中国第一
Zhōngguó dì-yī
The phrase "china number 1" in Chinese is expressed as 中国第一 (Zhōngguó dì-yī).
中国第一 is used to express that China is the best or the top-ranked in a particular category. Depending on the context, it can function as a complete sentence in casual speech meaning "China is number one," or as a noun phrase meaning "China's number one [something]".
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 中国 (Zhōngguó), meaning "China" and 第一 (dì-yī), meaning "number one" or "first".
How does it change in a sentence?
The term 第一 uses the character 第 (dì) as a prefix to form ordinal numbers, which turns the number 一 (yī, one) into the ordinal "first" or "number one".
How do you pronounce it?
Zhōngguó dì-yī
Did you know?
- In traditional Chinese calligraphy, the character 一 (one) is often the most studied stroke, as it represents the beginning of all things in Taoist philosophy.
- The term 中国 (Zhōngguó) literally translates to 'Central Kingdom'. Because of this, saying 中国第一 carries a historical subtext of the 'Central Kingdom' being the foremost power.
- The character 第 used in 中国第一 was originally a noun referring to a 'sequence' or 'order' before it evolved into a prefix for ordinal numbers.
Examples in context
- 中国在夏季奥运会上是第一。China is number one at the Summer Olympics.
- 中国科技发展迅猛，可谓世界第一。China's scientific and technological development is fast, truly deserving its world number one position.
- 中国牛逼！China is awesome!
- 在高铁领域，中国第一。Zài gāotiě lǐngyù, Zhōngguó dìyī.In the field of high-speed rail, China is number one.
- 论生产规模，中国第一。Lùn shēngchǎn guīmó, Zhōngguó dìyī.In terms of production scale, China is number one.
- 在很多方面，中国第一。Zài hěnduō fāngmiàn, Zhōngguó dìyī.In many aspects, China is number one.
Example conversation
Two friends are watching an international sports event on TV.
- 俊杰 Junjie快看，中国队的成绩最高！Kuài kàn, Zhōngguó duì de chéngjī zuì gāo!Look quickly, the Chinese team's score is the highest!
- 佳怡 Jiayi没错，中国第一！Méi cuò, Zhōngguó dì-yī!That's right, China number one!
- 俊杰 Junjie他们这次真的太强了。Tāmen zhè cì zhēnde tài qiáng le.They are really too strong this time.
- 佳怡 Jiayi这就是冠军的实力。Zhè jiùshì guànjūn de shílì.This is the strength of a champion.
