How to say “first”, “second”, “third” in Chinese with 第 (dì)
第 (dì) + Number (+ Measure Word)
第 (dì) — ordinal numbers
第 (dì) + Number (+ Measure Word)
HSK 2Numbers and Measure Words第 (dì) — ordinal numbers
Rule structure
第 (dì) turns a number into an ordinal number. It is used to indicate position in a sequence, such as the number of a stage, lesson, day, chapter, or another ordered item.
Rule structure
第 (dì) turns a number into an ordinal number. It is used to indicate position in a sequence, such as the number of a stage, lesson, day, chapter, or another ordered item.
Examples
我第一次坐飞机。
Wǒ dì yī cì zuò fēijī.
I take a plane for the first time.
Examples
我第一次坐飞机。
Wǒ dì yī cì zuò fēijī.
I take a plane for the first time.
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Frequently asked questions
How do you say “ordinal numbers” in Chinese with 第?
Use the structure: 第 (dì) + Number (+ Measure Word). For example: 我第一次坐飞机。 — “I take a plane for the first time.”.
What is an example sentence with this grammar rule?
我第一次坐飞机。 — “I take a plane for the first time.”.
Which HSK level includes this grammar rule?
This grammar rule is part of HSK 2.
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More HSK 2 grammar rules
每 — every with measure words
每 (měi) + Measure Word (+ Noun)
本 — measure words for counting
Number + Measure Word + Noun
几 — several, a few
几 (jǐ) + Measure Word + Noun
这 / 那 — this and that with measure words
这 (zhè) / 那 (nà) + Measure Word (+ Noun)
最 — superlative “most”
最 (zuì) + Adj. (+ 了 (le))
到 — direction with “to go to”
到 (dào) + Place + 去 (qù)
虽然 — although… but…
虽然 (suīrán)⋯⋯，但是 (dànshì) / 可是 (kěshì)⋯⋯
一下 — verbing briefly
Verb + 一下 (yíxià)