Meaning and Usage
The suffix ～位 (～い) is used to indicate rank or position in a sequence, such as in competitions, sales rankings, or academic standings. It corresponds to English expressions like "~th place" or "number ~".
Common Contexts
You will often see ～位 used in contexts like sports tournaments, product sales rankings, or school exam results. It is attached directly to a number to show the order or rank.
Collocations and Patterns
- 数字＋位 (e.g., 一位, 三位): Indicates the rank or position.
- 売り上げで一位: "number one in sales" — common in business contexts.
- 大会で～位: "~th place in a tournament" — common in sports or competitions.
Register and Politeness
This suffix is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It is a common way to express ranking without extra politeness.
Common Learner Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse ～位 with ～回 (times) or ～度 (degrees/times). Remember that ～位 specifically refers to rank or position, not frequency or degree.