第一
Start, First (point), Foremost, To begin with
Structure
第一 + の + Noun
だいいっ + Noun (Chapter)
Phrase + 第一 + だ
Explanation
The Japanese word 第一 can function as either an adverb or a noun. When used as a noun, it conveys the meaning of 'primary', 'number one', or 'top priority'. When used as an adverb, it typically means 'in the first place' or 'to begin with'.
To use 第一 as an adverb, it is often followed by the particle に. As a noun, it will come before の to modify another noun, or it will be followed by the auxiliary verb だ at the end of a clause. The particle に is frequently dropped in situations where specific temporal emphasis is not required.
- 第一そんなお金はどこで手に入れたんだ。In the first place, where did you get that kind of money?
- これは本の第一の章だ。This is the first chapter of the book.
- 子供にとっては遊ぶことが第一だ。For children, playing is the most important thing.
Sometimes, 第一 is used together with まず ('first of all'). While this might seem repetitive, it adds extra emphasis, much like saying 'first and foremost' in English.
- まず第一に事実を確認しましょう。First and foremost, let's confirm the facts.
Fun Fact
The kanji 第 is a prefix used to create ordinal numbers (like first, second, third). Its core meaning relates to the order or sequence of things. Therefore, 第一 literally means 'number one in a sequence', or simply 'the first'.
Examples
何よりも健康が第一だ。
Above all else, health comes first.
第一巻の第一章を読み終えました。
I finished reading Volume 1, Chapter 1. (one・first)
このゲームの第一のルールは、絶対にズルをしないことだ。
The first rule of this game is to never cheat.
この大学に入学するための第一条件は高い学力だ。
The primary requirement for admission to this university is high academic achievement.
第一話：「伝説の始まり」
Episode 1: 'The Beginning of a Legend'.
「私がこの会社を選んだ理由ですが、第一の理由は企業理念です。次に、福利厚生です。」
'As for why I chose this company, the primary reason is its corporate philosophy. Next is the employee benefits.'
このプロジェクトが失敗したまず第一の原因は、コミュニケーション不足だそうだ。
It seems the primary cause of this project's failure was a lack of communication.
ビジネスではお客様の満足を何よりも第一に考えなければならない。
In business, you must consider customer satisfaction above all else.
朝起きたら、まず第一にコーヒーを淹れます。そうしないと一日が始まらない。
The very first thing I do when I wake up is make coffee. My day can't start without it.
人を批判する前に、まず第一に自分の行動を振り返ってみなさい。
First and foremost, take a look at your own actions before you criticize other people.
勉強する時は、新しい単語を覚えるよりも、文法の理解を第一にすべきだ。
When you study, you should prioritize understanding grammar over just memorizing new words.
母：「第一、その服を買うお金はどこにあったの？」
Mother: 'In the first place, where did you get the money to buy those clothes?'