(dì yī cì) - the first time in Mandarin
dìyīcìTraditional: 第一次
Translation
the first time
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Word origin
The phrase 第一次 combines 第一 'the first' with 次 'time, occurrence', meaning 'the first time'. 次 has the 欠 (to lack, to exhale) element and originally conveyed order or sequence.
- Origin
- compound
- Root
- 第一 (dì yī, the first) + 次 (cì, occurrence)
Stroke order
第
一
次
Examples
。
This is my first time coming to China.
。
The first time is always the most memorable.
。
I liked her the first time I saw her.
。
This is my first time taking a plane.
。
She saw the sea for the first time.
第一次 (dì yī cì) means the first time. 第 is an ordinal prefix (like -th in English), 一 is one, and 次 is the measure word for occurrences or times. The pattern 第 + number + 次 forms ordinal expressions for frequency: 第二次 (second time), 第三次 (third time). 第一次 is especially common in expressions about memorable firsts or debut experiences.
Where this fits
Used in
Grammar articles
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第一次: worksheet, infographic and listicleThe padlock and Plus mark show a Kilo Lingo Plus feature. Start your free week to unlock it - no card needed.
Free printable study downloads for the Mandarin word "第一次" (the first time): a worksheet with the answer key built in, an infographic, and a sentence listicle. Open any one to view, print or save.
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Start your free week (no card)This word is taught in chapter 8, lesson 2: 第一次, 进行, 照片 and 7 more words.