Definition
第 (dì) is a prefix placed directly before a number (e.g., 一, 二) to form ordinal numbers like 'first', 'second'. It is the standard way to express order in Chinese and never stands alone.
prefix
(prefix) used before a number to form ordinal numbers (first, second, third, etc.)
Easily confused
- 算suànlook-aliketo calculate, compute; to figure (out)
- 地dìsound-alike(particle) structural particle for forming adverbials; -ly
- 地dìsound-alike(noun) ground, land, floor (as a surface)
- 底dǐsound-alikebottom, base, sole (of a container, shoe, or structure)
- 低dīsound-alike(adjective) low (in height, level, price, temperature, etc.)
- 滴dīsound-alike(verb) to drip
- 递dìsound-aliketo hand over, to pass (something to someone), to deliver
- 抵dǐsound-aliketo press against, prop up, support
- 堤dīsound-alikedike, embankment, levee
Examples
- 。Wǒ shì dì yí gè dào de.I am the first to arrive.
- 。Tā shì wǒ dì èr gè péngyou.He is my second friend.
- 第？Nǐ shì dì jǐ gè xuéshēng?Which student are you?
Grammar
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