Prefixes: 第～, 老～, 小～
前缀：第～、老～、小～
Use the prefixes 第, 老, and 小 to form ordinal numbers and familiar forms of address
These three prefixes attach to numbers or surnames to create ordinal numbers, informal nicknames, or familiar titles. 第 turns cardinal numbers into ordinals, 老 signals seniority or closeness, and 小 signals youth or affection.
第 is purely grammatical and always pairs with a number. 老 and 小 are social prefixes used before surnames to create warm, informal ways of addressing people. 老 can also indicate birth order among siblings (老大, 老二, 老三).
Lesson Targets
Podcast
Podcast: Prefixes: 第～, 老～, 小～ (前缀：第～、老～、小～)
Listen to Jason & Amy explain the 前缀：第～、老～、小～ pattern
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Understanding 前缀：第～、老～、小～
Chinese does not change the form of a number to make it ordinal the way English adds "-st" or "-th." Instead, you simply place the prefix 第 before the number: 第一 means "first," 第三 means "third," and so on. The prefixes 老 and 小 serve a different purpose — they are affectionate or familiar forms of address placed before someone's surname. 老王 ("Old Wang") does not mean the person is elderly; it signals that you know them well and perhaps that they are roughly your age or older. 小李 ("Young Li") likewise signals familiarity combined with the fact that the person is younger or junior. These prefixes are extremely common in daily life, workplaces, and among friends, so mastering them will make your Chinese sound natural and warm.
Key Points
- 第 (dì) + number creates ordinal numbers: 第一 (first), 第二 (second), 第三 (third).
- 第 is required for ordinals — you cannot say *一名 for "first place"; it must be 第一名.
- 老 (lǎo) + surname is an informal, friendly way to address someone of similar or older age.
- 小 (xiǎo) + surname is an informal, friendly way to address someone younger or junior.
- 老 can indicate birth order among siblings: 老大 (eldest), 老二 (second child), 老三 (third child).
- 小 can also be used affectionately for children or pets: 小明, 小白 (a white pet).
- These prefixes are never used in formal written contexts or with full names — only surnames.
In Chinese workplaces, calling a colleague 老张 or 小刘 is very common and shows you have a good relationship. Using someone's full name without a title can feel cold. However, you should be careful with 老 — some people, especially women, may not appreciate the implication of age. In those cases, using 小 or their given name is more appropriate.
Key Vocabulary
Example Sentences
我是第一次来中国。
This is my first time coming to China.
他在比赛中得了第三名。
He got third place in the competition.
老王，好久不见！
Old Wang, long time no see!
Friendly, informal greeting
他是我们家的老二。
He is the second child in our family.
小李，这个文件给你。
Xiao Li, this document is for you.
Common workplace address
小王刚来公司，大家多帮帮她。
Xiao Wang just joined the company — everyone please help her out.
这是我第五次考试了。
This is my fifth time taking the exam.
老张做的菜特别好吃。
Old Zhang's cooking is especially delicious.
Common Mistakes
Ordinal numbers in Chinese require the prefix 第. Without it, 一次 just means "one time," not "the first time."
You can only use one prefix at a time. Choose 老 or 小 based on the person's relative age, not both.
老 and 小 are only used with surnames, never with full names. Say 小王, not 小王明.
Practice Exercises
Tips & Tricks
Think of 第 as the English "-th" or "-st" suffix — you always need it to say "first, second, third" in Chinese.
When you meet someone new at work in China, listen to how others address them — if everyone says 老X or 小X, follow suit.
Remember: 老 does not mean "old" in this context. It is closer to "buddy" or "pal" for someone you know well.
For birth order, the pattern is consistent: 老大, 老二, 老三 — but 老大 can also colloquially mean "the boss."
Homework
Write five sentences using 第 with different numbers (第一次, 第二个, etc.), and five sentences using 老 or 小 with different Chinese surnames to address imaginary colleagues or friends.