Translation guide
The English word "sequence" can refer to an ordered series, a logical or causal chain, or a specific order of steps. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
Expressing a series of things or events that follow one another in a particular order.
Most common word for 'order' or 'sequence' in everyday contexts. Often used with に or で.
名前を順番に呼んでください。
Please call the names in sequence.
順番が逆だよ。
The sequence is backwards.
Slightly more formal than 順番, often used for logical or procedural order.
手順の順序を間違えないでください。
Please don't get the sequence of steps wrong.
Emphasizes continuity or succession, often used for events happening one after another.
事故が連続して発生した。
Accidents occurred in sequence.
Loanword used mainly in technical or musical contexts (e.g., DNA sequence, MIDI sequence).
DNAのシーケンスを解析する。
Analyze the DNA sequence.
Describing a sequence of events that are connected, often causally or procedurally.
Means 'a series' or 'a sequence' of related events or actions. Often used with の + noun.
一連の事件の真相を調査中です。
We are investigating the truth behind the sequence of incidents.
一連の手続きを完了してください。
Please complete the sequence of procedures.
Literally 'flow', used to describe a natural sequence or progression of events.
Refers to a process or sequence of stages, often in a formal or analytical context.
Referring to a prescribed or correct order, such as in instructions or rankings.
Suffix meaning 'order'. Attach to nouns to indicate sequence (e.g., 到着順 = order of arrival).
名簿は五十音順に並んでいます。
The list is arranged in alphabetical sequence.
Adverbial phrase meaning 'in order' or 'in sequence'. Very common and versatile.
Specifically refers to a sequence of steps in a procedure or process.
Referring to a continuous series of scenes, shots, or musical phrases.
Commonly used for a sequence of scenes in a movie or story, though it can also mean a single scene.
アクションシーンがすごかった。
The action sequence was amazing.
Explicitly means 'sequence of scenes' or 'continuous scene'.
その映画のオープニングは長い連続シーンだ。
The opening of that movie is a long sequence.
順番 is the most colloquial and general for 'order'. 順序 is slightly more formal and often implies a logical or correct order. 順 is a suffix used in compound words like 到着順 (order of arrival).
シーケンス is a technical term and sounds unnatural in everyday conversation. Use 順番 or 一連 instead.
一連の出来事が事故につながった。
The sequence of events led to the accident.
指示の順番に従ってください。
Please follow the sequence of instructions.
試合の流れが変わった。
The sequence of the game changed.
I will explain the manufacturing sequence in detail.
I will explain in sequence.
列に順に並んでください。
Please line up in sequence.
Please tell me the correct sequence of steps.
Alternative loanword for 'sequence', used in film or music terminology.
このシークエンスは名曲だ。
This sequence is a masterpiece.