General "next"
* Próximo: This is the most common and general translation of "next."
* Seguinte: This is another common translation, slightly more formal than "próximo."
"Next" in a sequence
* Próximo: This is still used for sequence, but often in a more specific sense, like "the next step" or "the next day."
* Seguinte: This is also commonly used for sequence, particularly in formal contexts.
"Next to"
* Ao lado de: This literally translates to "by the side of," but it's used similarly to "next to."
* Junto a: This also translates to "next to," and can be used in place of "ao lado de."
Examples:
* O próximo passo: The next step.
* O seguinte capítulo: The following chapter.
* Sente-se ao lado de mim: Sit next to me.
* A casa ao lado da minha: The house next to mine.
The best translation for "next" will depend on the context of the sentence.