thứ đầu
Definition
- Noun:
- The first item in a sequence or ranking: Refers specifically to the top position in an ordered list, such as the first place in a class or competition.
- The foremost part: Denotes the beginning or front section of something.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Trong cuộc thi, anh ấy đạt thứ đầu. (In the competition, he achieved first place.)
- Phần thứ đầu của cuốn sách rất hấp dẫn. (The first part of the book is very engaging.)
Advanced Usage
- This term is formal and is primarily used in structured contexts like academic rankings, official lists, or literary descriptions of order. It is less common in casual conversation than synonyms like "hạng nhất" or "vị trí đầu tiên."
Variants and Related Words
Đứng đầu (v): to stand at the head, to lead.
- Công ty đó đứng đầu về công nghệ. (That company leads in technology.)
Vị trí đầu tiên (n): the first position.
- Cô ấy về vị trí đầu tiên. (She finished in first position.)
Synonyms
- First place: the top rank in a contest or order.
- Top position: the highest or leading spot.
- Foremost part: the very beginning section.
Notes on Usage
- "Thứ đầu" is a compound noun where "thứ" means "order/rank" and "đầu" means "head/first." It is crucial to treat it as a single lexical unit meaning "first place/rank." Do not confuse it with the separate adjective "thứ" (meaning "kind/type") followed by "đầu."
- It is not typically used in idioms or as a phrasal verb.