order · rank

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 第 has 11 strokes and denotes order or rank.
• Basic usage: 第一 is read だいいち, and 第三者 is read だいさんしゃ.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• First priority and a third party
  • 安全を第一に考えて means putting safety first.
  • 第一 can indicate priority as well as sequence.
  • 第三者が話し合いに加わった means that a third party joined the discussion.
  • 第三者 refers to someone who is not a direct party to the matter.