical section, higher in pitch and prominence
文法句型
second + noun (instrument/voice/part)
用法筆記
In musical contexts, 'second' distinguishes the subordinate part from the 'first' (lead) part. A 'second violinist' plays the lower part, not a different instrument. This contrasts with sense 4 (SECOND IN COMMAND), which is about organisational rank rather than musical function.
常見錯誤
second — 副詞
1. in the position that follows the winner — in a race, a contest, a queue, or any
第二名；第二
在順序或名次上排在第一之後
in the position that follows the winner — in a race, a contest, a queue, or any ordered series
Yumi finished second in the swimming race, just behind the winner.
Yumi 在游泳比賽中獲得第二名，僅次於冠軍。
finish + second
Rodrigo came second in the school maths contest out of thirty students.
Rodrigo 在三十名學生中於校內數學競賽獲得第二名。
come + second
Second in line stood a young girl with a blue backpack and a red hat.
排在第二位的是一個背著藍色書包、戴著紅帽的小女孩。
The French team finished second and took home the silver medal.
法國隊獲得第二名，帶走了銀牌。
Christopher ran his best race but still came second behind a faster runner.
Christopher 跑出了個人最佳成績，但還是排在第二名，落後於一位更快的跑者。
- first
the position before anyone else
文法句型
finish/come/place/rank + second
用法筆記
Frequently follows verbs of position or rank such as finish, come, place, or rank. Do not use secondly in this context — secondly introduces a new point in a discussion, not a position in a competition.
常見錯誤
2. marks the next item in a spoken or written series of arguments, facts, or opinio
第二點；其次
用於列舉第二項要點或理由
marks the next item in a spoken or written series of arguments, facts, or opinions that you are presenting one by one
First, the hotel is too far from the beach. Second, it costs too much.
第一，那間旅館離海灘太遠了。第二，費用也太高了。
First... Second... discourse pairing
Kofi gave two reasons for leaving: first, missing his family; second, low pay.
Kofi 提出了兩個離職的理由。第一，他想念家人。第二，薪水太低。
First, the school has excellent teachers. Second, the class sizes are very small.
第一，這所學校的老師非常優秀。第二，班級人數很少。
Élise explained her choice: first, the short travel time, and second, the low price.
Élise 解釋了她的選擇：第一，飛行時間短；第二，價格低。
Samir said, "First, I lack the money. Second, I do not have the time."
Samir 說：「第一，我沒有足夠的錢。第二，我也沒有時間。」
- secondly
more formal; preferred in academic and business writing
- in the second place
more formal and wordy; used in structured arguments
- next
more general; works for any position in a sequence, not just second
文法句型
First... Second...
second + comma + clause
用法筆記
Typically paired with First or Firstly earlier in the same text or speech. In formal writing, Secondly is more common; in everyday speech, Second alone is natural and widely used.
常見錯誤
second — 限定詞 / 序數詞
1. The item, event, or person that comes right after the very first one in a number
第二個
按順序排在第一之後
The item, event, or person that comes right after the very first one in a numbered order.
Lakan parked his bike in the second space from the entrance.
Lakan 把腳踏車停在從入口算起第二個車位。
The second chapter of the novel was much shorter than the opening one.
這本小說的第二章比第一章短得多。
the + second + noun for position in a series
Kenji finished in second place in the hundred-metre race at school.
Kenji 在學校的百米賽跑中獲得第二名。
Omar lives on the second floor of a small apartment building downtown.
Omar 住在市中心一棟小公寓的二樓。
Rachid pressed the second button from the top on the remote control.
Rachid 按了遙控器上從上數來第二個按鈕。
- first
The item that comes before 'second' in a numbered order.
文法句型
the + second + noun
second + noun (without article in specific contexts)
用法筆記
Usually appears with the definite article 'the', as in 'the second book' or 'the second time'. When used as a label (e.g. 'second class') or in set phrases, the article may be dropped.
常見錯誤
2. Occupying the position just below the highest or best when items are compared by
次於
在重要性或品質上僅次於第一
Occupying the position just below the highest or best when items are compared by value, size, or standard.
Osaka is the second largest city in Japan after Tokyo.
大阪是僅次於東京的日本第二大城。
the + second + superlative adjective + noun for ranking
For Anong, her children are the second most important part of her life.
對 Anong 來說，孩子們是她生命中第二重要的事。
This Italian restaurant is second only to the one in Rome.
這家義大利餐廳僅次於羅馬的那一家。
English is the second most widely spoken language in India.
英語是印度第二廣泛使用的語言。
文法句型
the second + superlative adjective + noun
second only to + noun
用法筆記
Often combines with a superlative adjective ('second largest', 'second best') to show that only the top-ranked item is ahead. 'Second only to' is a fixed expression for exclusivity of rank.
常見錯誤
3. An additional one of the same kind, besides the one you already have or use.
另一個
在原有一個之外再多一個
An additional one of the same kind, besides the one you already have or use.
The Huang family uses their mountain cabin as a second home.
黃家把他們的山中小屋當作第二個家。
a + second + noun for an additional item
Shirin asked for a second chance to finish the science project.
Shirin 請求再給一次機會完成科學專題。
Joaquín keeps a second pair of reading glasses in his desk drawer.
Joaquín 在辦公桌抽屜裡放了另一副閱讀眼鏡。
Maeve booked a second appointment with the dentist for her check-up.
Maeve 預約了第二次牙醫檢查。
Adina ordered a second coffee after finishing her first cup quickly.
Adina 喝完第一杯咖啡後，又點了一杯。
- another
More common in everyday speech for 'one more of the same kind'. 'Second' adds a nuance of counting or numbering the additional item.
- extra
Emphasises that something is beyond what is usual or expected; 'extra' is more informal.
- additional
Slightly more formal; used in written or official contexts like 'additional copy'.
- only
Indicates that there is just one, not an additional one.
文法句型
a + second + noun
one's + second + noun
用法筆記
Unlike senses 1 and 2, this meaning uses the indefinite article 'a' or 'an' ('a second chance') rather than 'the'. It emphasises addition rather than position in a sequence.
常見錯誤
second — 序數詞
1. the number or rank that comes just after number one when you count items in a se
第二
列於第一之後的順序
the number or rank that comes just after number one when you count items in a set or list them in order.
February is the second month of the year, right after January.
二月是一年中的第二個月，就在一月之後。
second + noun (month)
Takeshi lives on the second floor of the apartment building near the park.
Takeshi 住在公園附近那棟公寓大樓的三樓。
second + noun (floor) for numbered position
Take the second turning on your left after the supermarket.
在超市之後的第二條路左轉。
This is the second time the delivery driver has rung the bell today.
這是送貨司機今天第二次按門鈴了。
The second question on the test was much harder than the first one.
考卷上的第二題比第一題難很多。
- first
the position that comes before second
文法句型
second + noun
用法筆記
This is the core sense for using 'second' as a number label before a noun. It answers 'how many from the start?' in a fixed sequence.
常見錯誤
2. the place that a person or team earns when they finish directly behind the winne
第二名
比賽中僅次於冠軍的成績
the place that a person or team earns when they finish directly behind the winner in a race, game, or contest.
Kasia came second in the school swimming competition last Friday.
Kasia 在上週五的學校游泳比賽中獲得第二名。
come + second for competition result
The team finished in second place at the national volleyball tournament.
該隊在國家排球錦標賽中獲得第二名。
in second place
Arjun was thrilled to take second place in his very first marathon.
Arjun 在他的第一次全程馬拉松中獲得第二名，感到非常興奮。
A runner's second-place finish earned her a spot on the national team.
跑者獲得第二名，為她贏得了國家代表隊的資格。
A tie for second meant that both runners shared the silver medal.
兩人並列第二名，兩名跑者都獲得了銀牌。
- runner-up
more formal term for the person who finishes second in a competition
文法句型
finish/come + second
in second place
用法筆記
Unlike sense 1, this sense is used without 'the' directly after the verb: 'finish second', 'come second'. The phrase 'in second place' uses a preposition.
常見錯誤
3. used to describe something that ranks just below the top in size, quality, impor
次佳的
僅次於第一名的排名
used to describe something that ranks just below the top in size, quality, importance, or amount — for example, the second largest city or the second oldest building.
Osaka is the second largest city in Japan, after Tokyo.
大阪是日本第二大的城市，僅次於東京。
the second + superlative (largest)
Tariq considers Spanish his second strongest language after Arabic.
Tariq 認為西班牙語是他僅次於阿拉伯語的第二強語言。
The company became the second biggest producer of solar panels in Europe.
該公司成為歐洲第二大太陽能板製造商。
Felipe chose the second most expensive option because it had better features.
Felipe 選擇了第二貴的方案，因為它的功能比較好。
Mount Kilimanjaro is the second highest mountain in Africa.
吉力馬札羅山是非洲第二高的山。
- next best
less formal, often used for choices rather than rankings
文法句型
the second + superlative adjective + noun
the second + biggest/best/largest/most important
用法筆記
Always follows the pattern 'the second + superlative' — e.g. 'the second tallest', 'the second most popular'. It means 'only one thing is more X than this.'
常見錯誤
4. one more of the same kind, coming after the first instance of something similar.
另一
在第一個之後的又一個
one more of the same kind, coming after the first instance of something similar.
Christopher decided to buy a second pair of shoes for the hiking trip.
Christopher 決定再買一雙鞋去健行。
a second [noun] — implies 'another one'
The family owns a second home in the mountains near the lake.
這家人在湖邊的山上還有另一棟度假屋。
Linh asked for a second chance to complete the project on time.
Linh 請求再給她一次機會，按時完成那個專案。
Nellie booked a second appointment with the dentist for next week.
Nellie 預約了下週的第二次牙科門診。
The teacher suggested that Obi might need a second look at the math problem.
老師建議 Obi 可能需要再看一次那道數學題。
- another
more common in everyday speech; 'second' adds a sense of counting
- additional
more formal, used in official or written contexts
- only
implies just one and no more
文法句型
a second + noun
second + noun (without article for general reference)
用法筆記
In this sense, 'second' is interchangeable with 'another'. Common fixed phrases include 'second chance', 'second home', and 'second opinion'.
常見錯誤
5. happening or appearing with one regular interval in between each occurrence — fo
每隔的
間隔一次發生的
happening or appearing with one regular interval in between each occurrence — for example, if something happens every second day, it happens on day one, skips day two, and happens again on day three.
Amihan visits her grandparents every second weekend during the school term.
Amihan 在學期間每隔一個週末就去看祖父母。
every second + time unit
The recycling truck comes every second Tuesday in this neighborhood.
回收車每隔一個星期二會來到這個社區。
Cole works from home every second day to save money on travel costs.
Cole 每隔一天在家工作，以節省通勤費用。
The magazine publishes a new issue every second month, not monthly.
這本雜誌每隔一個月出版一期，而不是每個月出刊。
- every other
the more common alternative; 'every second' is slightly more formal
- every
implies each one in a series without skipping
文法句型
every second + noun (day/week/month/year)
on every second + noun
用法筆記
This sense only appears in the fixed pattern 'every second + time noun'. Unlike senses 1-4, it does not refer to counting but to frequency. It is interchangeable with 'every other'.
常見錯誤
6. for music, this word marks the instrument or voice part that plays or sings at a
第二部
音樂中音高較低的聲部
for music, this word marks the instrument or voice part that plays or sings at a lower pitch, supporting the main part in an ensemble.
The lead singer sings second tenor in the choir at the local church.
主唱在當地教堂的合唱團中唱第二男高音。
second + voice part (tenor/soprano/etc.)
The second violins play the harmony while the first violins carry the melody.
第二小提琴演奏和聲，而第一小提琴演奏主旋律。
Adina prefers the second soprano part because it feels more natural for her voice range.
Adina 偏好第二女高音的部分，因為那更符合她的音域。
A student was asked to move from first trumpet to second trumpet in the band.
一名學生被要求從第一小號改吹第二部小號。
- lower
describes the pitch relationship, but less precise than 'second'
- first
the higher-pitched leading part in the same section
文法句型
second + instrument (violin, trumpet)
second + voice (tenor, soprano)
用法筆記
Commonly used with instrument names ('second violin', 'second trumpet') and voice types ('second tenor', 'second soprano'). The second part is typically lower in pitch and harmonically supports the first part.