第 (dì) means "(prefix for ordinal numbers)" with HSK 1 on the new exam.
Pronunciation
Meaning
Primary: (prefix for ordinal numbers)
Etymology
Oracle-bone origin
第 is not found in oracle bone or bronze script. It is a later graph, a variant derived from 弟 with 竹 added on top. 弟 in oracle bone depicted a leather cord wound spirally around a stake, from which the sense of sequential order, and by extension 'younger brother' (next in sequence), developed.
Form evolution
In seal script 第 appears with 竹 over a form close to 弟. The clerical and regular scripts standardised this into the modern shape with the bamboo radical on top and the lower component simplified from the original wound-cord drawing. The connection to 弟 is still visible in the bottom portion.
How the meaning evolved
The original sense was 'sequence, order', inherited from 弟. From 'order' came the use as an ordinal prefix: 第一, 第二, 第三, which is by far the dominant modern function. A secondary classical sense is 'residence of a noble or official' (府第, 宅第), where 第 marks a graded rank of housing.
Cultural note
及第 means to pass the imperial examinations, literally 'to reach the ranks', and 落第 means to fail. These terms survived into modern Chinese as metaphors for academic success and failure long after the exam system itself ended in 1905.
Basic info
| Pinyin | dì |
| Meanings | (prefix for ordinal numbers) |
| New HSK exam | Recognise at HSK 1 |
| Frequency | #793 most common |
Example sentences
Words containing 第
On the new HSK 1 exam
Studying for HSK 1? Keep 第 with the rest of your level.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Reviewed by RJ Murray, Founder, HSK Lord.