How to say “first”, “second”, “third” in Chinese with 第 (dì)
第 (dì) + Number (+ Measure Word)
Ordinal numbers with "第 (dì)"
第 (dì) + Number (+ Measure Word)
HSK 2Numbers and Measure WordsOrdinal numbers with "第 (dì)"
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 express “Ordinal numbers with "第 (dì)"” in Chinese?
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
Expressing "every" with "每 (měi)"
每 (měi) + Measure Word (+ Noun)
Measure words for counting
Number + Measure Word + Noun
Using "几 (jǐ)" to mean "several"
几 (jǐ) + Measure Word + Noun
Measure words with "this" and "that"
这 (zhè) / 那 (nà) + Measure Word (+ Noun)
Superlative "最 (zuì)"
最 (zuì) + Adj. (+ 了 (le))
Direction with "到 (dào) + place + 去 (qù)"
到 (dào) + Place + 去 (qù)
Expressing "although" with "虽然 (suīrán)" and "但是 (dànshì)"
虽然 (suīrán)⋯⋯，但是 (dànshì) / 可是 (kěshì)⋯⋯
Verbing briefly with "一下 (yíxià)"
Verb + 一下 (yíxià)