Usage of 第～
The prefix 第 (だい) is used to indicate ordinal numbers, similar to "-th" in English. It is commonly attached to numbers to express order, such as 第1 (first), 第2 (second), 第10 (tenth), etc. This is frequently used in formal contexts like meetings, competitions, chapters, or events.
Common contexts
- Meetings and events: 第～回 (e.g., 第5回 meaning "the 5th time")
- Rankings and positions: 第～位 (e.g., 第3位 meaning "third place")
- Sections or chapters in books: 第～章 (e.g., 第1章 meaning "chapter 1")
Collocations and patterns
- 第～回: used to count occurrences of events or meetings
- 第～位: used to indicate rank or position
- 第～章: used for chapters or sections in books
Notes
- 第 is always followed by a number and then a counter or noun.
- It is a formal and standard way to express order, so it is common in written and formal spoken Japanese.
- Do not confuse 第～ with just numbers; 第～ specifically marks ordinals.
Understanding 第～ helps you talk about sequences, rankings, and organized events clearly and politely.