第
第·ordinal prefix (No., -th), order, sequence
- On-yomi
- ダイ
- Kun-yomi
- none
By Nihongo PathUpdated
Stroke order
Write it in this order; the numbers mark where each stroke starts.
Common words
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 第一 | だいいち | first, number one |
| 次第 | しだい | depending on; as soon as |
| 第三者 | だいさんしゃ | third party, outsider |
| 次第に | しだいに | gradually |
Example sentences
面接では第一印象が大切です。
めんせつではだいいちいんしょうがたいせつです。
First impressions matter in an interview.
天気次第で明日の予定を決めます。
てんきしだいであしたのよていをきめます。
We will decide tomorrow's plan depending on the weather.
空が次第に明るくなってきた。
そらがしだいにあかるくなってきた。
The sky gradually grew brighter.
Similar-looking kanji
Do not confuse these on the exam.
Common mistakes
- Reading 次第 as じだい — that is 時代 (era); 次第 is しだい
- Writing 第一 where 一番 is wanted in speech — 第 belongs to written and formal numbering
Memory aid
Picture it
Bamboo 竹 over 弟: bamboo grows in numbered joints, one after another, so 第 marks the number in a sequence.
Vocabulary using this kanji
Quick check
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What does the kanji 第 mean?