第

第 represents the concept of sequence, ranking, or progression — how things follow one another in an established order.

It is most familiar as the prefix used to form ordinal numbers (first, second, third…), such as 第⼀, 第⼆, 第三.

Phono-semantic compound composed of:

竹 (대 죽) — semantic component, meaning “bamboo,” used because bamboo slips were traditionally used for writing and recording order or rank.

弟 (아우 제) — phonetic component, providing the sound je and originally meaning “order” or “sequence.”

In early script forms, 弟 did not mean “younger brother” but “sequence” or “rank.”

When 弟 was later borrowed (假借) to mean “younger brother,” the new character 第 was created to preserve its original meaning of “order” or “grade.”

第一 (제일) — first; number one

第二 (제이) — second

第三 (제삼) — third

次第 (차제) — sequence; order

各第 (각제) — each rank or position

科第 (과제) — rank in official examination; civil service degree

段第 (단제) — level; gradation

等第 (등제) — grade; rank; class

列第 (열제) — arranged in order

第名 (제명) — ranking name; listed position

In modern Chinese, Korean, and Japanese, 第 is used almost exclusively as a prefix for ordinal numbers (e.g., 第1回 “the first round,” 第3章 “Chapter 3”).

In early Chinese administrative and scholarly contexts, 第 referred to classification and order, both in physical arrangements and written records.

On bamboo slips (竹簡), items were tied and arranged in order — a direct connection between bamboo (竹) and sequence (第).

In the Imperial Examination system, 科第 (과제) denoted ranks or degrees achieved by scholars, symbolizing intellectual hierarchy and official recognition.

「登科第者，榮於門庭。」

“Those who attain rank in the examinations bring honor to their households.”

Over time, 第 extended beyond bureaucratic or scholastic contexts to general use, representing any series, order, or stage — physical, temporal, or conceptual.

第 symbolizes structure and progression — the order that brings clarity and hierarchy to the world.

The bamboo radical (竹) reflects the ancient recording system, while 弟 (originally “sequence”) adds the human aspect of relational order — from elder to younger, from one to many.

「萬事有第，天下有序。」

“When all things have their proper order, the world stands in harmony.”

Thus, 第 embodies the Confucian ideal of 秩序 (order and harmony) —

that every element has its rightful place within the greater pattern.

第 teaches the virtue of order and disciplined progression.

Every achievement, relationship, and creation unfolds through steps — one stage at a time.

「循第而進，不越其階。」

“Advance according to order; do not leap over the steps.”

Therefore, 第 stands as a character of sequence, hierarchy, and disciplined advancement — reminding us that true growth is not found in haste, but in patient movement through the ordered steps of the Way.