How to Write 第 (dì) — Meaning “prefix for ordinal numbers”

Imagine a bamboo stick (⺮) poking your younger brother (弟) to make him stand in line — now he is "first" or "second" in the order. This visual helps you connect the top bamboo radical with the bottom younger brother to recall the ordinal meaning.

Pay attention to the bottom part 弟: it has many strokes, and the vertical stroke in the middle must go straight down through the horizontal lines. Also, the bamboo radical on top should be slightly narrower than the bottom part, and do not forget the small dot inside the bottom enclosure.

All three share the bamboo radical (⺮), but the bottom parts differ: 第 has 弟 (younger brother), 笑 has 夭 (which relates to bending or laughter), and 笔 has 毛 (hair/brush). So remember: 第 for order (with a brother), 笑 for laugh, and 笔 for pen.

第 is used as a prefix to form ordinal numbers, like 第一 (first), 第二 (second), and 第一次 (the first time). It is essential for ranking, listing, and ordering, and appears in everyday expressions such as 第一个 (the first one) and 第二次 (the second time).

Common words containing 第 include: 第一 (dì yī) — first; 第二次 (dì èr cì) — The second time; 第一个 (dì yí gè) — the first one.