Level 1

첫째

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Meaning and Usage

The word '첫째' means 'the first' and is commonly used to indicate the first item in a sequence, the eldest child, or the primary point in a list. It is often used in both formal and informal contexts.

Common Contexts

  • Referring to the first day, event, or item: 첫째 날 (the first day)
  • Indicating the eldest child in a family: 첫째 아이 (the eldest child)
  • Introducing the first point or reason in a discussion: 첫째로 (firstly)

Collocations and Patterns

  • 첫째 날: the first day
  • 첫째 아이/아들/딸: the eldest child/son/daughter
  • 첫째로: firstly, first of all

Notes

When using '첫째' to refer to order or priority, it often appears with particles like '로' (첫째로) to emphasize the sequence. When referring to children, it specifically means the oldest sibling. Avoid confusing '첫째' with '처음,' which means 'the first time' or 'beginning' but is used differently in context.

Register

'첫째' is neutral and appropriate in everyday conversation, writing, and formal speech.

Example Sentences

첫째 날에는 박물관을 방문했어요.

Cheotjjae nareuneun bakmulgwaneul bangmunhaesseoyo.

On the first day, I visited the museum.

첫째로, 이 문제를 해결해야 합니다.

Cheotjaero, i munjeleul haegyeolhaeya hamnida.

First of all, we need to solve this problem.

우리 집에는 세 명의 아이가 있는데, 첫째가 가장 책임감이 강해요.

Uri jibe neun se myeongui aiga inneunde, cheotjjaega gajang chaegimgami ganghaeyo.

There are three children in our family, and the eldest is the most responsible.