Ordinal Numbers with 第
Learn Ordinal Numbers with 第 with practical HSK 1 examples, focus vocabulary, common pitfalls, and targeted cloze practice.
Pattern
第 + number
Use this HSK 1 pattern to make sentence structure, scope, or emphasis explicit instead of relying on word-for-word English order.
他是第一个学生。
When to use Ordinal Numbers with 第
Read 第 + number as a sentence tool, not just as vocabulary. First locate the main action or claim, then ask what 第 adds to it.
今天是第三天。
Today is the third day.
请看第五页。
Please look at page five.
Common traps
- Do not translate 第 + number mechanically from English; check the Chinese word order first.
- Keep 第 close to the part of the sentence it controls.
- Do not overuse the pattern in every sentence; use it when it adds a clear role.
Targeted drill
Practice this exact pattern before moving on.
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