Translation and Meaning of: 第 - dai
The Japanese word 第[だい] is a numeric prefix that frequently appears in formal and everyday contexts. If you have come across terms like "第一" (first) or "第三回" (third time), you have certainly noticed its presence. In this article, we will explore the meaning, origin, and practical uses of this linguistic element, as well as tips for memorizing it correctly.
Understanding how 第[だい] works is essential for anyone studying Japanese, as it appears in classifications, event titles, and even official documents. Furthermore, discovering its application in different situations helps avoid confusion with other numerical prefixes. Let’s dive into this topic clearly and directly.
Meaning and use of 第[だい]
The prefix 第[だい] is used to indicate sequential order, such as in "第一" (first), "第二" (second), and so on. It often appears in competitions, book editions, or repetitive events, like "第50回大会" (50th edition of the tournament). Its function is similar to the use of "º" or "ª," but with a broader application.
Unlike other numerical counters in Japanese, 第 is not used on its own – it always comes accompanied by a number. This characteristic makes its structure predictable, which facilitates learning. It is worth highlighting that it is not mandatory in all situations; often, the Japanese omit 第 in informal contexts, using only the numeral.
Origin and components of the kanji 第
The kanji 第 is composed of two main elements: the bamboo radical (竹) at the top and the component 弟 (younger brother) at the bottom. This combination suggests an idea of ordering or hierarchy, like the sequential nodes in bamboo. Historically, the character was used in ancient China to classify candidates in official exams, a function it still maintains today in certain contexts.
Interestingly, although 第 is an intermediate level kanji (taught in Japanese elementary school), its reading だい is one of the first that students learn. This is because it appears early in teaching materials, usually in ordering exercises or examples of sentences with numerals.
Tips for memorizing and using 第 correctly
An effective way to reinforce the use of 第 is to associate it with situations where order is crucial, such as positions in rankings or editions of events. For example, popular animes often use titles like "第2話" (episode 2), which helps internalize its meaning. Creating flashcards with real examples can also expedite learning.
It is important to note that 第 should not be confused with other prefixes like 目[め], which indicates the counting of items (e.g., 二個目 - second object). While 第 refers to sequential classification, 目 has a more concrete use. This distinction helps avoid common mistakes among beginner students.
Vocabulary
Expand your vocabulary with related words:
Synonyms and similar words
- 段 (Dan) - Stage, level, or degree (can refer to a section or division in a text).
- 級 (Kyuu) - Level, class, or degree (usually used to denote levels in a classification system).
- 階 (Kai) - Floor, level, or story (refers to different levels of a building).
- 節 (Setsu) - Section or paragraph (can refer to specific parts of a text or a segment of time).
- 章 (Shou) - Chapter (referring to divisions in a book or literary work).
- 段落 (Danraku) - Paragraph (a division in a text, usually in prose).
Related words
Romaji: dai
Kana: だい
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1
Translation / Meaning: ordinal
Meaning in English: ordinal
Definition: A word that expresses order or hierarchy.
Quick Access
- Vocabulary
- Writing
- Sentences
How to Write in Japanese - (第) dai
See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese. (第) dai:
Example Sentences - (第) dai
See below some example sentences:
Haiboku wo ukeireru koto ga shouri e no daiichiho desu
Accepting defeat is the first step to victory.
Accepting defeat is the first step to victory.
- 敗北 (haiboku) - defeat
- を (wo) - direct object particle
- 受け入れる (ukeireru) - accept, receive
- こと (koto) - noun maker
- が (ga) - subject particle
- 勝利 (shouri) - victory
- への (he no) - Direction particle
- 第一歩 (daiippou) - First step
- です (desu) - verb to be, to stay
Daitan na chōsen wa seikō e no daiippou desu
A bold challenge is the first step to success.
Bold challenges are the first step to success.
- 大胆な挑戦 - defiant boldness
- は - Topic particle
- 成功への - towards success
- 第一歩 - First step
- です - Verb to be/estar in the present
Hajimeru koto wa seikou e no daiichi ho desu
Starting is the first step towards success.
Starting is the first step to success.
- 始めること - beginning
- は - Topic particle
- 成功への - towards success
- 第一歩 - First step
- です - Verb to be/estar
Kare wa rakudai shite shimatta
He failed on the exam.
He fell.
- 彼 - pronoun that means "he"
- は - topic particle indicating that the subject of the sentence is "he"
- 落第 - noun that means "failure in an exam", "disapproval"
- してしまった - verb composed of the te form of the verb "suru" (to do) and the verb "shimau" (to complete, to finish), indicating that the action of "failing" has already been completed
Chireru wa manabu no daiippo desu
Discipline is the first step to learning.
- 懲りる - learn from mistakes
- は - Topic particle
- 学ぶ - study, learn
- の - Possessive particle
- 第一歩 - First step
- です - Verb to be/estar in the present
Shuukan wa daini no tensei de aru
The habit is the second natural nature.
- 習慣 - habit
- は - Topic particle
- 第二 - Second
- の - Possessive particle
- 天性 - innate nature
- で - state particle
- ある - verb to be"
Other Words of this Type: noun
See other words from our dictionary that are also: noun
