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A2 noun 5 min read

첫째

cheotjjae

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 첫째 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 첫째 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should focus on '첫째' as a way to describe family members. You will mostly hear it when people talk about how many siblings they have. For example, '저는 첫째예요' means 'I am the firstborn.' You might also see it in very simple lists, but its use as a family title is the most important starting point. It helps you understand the basic native Korean numbering system (하나, 둘, 셋) which transforms into (첫째, 둘째, 셋째) when counting order.

At the A2 level, you begin to use '첫째' to organize your thoughts. If you are writing a simple paragraph about why you like Korea, you might say '첫째, 음식이 맛있어요' (First, the food is delicious). You will also learn to distinguish it from '첫 번째'. Remember that '첫째' is often used for abstract points or people, while '첫 번째' is used for physical objects or times. You should be able to identify which child someone is talking about in a basic conversation.

At the B1 level, you use '첫째' to provide structure to more complex explanations. In discussions about social issues or personal opinions, '첫째' (often as '첫째로') serves as a crucial transition word. You will also encounter it in cultural contexts, such as understanding the expectations placed on the '첫째' in a Korean household. You should be comfortable using '첫째는...' to start a sentence that defines a primary reason or condition.

At the B2 level, you will notice '첫째' used in professional settings, such as business presentations or news reports. It is used to enumerate policy goals or project phases. You should also understand the nuanced difference between '첫째' and synonyms like '우선적으로' (prioritially) or '당초' (initially). You will be expected to use it fluently in debate-style speaking to clearly signpost your arguments.

At the C1 level, you explore the stylistic uses of '첫째'. It can be used for rhetorical effect, such as in the phrase '첫째도, 둘째도...' to emphasize that one thing is the absolute most important factor above all else. You will encounter it in legal or formal academic texts where precise sequencing is required. You should be able to parse complex sentences where '첫째' might refer to a previously mentioned concept or a specific person in a historical narrative.

At the C2 level, '첫째' is handled with native-like precision. You understand its role in classical literature and its interplay with Sino-Korean equivalents. You can use it to create highly structured, sophisticated prose. You also understand the deep psychological and sociological implications of being a '첫째' in Korean society and can discuss these nuances using advanced vocabulary. Your use of the word is no longer just about 'counting,' but about organizing complex philosophical or logical frameworks.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

첫째 in 30 Seconds

첫째 means 'firstborn' or 'firstly' and is used to identify the eldest sibling or list points.
It is a native Korean word, distinct from the Sino-Korean '제일' (the most/number one).
In family life, it carries the cultural weight of being the leader among siblings.
Grammatically, it can act as a noun (subject/object) or as an adverbial starter in a list.

The Korean word 첫째 (cheot-jjae) is a versatile noun that serves two primary functions in the Korean language: identifying the first child in a family and acting as an ordinal marker to mean 'first' or 'firstly.' At its core, it is derived from the native Korean word '첫' (first) combined with the suffix '-째' which denotes a sequence or turn. Understanding this word is crucial for anyone navigating Korean social structures, where birth order often dictates hierarchy and responsibility.

Familial Role: In a family context, 첫째 refers specifically to the eldest sibling. Unlike English where we might say 'the oldest,' Koreans often use 첫째 as a title or a way to categorize the child's position. It carries a cultural weight of leadership and responsibility.

Ordinal Listing: When giving a speech or writing an essay, 첫째 is used to list points. It functions like 'First,' or 'Firstly,' often followed by '둘째' (secondly) and '셋째' (thirdly). This is the standard way to organize thoughts logically in Korean.

우리 집 첫째는 지금 대학생이에요. (The first child in our house is a college student now.)

첫째, 건강이 가장 중요합니다. (First, health is the most important.)

Emphasis on Sequence: The use of 첫째 emphasizes the chronological or hierarchical order. It is not just about being 'number one' in terms of quality (which would be '일등'), but about being the entry point or the beginning of a set.

성공의 비결은 첫째도 성실, 둘째도 성실입니다. (The secret to success is firstly sincerity, and secondly sincerity.)

Using 첫째 correctly requires understanding its grammatical placement as a noun or an adverbial indicator. When acting as a noun referring to a person, it takes standard subject or object particles like '가/이' or '를/을'. When used to list points, it often stands alone or is followed by the particle '-로' to form '첫째로' (firstly).

As a Subject: When talking about the eldest child, 첫째 functions as the subject. Example: '첫째가 동생을 잘 돌봐요' (The firstborn takes good care of the younger sibling).

그녀는 삼 형제 중 첫째입니다. (She is the firstborn among three siblings.)

In Enumeration: When organizing a list of reasons or steps, you place 첫째 at the beginning of the sentence. It can be followed by a comma or the particle '-는' for emphasis. Example: '첫째, 시간이 없어요.' (First, there is no time.)

첫째로 고려해야 할 점은 비용입니다. (The first point to consider is the cost.)

With Possession: It is common to use possessive pronouns like '우리' (our) with 첫째. '우리 첫째' is a very natural way for parents to refer to their eldest child when speaking to others.

제 첫째 조카가 벌써 초등학생이에요. (My first nephew/niece is already an elementary student.)

You will encounter 첫째 in a variety of social and professional settings. In daily life, it is the standard term used by parents, relatives, and neighbors to discuss family dynamics. In academic or business settings, it is the go-to word for structured presentations.

At Home: Parents often say things like '첫째가 동생한테 양보해야지' (The eldest should give in to the younger one). It defines the social contract within the Korean family unit.

“첫째야, 이리 와서 밥 먹어라.” (Firstborn, come here and eat.) - Often used as a pseudo-name by elders.

In News and Lectures: When a news anchor lists the reasons for a policy change or a professor explains a theory, they will start with '첫째...'. It signals to the listener that a structured list has begun.

첫째, 환경 보호가 시급합니다. (First, environmental protection is urgent.)

In Literature: Novels often use 첫째 to describe the order of events in a narrative or to introduce siblings in a story, setting the stage for character development based on birth order.

Despite its relative simplicity, learners often confuse 첫째 with other words meaning 'first.' The most common error is using it when '첫' or '첫 번째' is more appropriate.

첫째 vs. 첫: '첫' is a determiner that must be followed by a noun (e.g., 첫 사랑 - first love). You cannot say '첫째 사랑'. '첫째' is a noun itself and usually stands alone or acts as the subject.

Wrong: 첫째 사랑 | Correct: 첫 사랑

첫째 vs. 제일/가장: '제일' (Sino-Korean) and '가장' (Native) mean 'the most' or 'number one' in quality. '첫째' is purely about sequence. If you want to say someone is the 'best,' don't use 첫째.

Wrong: 첫째 예뻐요 (The first is pretty) | Correct: 가장 예뻐요 (Is the prettiest)

Confusing with '한때': Some beginners confuse the pronunciation with '한때' (at one time). Ensure the 'ㅊ' (ch) sound in 첫째 is crisp and aspirated.

To sound more natural, it is helpful to know when to use alternatives to 첫째. Depending on the context—whether you are talking about rank, order, or time—different words are used.

첫 번째 (Cheot Beon-jjae): This literally means 'the first time' or 'the first one in a row.' It is more common than 첫째 when counting physical objects or specific instances (e.g., 'the first house').

맏이 (Madi): A more traditional, native Korean word for 'the eldest child.' While 첫째 is common in conversation, 맏이 is often found in literature or used by older generations.

우선 (Useon): Means 'first of all' or 'priority.' Use this when you are talking about what needs to be done immediately, rather than just listing things in order.

Example: 우선 밥부터 먹자. (Let's eat first.) - Here, 첫째 would sound awkward.

일등 (Il-deung): Specifically means 'first place' in a competition or ranking. Use this for grades, races, or quality rankings.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

While most numbers in Korean have both Native and Sino-Korean versions, the concept of 'firstborn' almost exclusively uses the native '첫째' or '맏이'.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /t͡ɕʰʌ̹t̚.t͡ɕ͈ɛ̝/

US /t͡ʃʌt̚.t͡ʃeɪ/

The stress is equal on both syllables, but the second syllable starts with a strong, tensed sound.

Rhymes With

둘째 (dul-jjae) 셋째 (set-jjae) 넷째 (net-jjae) 다섯째 (daseot-jjae) 여섯째 (yeoseot-jjae) 일곱째 (ilgop-jjae) 여덟째 (yeodeol-jjae) 아홉째 (ahop-jjae)

Common Errors

Pronouncing it as 'cheot-jae' with a soft 'j' instead of a tensed 'jj'.
Confusing the 'eo' sound with 'o' (chot-jjae).
Failing to stop the breath at the end of 'cheot' before the 'jj' sound.
Thinking it is pronounced 'il-jjae' because 'il' means one.
Mixing it up with 'cheot-beon-jjae' in speech.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize in texts, usually at the start of lists.

Writing 3/5

Must remember the double 'jj' (ㅉ) spelling and when to use particles.

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward but requires the tensed 'jj' sound.

Listening 2/5

Clearly distinguishable in speech due to its specific rhythm.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

하나 (one) 첫 (first - determiner) 아이 (child) 동생 (younger sibling)

Learn Next

둘째 (second) 셋째 (third) 막내 (youngest) 맏이 (eldest)

Advanced

우선순위 (priority) 서열 (hierarchy) 장남/장녀 (eldest son/daughter - Hanja)

Grammar to Know

Native Korean Ordinals

첫째 (1st), 둘째 (2nd), 셋째 (3rd)...

The particle '-로' for Adverbials

첫째로 (Firstly)

The particle '-는' for Contrast

첫째는 똑똑하지만 둘째는 운동을 잘해요.

Possessive '우리' in Family Context

우리 첫째 (My/Our firstborn)

Noun + 이다 (To be)

저는 첫째입니다.

Examples by Level

저는 첫째 아들입니다.

I am the first son.

첫째 (first) + 아들 (son)

첫째는 학교에 갔어요.

The first child went to school.

첫째 acting as a noun subject with particle '는'

우리 집 첫째는 강아지예요.

The first (child) in our house is a puppy.

Humorous use of 첫째 for a pet

첫째, 사과를 씻으세요.

First, wash the apple.

Imperative listing

제 친구는 첫째예요.

My friend is the firstborn.

Noun + 이다 (to be) ending

첫째 동생은 어디 있어요?

Where is the first (oldest) younger sibling?

첫째 used to specify which sibling

첫째 딸이 예뻐요.

The first daughter is pretty.

첫째 (first) + 딸 (daughter)

첫째, 조용히 하세요.

First, be quiet.

Listing a rule

첫째로, 아침을 꼭 드세요.

Firstly, make sure to eat breakfast.

첫째 + 로 (adverbial particle)

우리 첫째가 벌써 십대예요.

Our firstborn is already a teenager.

Possessive '우리' with 첫째

첫째 이유는 돈이 없어서예요.

The first reason is because there is no money.

첫째 (first) + 이유 (reason)

첫째 아이는 누구를 닮았어요?

Who does the first child look like?

Asking about resemblance

첫째, 손을 씻고 둘째, 밥을 먹어요.

First, wash hands, and second, eat.

Sequential listing

그 집은 첫째가 똑똑해요.

In that house, the firstborn is smart.

Describing a trait

첫째 날에는 바다에 갔어요.

On the first day, we went to the sea.

첫째 (first) + 날 (day)

첫째가 동생보다 키가 커요.

The firstborn is taller than the younger sibling.

Comparison using 보다

성공하려면 첫째, 목표가 분명해야 합니다.

To succeed, first, the goal must be clear.

Conditional '려면' with listing

첫째가 겪는 스트레스가 많아요.

The firstborn experiences a lot of stress.

Noun phrase with '겪는'

첫째로 중요한 것은 안전입니다.

The first important thing is safety.

Emphasizing the primary point

부모님은 첫째에게 기대를 많이 하세요.

Parents have high expectations for the firstborn.

Dative particle '에게'

첫째는 성격이 아주 꼼꼼해요.

The firstborn has a very meticulous personality.

Describing personality

여행 계획 중 첫째는 장소 선정입니다.

The first (step) in travel planning is choosing a location.

Listing steps

첫째 아들은 아버지를 도와 일을 해요.

The first son helps his father with work.

Describing family roles

첫째, 둘째 모두 공부를 잘해요.

Both the first and second (children) are good at studying.

Using '모두' (all/both)

이 문제의 원인은 첫째, 소통의 부재입니다.

The cause of this problem is, first, a lack of communication.

Formal explanation

첫째가 집안의 기둥 역할을 합니다.

The firstborn plays the role of the pillar of the family.

Metaphorical usage

첫째로 고려할 사항은 예산의 효율성입니다.

The first matter to consider is budget efficiency.

Professional business context

첫째는 책임감이 강한 편이에요.

The firstborn tends to have a strong sense of responsibility.

'-는 편이다' (tends to)

첫째, 신뢰를 쌓는 것이 비즈니스의 기본입니다.

First, building trust is the basis of business.

Business principle

첫째 조카가 이번에 대학에 합격했어요.

My first nephew/niece got into college this time.

Specific family news

첫째 조건은 경험이 풍부한 사람입니다.

The first condition is a person with abundant experience.

Hiring criteria

첫째는 동생들에게 모범이 되어야 해요.

The firstborn must be a role model for the younger siblings.

Cultural expectation

첫째도 건강, 둘째도 건강임을 잊지 마세요.

Do not forget that the first thing is health, and the second is also health.

Rhetorical repetition for emphasis

한국 사회에서 첫째가 짊어진 무게는 남다릅니다.

The weight carried by the firstborn in Korean society is extraordinary.

Advanced vocabulary (짊어지다)

첫째로 꼽히는 해결책은 교육 개혁입니다.

The solution cited as the first is education reform.

Passive construction (꼽히다)

첫째 부인과의 사이에서 태어난 자녀들입니다.

These are the children born from the first wife.

Historical/Contextual usage

첫째, 인간의 존엄성을 최우선으로 해야 합니다.

First, human dignity must be the top priority.

Ethical/Philosophical discourse

첫째가 가업을 잇는 것이 전통이었습니다.

It was tradition for the firstborn to inherit the family business.

Cultural history

첫째로 지목된 용의자는 알리바이가 확실했습니다.

The suspect identified first had a clear alibi.

Legal/Crime context

첫째가는 부자로 소문이 자자했습니다.

Rumors were widespread that they were the foremost rich person.

Idiomatic '첫째가는' (foremost)

첫째라는 명분이 그에게는 굴레이자 긍지였다.

The title of 'firstborn' was both a shackle and a source of pride for him.

Literary/Abstract contrast

첫째로 거론된 논점은 형이상학적 토대에 관한 것이었다.

The point of contention mentioned first concerned the metaphysical foundation.

Highly academic terminology

그의 성공 비결은 첫째도 겸손, 둘째도 겸손이었다.

The secret to his success was firstly humility, and secondly humility.

Stylistic repetition

첫째 아들의 일탈은 가문에 큰 파장을 몰고 왔다.

The deviance of the first son brought a great wave of impact to the clan.

Formal/Dramatic tone

첫째로 상정된 가설이 기각되면서 연구는 난항을 겪었다.

As the hypothesis proposed first was rejected, the research faced difficulties.

Scientific/Research context

첫째가는 미덕은 타인에 대한 배려라 할 수 있다.

The foremost virtue can be said to be consideration for others.

Moral discourse

첫째 부인의 소생임을 증명하는 문서가 발견되었다.

A document proving that they were the offspring of the first wife was found.

Archaic/Legal term (소생)

첫째로 전제되어야 할 것은 상호 간의 신뢰 구축이다.

What must be presupposed first is the establishment of mutual trust.

Logical argumentation

Common Collocations

첫째 아들

첫째 딸

첫째로 꼽히다

첫째도 둘째도

첫째 아이

첫째 날

첫째 조카

첫째 이유

첫째 조건

첫째 부인

Common Phrases

첫째 가라면 서럽다

— To be second to none; to be the very best at something.

그는 요리 실력으로는 첫째 가라면 서러워요.

첫째도 건강

— Health is the number one priority.

새해에는 첫째도 건강입니다.

우리 집 첫째

— The eldest child in my family.

우리 집 첫째는 말썽꾸러기예요.

첫째 마디

— The first segment or joint (often of a finger).

손가락 첫째 마디가 아파요.

첫째 번

— The first time or first turn.

첫째 번으로 발표할 사람?

첫째가 되다

— To become the first or the leader.

그는 반에서 첫째가 되었다.

첫째 가는

— The foremost or top-tier.

세계에서 첫째 가는 부자.

첫째로 치다

— To consider something as the first/best.

이 사과를 첫째로 칩니다.

첫째를 낳다

— To give birth to the first child.

작년에 첫째를 낳았어요.

첫째 손가락

— The thumb.

첫째 손가락을 다쳤어요.

Often Confused With

첫째 vs 첫

A determiner that must be followed by a noun (e.g., 첫 눈). '첫째' is a standalone noun.

첫째 vs 첫 번째

More common for physical objects (the first car) or specific instances (the first time).

첫째 vs 일등

Means 'first place' or 'best' in rank, not order of birth or listing.

Idioms & Expressions

"첫째 가라면 서럽다"

— If you say they are the second best, they would be sad (meaning they are the best).

그의 고집은 첫째 가라면 서러워요.

Colloquial

"첫째도 성실, 둘째도 성실"

— Sincerity is the most important thing, repeatedly emphasized.

성공의 비결은 첫째도 성실, 둘째도 성실입니다.

Formal/Inspirational

"첫째 발가락"

— The big toe (The 'first' toe).

첫째 발가락이 끼었어요.

Neutral

"첫째 가는 부자"

— A person who is among the wealthiest.

그는 마을에서 첫째 가는 부자예요.

Neutral

"첫째 마당"

— The first part/act of a play or performance.

공연의 첫째 마당이 끝났다.

Artistic

"첫째 아들 노릇"

— Doing one's duty as the eldest son.

그는 첫째 아들 노릇을 톡톡히 한다.

Cultural

"첫째 손"

— The primary hand or first helper.

그는 내 첫째 손이다.

Metaphorical

"첫째 줄"

— The first row or line.

첫째 줄에 앉으세요.

Neutral

"첫째 판"

— The first round (of a game).

첫째 판은 내가 이겼어.

Informal

"첫째 길"

— The primary path or way.

이것이 성공의 첫째 길이다.

Literary

Easily Confused

첫째 vs 한때

Similar sound to some beginners.

한때 means 'at one time' or 'once,' while 첫째 means 'first.'

그는 한때 가수였다. (He was once a singer.)

첫째 vs 일째

Mixing Sino-Korean 'il' (1) with '-jjae'.

일째 is used for counting days (e.g., 3일째 - for 3 days), but never for 'first' (which is 첫째).

여행 사흘째 (Third day of trip)

첫째 vs 먼저

Both mean 'first.'

먼저 is an adverb meaning 'before others' or 'ahead.' 첫째 is the ordinal 'first' in a sequence.

먼저 드세요. (Please eat first.)

첫째 vs 가장

Both can imply being 'at the top.'

가장 is a superlative (the most). 첫째 is ordinal (the first).

가장 높은 산 (The highest mountain)

첫째 vs 맏이

Both mean eldest child.

첫째 is more common in modern speech; 맏이 is more traditional/literary.

그는 맏이로서 책임감이 강하다. (As the eldest, he has a strong sense of responsibility.)

Sentence Patterns

저는 [Noun]입니다.

저는 첫째입니다.

첫째, [Sentence].

첫째, 물을 마셔요.

[Noun] 중 첫째가 [Adjective].

삼 형제 중 첫째가 가장 커요.

첫째로 중요한 것은 [Noun]입니다.

첫째로 중요한 것은 신뢰입니다.

첫째도 [Noun], 둘째도 [Noun].

첫째도 안전, 둘째도 안전입니다.

첫째가는 [Noun]

세계에서 첫째가는 도시

첫째라는 [Abstract Noun]

첫째라는 중압감

첫째로 상정하다

첫째로 상정된 원인

Word Family

Nouns

첫째 (first/firstborn)

첫 (the first)

첫인상 (first impression)

첫사랑 (first love)

둘째 (second)

셋째 (third)

맏이 (eldest)

맏아들 (eldest son)

맏딸 (eldest daughter)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely common in both spoken and written Korean.

Common Mistakes

첫째 사랑 → 첫사랑
첫째 is a noun; 첫 is the determiner used for 'first love'.
제일 아들 → 첫째 아들
제일 means 'the most' or 'number one'. Use 첫째 for birth order.
첫째 차 → 첫 번째 차
For physical objects like cars, '첫 번째' is more natural than '첫째'.
일째로 → 첫째로
You cannot use the Sino-Korean number '일' with '째' to mean 'firstly'.
첫째 예뻐요 → 가장 예뻐요
You can't use '첫째' to mean 'the most pretty'.

Tips

Particle Choice

Use '첫째로' when you want to emphasize the adverbial 'firstly' in a sequence of actions.

Expectations

Remember that being the '첫째' in Korea often implies being a leader for younger siblings.

Double Consonant

Don't forget the 'ㅉ' in '첫째'. Spelling it as '첫재' is a common mistake for beginners.

Family Titles

Parents often refer to their kids as '첫째', '둘째', etc., instead of names when talking to other parents.

Ordinal Native Numbers

Learn '첫째' along with '둘째' (2nd), '셋째' (3rd), and '넷째' (4th) as a set.

Pausing

Use '첫째...' as a filler to give yourself time to think of your first point in a conversation.

Signposting

Using '첫째' in your writing immediately makes it look more organized and professional.

Finger Counting

Koreans often refer to the thumb as '첫째 손가락'.

Context Clues

If you hear '첫째' in a family context, look for the oldest person among the siblings.

Vs. First Place

Always remember: '첫째' is about order, '일등' is about winning.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Cheot' sounding like 'Start'. The 'Cheot-jjae' is the 'Start-child' (the firstborn) or the 'Start-point' (firstly).

Visual Association

Imagine a tall child standing at the front of a line of smaller children. The tall one is the '첫째'.

Word Web

첫째 둘째 셋째 맏이 형 오빠 언니 누나

Challenge

Try to list three things you did today in Korean using '첫째', '둘째', and '셋째'.

Word Origin

Derived from the native Korean word '첫' (cheot), meaning 'first' or 'initial,' and the suffix '-째' (-jjae), which is used to form ordinal numbers from cardinal ones.

Original meaning: The first in a sequence or order.

Native Korean (no Chinese characters/Hanja for this specific word).

Cultural Context

Be aware that calling someone '첫째' emphasizes their age and position. In some contexts, it can feel like placing a burden of responsibility on them.

In English, we simply say 'oldest' or 'firstborn.' We don't usually use 'firstly' as a title for a person (e.g., 'Hey, First!'). In Korean, '첫째' is often used as a way to address or refer to the child directly.

The K-Drama 'Reply 1988' depicts the struggles of the second child compared to the '첫째' (the older sister). Traditional Korean folk tales often feature the '첫째' as either a heroic leader or a greedy antagonist to the '막내' (youngest). Many Korean variety shows use birth order to group celebrities and discuss their 'eldest' vs 'youngest' energy.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Family Introduction

첫째예요.
첫째 아들이에요.
첫째 딸이에요.
우리 첫째.

Giving Directions/Steps

첫째, 재료를 준비하세요.
첫째로 할 일.
첫째 단계.
첫째 번.

Comparing Siblings

첫째가 더 커요.
첫째는 얌전해요.
첫째랑 달라요.
첫째 닮았어요.

Listing Reasons

첫째 이유는...
첫째, 시간이 없어요.
첫째로 중요한 것.
첫째 문제.

Anatomy

첫째 손가락.
첫째 마디.
첫째 발가락.
첫째 뼈.

Conversation Starters

"형제 중에 첫째이신가요? (Are you the firstborn among your siblings?)"

"첫째 아이가 몇 살이에요? (How old is your first child?)"

"첫째로 가고 싶은 여행지가 어디예요? (What is the first travel destination you want to go to?)"

"첫째 아들과 둘째 아들이 많이 닮았나요? (Do your first and second sons look alike?)"

"인생에서 첫째로 중요한 게 뭐라고 생각하세요? (What do you think is the first most important thing in life?)"

Journal Prompts

내가 우리 집에서 첫째라면 어떨지 써 보세요. (Write about what it would be like if you were the firstborn in your family.)

성공하기 위한 첫째 조건을 세 가지 적어 보세요. (Write down three 'first' conditions for success.)

오늘 한 일 중에서 첫째로 기억에 남는 일은 무엇인가요? (What is the first most memorable thing you did today?)

첫째 아이에게 부모님이 가장 많이 하는 말은 무엇일까요? (What do parents say most to their firstborn?)

내가 만약 첫째라면 동생에게 어떤 조언을 해주고 싶나요? (If you were the firstborn, what advice would you give your younger sibling?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Usually no. To mean 'the best,' you should use '최고' or '일등.' '첫째' only refers to the order or sequence. However, '첫째가는' can idiomatically mean 'foremost' or 'top-tier.'

Yes, '첫째' is gender-neutral. It simply means the firstborn. To specify gender, you can say '첫째 아들' (first son) or '첫째 딸' (first daughter).

They are often interchangeable, but '첫째' is preferred for siblings and abstract points in a list. '첫 번째' is more common for physical items like 'the first house' or 'the first person in line.'

You use '첫째, 둘째, 셋째' or '첫째로, 둘째로, 셋째로.' This is the standard way to enumerate points in Korean.

You can refer to him as '우리 집 첫째' when talking to others, but you should address him as '형' or '오빠' directly. Parents are the ones who usually call their child '첫째야'.

Yes, '제일' (第一) is the Sino-Korean equivalent. It is often used in formal titles or to mean 'the most/best.' For family birth order, native Korean '첫째' is much more common.

Yes, if a pet was the first one brought into the home, or if an animal had a litter, the firstborn can be called '첫째'.

It refers to the first joint of a finger or toe. '마디' means joint or segment.

No. For the first day of the month, you use '1일' (ir-il). For the first day of an event, you can say '첫째 날'.

Not always. When listing points (e.g., '첫째, ...'), it can stand alone. As a subject or object, it needs '가/이' or '를/을'.