第一 The First

Meaning

Primary

The First

Alternatives

First, Number One, Best

Word Type

adverb, noun

Explanation

The ordinal number prefix one refers to the first thing. This is the number one place you can get. In fact, it's simply the best.

Reading

だいいち

Explanation

This is a jukugo word, which usually means on'yomi readings from the kanji. If you know the readings of your kanji you'll know how to read this as well.

Context

Common Word Combinations

• 〜第一

  お客さま第一

  the customer comes first

  まず第一

  first of all

  家族第一

  family first

• 第一と〜

  第一となる

  to become primary

  第一と考える

  to consider to be primary

  第一とする

  to put first

• 第一に〜

  第一に考える

  to consider first

  第一にする

  to put first

  第一に思う

  to think of first

Context Sentences

自分の安全を第一に考えて下さい。

Please think of your safety first.

休みたい第一の理由は時間が足りないからです。

The number one reason I want to take a break is that I don't have enough time.

お互いの第一印象はどうでしたか？

What was your first impression of each other?

Kanji Composition

1. 第

   だい Ordinal Number Prefix
2. 一

   いち One