Ordinal Numbers

Frequently asked questions

When is Số thứ tự used?

Ordinal numbers in Vietnamese are formed by adding thứ before the cardinal number. The exception is 'first' which has a special form.

How is Số thứ tự formed?

thứ nhất vs đầu tiên: Both mean 'first' but in different contexts. thứ nhất = firstly (in lists). đầu tiên = the first (chronologically). lần đầu tiên = the first time. Same as days! Notice that ordinal numbers look exactly like days of the week (thứ hai = second / Monday). Context tells you which meaning is intended.

What are common mistakes with Số thứ tự?

Using thứ một instead of thứ nhất, and confusing with day-of-week names. 🇬🇧 English speakers: Say *thứ một instead of thứ nhất for 'first'. Also confused by thứ hai meaning both 'second' and 'Monday'. 🇩🇪 German speakers: German ordinals change endings (erst-, zweit-), so the simple thứ + number pattern is actually easier. Just remember nhất for first. 🇷🇺 Russian speakers: Russian ordinals are adjectives with complex endings. Vietnamese is much simpler — just learn nhất and you're set. 🇨🇿 Czech speakers: Czech ordinals decline (první, druhý, třetí...). Vietnamese thứ + number is much easier. Just don't say *thứ một.