numeral / ordinal number HSK 1
second · number two · secondly
Meaning
第二 is the ordinal number meaning 'second' in position, rank, or sequence. The prefix 第 transforms cardinal numbers into ordinal numbers in Mandarin. It's one of the most basic and frequently used ordinal numbers in Chinese.
Usage
Used in formal and informal contexts to indicate order or rank. Can function as an adverb meaning 'secondly' when listing points. Unlike English, 第二 typically comes before the noun it modifies (第二个人 'the second person'). Very common in everyday speech, writing, and academic contexts.
Examples
- 01我的房间在第二层。.My room is on the second floor.
- 02这是我第二次来北京。.This is my second time coming to Beijing.
Characters
Common collocations
- 第二天the next day, the second day
- 第二次the second time
- 第二个the second one
- 第二名second place
Antonyms
Origin
第 originally meant 'order' or 'sequence' in Classical Chinese and was used to mark ranking in imperial examinations. Combined with 二 (two) to create the ordinal form.