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.
这个句子里的第让意思更清楚。
The 第 in this sentence makes the meaning clearer.
如果不用第，句子的重点会不一样。
Without 第, the sentence focus would be different.
他说得很自然，因为他知道第的位置。
He spoke naturally because he knew where 第 belongs.
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.
補助語彙
Targeted drill
Practice this exact pattern before moving on.
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