1(prefix indicating ordinal number, e.g. first, number two etc)
2sequence, number; grade, degree; particle prefacing an ordinal
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March 24, 2026
第dì(di4)
The character '第' (dì) is primarily used as a prefix to indicate ordinal numbers, such as first (第一), second (第二), and so on. It can also imply a sequence or order in which things are arranged. Additionally, it has historical uses in the context of ranking, particularly in imperial examinations.
Strokes11Radical⺮Frequency#488DifficultyEasy
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, understanding ordinal numbers is essential, especially during festivals or ceremonies where order and ranking have significance, such as the order of family members in ancestor worship.
Memory Tip
Imagine a race where each runner is numbered. The '第' (dì) character looks like a person standing in line, ready to receive their ranking. The pronunciation 'dì' can be remembered by associating it with 'deed,' as in achieving a rank or order.
Meanings of 第
dì(di4)
1(prefix indicating ordinal number, e.g. first, number two etc)
2sequence, number; grade, degree; particle prefacing an ordinal
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 第
第Simplified
11Strokes
⺮Radical
前接成分prefix-forming morpheme (pref.)Part of Speech
#488Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L1TOCFLL1YCTL1
Podcast: 第
Podcast: 第
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AI Study Notes for 第
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include using '第' incorrectly with non-ordinal contexts, such as saying '第三本书' for 'the third book' instead of the more natural '第三本书'. It's important to use '第' before numbers to denote their ordinal nature. This character is generally used in both formal and informal contexts.
HSK Study Tips
While '第' is not specifically included in the HSK vocabulary list, it is vital for learners to grasp ordinal concepts, especially when describing dates or sequences. Students should focus on combining '第' with numbers to form common phrases.
Common Mistakes
Learners often forget to use '第' when they want to express ordinal numbers, such as saying '我来第三' instead of '我来第' + number. Another mistake is mispronouncing it as 'di' instead of 'dì'.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 第
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Phonosemantic compound. ⺮ represents the meaning and 弟 represents the sound.
1The giveawayBamboo strips ⺮ arrayed in sequence; 弟 provides the pronunciation
2On the record asideographic — someone drew an idea rather than an object.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 第? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 第?
Decomposition of 第
IDS Structure⿱⺮弟
第Full Character
=
⺮zhu2
top
弟di4
bottom
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 第?
How to say (prefix indicating ordinal number, e.g. first, number two etc) in Chinese
“(prefix indicating ordinal number, e.g. first, number two etc)” in Chinese is第dì
The character '第' (dì) is primarily used as a prefix to indicate ordinal numbers, such as first (第一), second (第二), and so on. It can also imply a sequence or order in which things are arranged. Additionally, it has historical uses in the context of ranking, particularly in imperial examinations.
When to use 第
Common mistakes include using '第' incorrectly with non-ordinal contexts, such as saying '第三本书' for 'the third book' instead of the more natural '第三本书'. It's important to use '第' before numbers to denote their ordinal nature. This character is generally used in both formal and informal contexts.
What learners get wrong
Learners often forget to use '第' when they want to express ordinal numbers, such as saying '我来第三' instead of '我来第' + number. Another mistake is mispronouncing it as 'di' instead of 'dì'.
Write 第
第
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Practice writing 第 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 第
第 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 7 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.
