Translation guide
In Japanese, ordinal numbers are formed by adding a suffix to a number. The most common suffix is 〜目 (me), but other suffixes like 〜番 (ban), 〜位 (i), and 〜号 (gō) are used in specific contexts. The choice depends on what is being counted and the situation.
Expressing the order of items in a sequence, like 'first time', 'second person', etc.
Attach 目 to a Japanese native number or counter to mean '-th'. This is the most common way to form ordinals for general counting.
the third time
the second one
the fifth (in order)
Prefix 第 to a number (usually Sino-Japanese) to form ordinals like 'Chapter 1', 'the 2nd something'. Common in formal or written contexts.
Combines 番 (number) and 目 to emphasize the numbered position in a series. Often used with Sino-Japanese numbers.
the first one
Expressing rank in a competition, class standing, or hierarchical order.
Attach 位 to a number to indicate rank or place. Common in contests, exams, and sports.
first place
Referring to numbered things like rooms, issues of a magazine, bus routes, etc.
Used for numbers assigned to identify items, like bus numbers, ticket numbers, or order in a queue.
Specifying which floor of a building.
Attach 階 to a number to indicate floor. Note irregular readings for some numbers (e.g., 1st floor is いっかい, not いちかい).
third floor
Expressing the day of the month.
Attach 日 to a number to indicate the day of the month. Many days have irregular readings (e.g., 1st is ついたち, not いちにち).
the 3rd (of the month)
目 is a suffix for general ordinals (e.g., 三回目 = the third time). 第 is a prefix used in formal numbering (e.g., 第三章 = Chapter 3). They can be combined: 第三回目 = the third time (formal).
the second time (casual)
This is my third time visiting Japan.
the second time (event)
三番目の子供
the third child
won third place
More formal or emphatic way to state rank, often used in official announcements.
first place
You are number 5.
Used for numbered designations like room numbers, magazine issues, or train names.
Weekly Shonen Jump 2023 Issue 1
I'm waiting on the first floor.
the 15th
the second time (formal event)
最初 means 'first' in the sense of 'the beginning' or 'at first', not as an ordinal number. Use 一番目 or 第一 for 'the first one'.
彼女はコンテストで一位になりました。
She won first place in the contest.
Please go to Track 2.