Meanings of 第一
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Podcast: 第一
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AI Study Notes for 第一
第二 (dì èr) - use 第一 (dì yī) when indicating the top rank or priority, as 第二 (dì èr) refers to the second position.
Be cautious not to confuse 第一 with 先 (xiān), which also means 'first' but is more about precedence in time. This term is generally used in both formal and informal contexts, but when used in competition or ranking, it emphasizes superiority. Common collocations include 第一名 (dì yī míng - first place) and 第一时间 (dì yī shí jiān - first time).
As an HSK Level 2 word, 第一 connects with other ordinal numbers like 第二 (dì èr - second) and 第三 (dì sān - third). Focus on using it in sentences to describe ranking or preferences, which will help reinforce the concept of order in Chinese.
Learners often mistakenly use 第一 when they mean 'first' in a temporal sense, like 'first to arrive'. Instead, use 先 (xiān) for that context. For example, saying '我第一到' (Wǒ dì yī dào) should be corrected to '我先到' (Wǒ xiān dào).
Pronunciation of 第一
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How to say first in Chinese
“first” in Chinese is第一
第一 (dì yī) means 'first' or 'number one'. It is commonly used to indicate priority, rank, or order in various contexts, such as competitions, lists, or preferences. This word can also imply being the best or the most important in a given category.
When to use 第一
Be cautious not to confuse 第一 with 先 (xiān), which also means 'first' but is more about precedence in time. This term is generally used in both formal and informal contexts, but when used in competition or ranking, it emphasizes superiority. Common collocations include 第一名 (dì yī míng - first place) and 第一时间 (dì yī shí jiān - first time).
第一 or something close to it
第二 (dì èr) - use 第一 (dì yī) when indicating the top rank or priority, as 第二 (dì èr) refers to the second position.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mistakenly use 第一 when they mean 'first' in a temporal sense, like 'first to arrive'. Instead, use 先 (xiān) for that context. For example, saying '我第一到' (Wǒ dì yī dào) should be corrected to '我先到' (Wǒ xiān dào).
Write 第一
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Practice writing 第一 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 第一
第一 functions as a number. It almost always combines with a measure word before a noun (三个人, 五本书). Standalone numbers are rare outside of math or counting. It carries 3 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
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今天是____课。
Today is Lesson 1.
Example Sentences for 第一 (3)
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Frequently Asked Questions about 第一
You can use it to describe something that is the best or the most important, for example, '他是我的第一选择' (Tā shì wǒ de dì yī xuǎnzé - He is my first choice).
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