Meaning
The kanji 第 primarily means 'ordinal number prefix,' 'order,' 'grade,' 'chapter,' or 'sequence.' You'll almost always see it as a prefix or part of a compound. It indicates a position in a series, such as 'first,' 'second,' 'third,' or 'Chapter 1,' and 'Grade A.' Its fundamental role is to provide structure and sequence to counts or categories.
Historically, 第 is a phono-semantic compound. It combines the radical 竹 (bamboo), which originally represented bamboo slips used for writing and counting, with the component 弟 (younger brother). The latter evokes sequence or order, as younger siblings naturally follow older ones. Together, these elements convey the idea of items arranged in a specific order or numbered in a series, much like how bamboo slips would be organized for a scroll or a list.
Visually, the top part, 竹 (bamboo radical), represents bamboo. This symbolizes something tall, upright, and often used in sets or for marking. The bottom part, 弟 (younger brother), literally means 'younger brother,' but also carries the nuance of 'order' or 'sequence' in its ancient forms. This combination clearly illustrates the concept of ordered progression. With 11 strokes, it's taught in the 3rd grade in Japanese schools. This makes it a relatively common and fundamental character, even though it's classified as JLPT N2 primarily due to the complexity of the compounds it forms.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The On'yomi (Chinese-derived readings) for 第 come from its original Chinese pronunciation. There are two main On'yomi: ダイ and テイ.
- ダイ (dai): This is by far the most common reading. It's used extensively in modern Japanese to form ordinal numbers, indicate chapters and sections, or denote general order. It functions as a prefix meaning 'number X' or 'X-th.'
第一 (daiichi) — first, primary, No. 1
第二 (daini) — second, No. 2
第三者 (daisansha) — a third party, neutral party
- テイ (tei): This reading is less common in everyday Japanese. However, it appears in specific compound words, often relating to passing or failing examinations or indicating a specific level. For example, in archaic contexts, 弟第 (teidai) referred to 'younger brothers and sisters.'
及第 (kyūdai) — passing an examination (meaning to reach the grade/standard)
落第 (rakudai) — failing an examination, failing a grade (meaning to fall from the grade/standard)
弟第 (teidai) — younger brothers and sisters (an archaic term)
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
The kanji 第 has no commonly used Kun'yomi (native Japanese readings) as a standalone word. It is almost exclusively found in compounds using its On'yomi.
Common Words & Compounds
The kanji 第 is highly productive, forming many compound words, particularly those indicating order, sequence, or chapters. Here are some key examples grouped by theme:
Ordinal Numbers & Positions:
- 第一 (daiichi) — first, primary, No. 1 (e.g., the first item on a list)
- 第二 (daini) — second, No. 2
- 第三 (daisan) — third, No. 3
- 第一位 (daiichii) — first place, rank one
- 第一歩 (daiippo) — the first step
- 第一線 (daiissen) — the front line, the forefront (e.g., of a field or battle)
Chapters, Sections, & Series:
- 第一章 (daiisshō) — Chapter 1
- 第一節 (daiissetsu) — Section 1, Clause 1
- 第〜回 (dai~kai) — ~th time, ~th round (e.g., the 5th meeting)
- 第〜号 (dai~gō) — No. ~ (e.g., issue number of a magazine)
Historical & Specific Contexts:
- 第二次世界大戦 (dainiji sekai taisen) — World War II
- 第三者 (daisansha) — a third party, an impartial party
- 次第 (shidai) — order, sequence, circumstances, as soon as (e.g., 準備次第 — as soon as preparations are complete)
Examinations & Grades (using テイ):
- 及第 (kyūdai) — passing an examination
- 落第 (rakudai) — failing an examination, failing a grade
- 及第点 (kyūdai ten) — passing mark/score
Example Sentences
日本で一番高い山は富士山で、これは第一位です。
Nihon de ichiban takai yama wa Fujisan de, kore wa daiichii desu.
The highest mountain in Japan is Mt. Fuji, which holds the first place.
その本の第一章はとても面白かったです。
Sono hon no daiisshō wa totemo omoshirokatta desu.
The first chapter of that book was very interesting.
彼は試験に落第してしまい、来年再受験する必要があります。
Kare wa shiken ni rakudai shite shimai, rainen saijuken suru hitsuyō ga arimasu.
He failed the exam and needs to retake it next year.
弊社の製品は、品質において業界で第一位を誇ります。
Heisha no seihin wa, hinshitsu ni oite gyōkai de daiichii o hokorimasu.
Our company's products boast the top position in quality within the industry.
このイベントは今回で第三回目となります。
Kono ibento wa konkai de daisankaime to narimasu.
This event will be the third time it's held.
私は将来、第一線で活躍できるエンジニアになりたいです。
Watashi wa shōrai, daiissen de katsuyaku dekiru enjinia ni naritai desu.
In the future, I want to become an engineer who can play an active role on the front lines.
状況に次第で、計画を変更する可能性があります。
Jōkyō ni shidai de, keikaku o henkō suru kanōsei ga arimasu.
Depending on the circumstances, there is a possibility that the plan will be changed.
会議は第三会議室で行われます。
Kaigi wa daisankagishitsu de okonawaremasu.
The meeting will be held in conference room number three.
これが成功への第一歩だと信じています。
Kore ga seikō e no daiippo da to shinjite imasu.
I believe this is the first step towards success.
第二次世界大戦は1939年に始まりました。
Dainiji Sekai Taisen wa senkyūhyakusanjūkyū-nen ni hajimarimashita.
World War II began in 1939.
Memory Tip
To remember 第, let's break down its components. The top radical 竹 means 'bamboo,' which often grows in orderly rows or was used as slips for writing in ancient times, suggesting sequence or lists. Below it is 弟, meaning 'younger brother,' who naturally follows an elder, symbolizing position or order within a family. Imagine a row of bamboo shoots, each numbered in order, or a line of younger brothers standing diligently in sequence. This vividly connects the organized bamboo with the concept of following in a series, perfectly illustrating the kanji's meaning of 'ordinal number' or 'order.'