(prefix indicating ordinal number, e.g. first, number two etc)
HSK 1, m, 11 strokes, radical ⺮, rank #488, Hard
第
dì
sequence, number; grade, degree; particle prefacing an ordinal
HSK 1, m, 11 strokes, radical ⺮, rank #488, Hard
第
dì
order
HSK 1, unknown, 11 strokes, radical ⺮, rank #488, Hard
第
dì
(old) rank in the imperial examinations
HSK 1, unknown, 11 strokes, radical ⺮, rank #488, Hard
第
dì
mansion
HSK 1, unknown, 11 strokes, radical ⺮, rank #488, Hard
第
dì
(literary) but
HSK 1, unknown, 11 strokes, radical ⺮, rank #488, Hard
第
dì
just
HSK 1, unknown, 11 strokes, radical ⺮, rank #488, Hard
dì(di4) T4
1(prefix indicating ordinal number, e.g. first, number two etc)
2sequence, number; grade, degree; particle prefacing an ordinal
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
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#488DifficultyHard
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
Memory Mnemonic
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.
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.
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.
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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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.
This is my third visit in a week, which says it all.
6
他接受了第三次检查，被告知不宜上班。
tā jiē shòu le dì sān cì jiǎn chá， ， bèi gào zhī bù yí shàng。
He had a third examination and was declared unfit for duty.
7
简的进球帮助英国队在巴塞罗那奥运会上获得了第三名。
jiǎn de jìn qiú bāng zhù yīng guó duì zài bā sāi luó nà ào yùn huì shàng huò dé le dì sān míng。
Jane's goals helped Britain win third place in the Barcelona games.
8
费利佩·冈萨雷斯在西班牙选举中获得第4次连任。
fèi lì pèi· · gāng sà léi sī zài xī bān yá xuǎn jǔ zhōng huò dé4 dì 4 cì。
Felipe Gonzalez won a fourth term of office in Spain's election.
9
正确答案在第8页末尾。
zhèng què dá àn zài dì8 8 yè mò。
The correct answers can be found at the bottom of page
10
他在第32分钟时因故意手球犯规被罚下场。
tā zài dì32 32 fēn zhōng shí yīn gù yì shǒu qiú fàn guī bèi fá xià。
He got sent off for deliberate handball in the 32nd minute.
Cultural Notes for 第
🏮Cultural insight
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.
Word Family of 第
Words Containing This Character20
第一dìyīfirst
第dìorder
第一次first
第二second
第二天next day
第二次second
第二轮second round (of match, or election)第二輪
第一步step one
第五fifth
第一季度first quarter (of financial year)
第三方third party
第三季度third quarter (of financial year)
印第安(American) Indian
第二位second place
第三产业tertiary sector of industry第三產業
第一轮first round (of match, or election)第一輪
第三者the other woman
第二季度second quarter (of financial year)
第三位third place
天下第一first under heaven
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 第一 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 第
'第' is placed before a number to indicate its ordinal position, for example, '第一' means 'first'.
'第' is specifically for numeric ordinals, so avoid using it with non-numeric terms.
'第' is used in both spoken and written contexts, particularly when discussing rankings or orders.
