第 (dì) - Ordinal number prefix & sequence marker (first, second, etc.)

第Tone 4

dì ｜ 11 strokes ｜ radical:

橙丁

第 · dì

Ordinal number prefix;

sequence marker (first, second, etc.

);

used before numbers to indicate order or rank.

Ordinal number prefixsequence marker (first, second, etc.)used before numbers to indicate order or rank.

Usage highlights

First placeSecond timeThird brotherFirst floorNumber oneSecond class

Synonyms

  • 首— first, head
  • 初— initial, beginning

Antonyms

  • 末— last, final
  • 终— end, conclusion

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He is the first place winner (第一名).
  • We live on the second floor (第二层).
  • This is the third time I've called (第三次).
  • She is the fourth child in the family (第四个孩子).

Collocations

  • First place(第一名)
  • Second time(第二次)
  • Third brother(第三哥)
  • First floor(第一层)
  • Number one(第一)
  • Second class(第二等)

Idioms

  • The proud son of heaven(天之骄子)
  • To break through the encirclement and be the first(突破重围，名列第一)
  • To rank first on the gold list(金榜题名，名列第一)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Used in imperial examinations to denote the ranking of successful candidates.
  • Commonly used in modern contexts for competitions, rankings, and sequences.
  • Reflects a cultural emphasis on hierarchy and order.

FAQ