Grammar Info

N3 Lesson 8: 13/23

第一(だいいち)Start, First (point), Foremost, To begin with

Be careful when combining 第一 with chapter or section numbers (see Structure)

Structure

第一(だいいち)に + Phrase
第一(だいいち) + + Noun
だいいっ + Noun (Chapter)
Phrase + 第一(だいいち) +

Details

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    Standard

About 第一

第一(だいいち) is an expression in Japanese which may be used either as an adverb, or as a noun. As a noun, it will carry the meaning of 'foremost', or 'most important'. As an adverb, it can mean 'first', or 'above anything'.

To use 第一(だいいち) adverbially, pair it with . As a noun, it will usually be followed by の (when connecting nouns), or by the auxiliary verb , when at the end of a sentence. will often be ommited when there is no need to put specific emphasis on a time.

Occasionally, まず 'first of all' will be paired with 第一(だいいち). This may seem redundant, but is like saying 'the very first' in English.

Fun Fact

(だい) is a kanji that is often translated as 'number'. However, the literal meaning is a bit closer to 'position', as it refers to the place that something has within a sequence of numbers. As such, 第一(だいいち) simply means '1st position'.

Examples

--:--

    安全(あんぜん)第一(だいいち)だ。

    Safety first.

    第一(だいいっ)(せつ)第一(だいいっ)(かん)検察官(けんさつかん)義務(ぎむ)(など)

    Section 1, Subsection 1, Duties of public prosecutor, etc. (one・first)

    ハグ・クラブルールの第一(だいいち)、ハグ・クラブのことを()かすな。

    The first rule of Hug Club is: you do not talk about Hug Club.

    オリンピック選手(せんしゅ)になるには、(すぐ)れた身体能力(しんたいのうりょく)第一(だいいち)条件(じょうけん)だ。

    The first condition to become an Olympic athlete is outstanding physical ability.

    第一(だいいっ)(しょう):「自動販売機(じどうはんばいき)として()まれ()わった()。」

    Chapter 1: 'The day I got reincarnated as a vending machine.'

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      第一 – Grammar Discussion