首 + 量词（首次、首位、首届）
the first (ever); first in a series (the written 第一)
Structure
首次／首位／首枚／首届／首个／首家 ＋ 动词／名词
What it means
The written 第一 before a measure word: the first ever, or the first of a series. It marks a milestone.
How it is built
首 + measure word + verb/noun (首次, 首位 + person, 首届 + regular event, 首家 + shop): 本届电影节首次设立了短视频单元 (The festival has a short-video section for the first time).
When to use it
News, records and announcements; a Games' first gold is simply 首金. Choose the measure word as after 第一 (首位选手, 首届大会). In everyday speech say 第一次, 第一个.
Watch out
首 is first in time, not in rank. ✗ 考了首次 ✓ 考了第一. To head a list use 居…首位 (3-2).
Examples
2003年，杨利伟乘神舟五号飞船进入太空，成为中国首位进入太空的航天员。
In 2003 Yang Liwei flew into space aboard Shenzhou 5, becoming the first Chinese astronaut to go into space.
本届电影节首次设立了短视频单元。
This year’s film festival has a short-video section for the first time.
这家公司在当地开了首家门店，开业当天就排起了长队。
The company opened its first shop in the area, and there were long queues on the very first day.
Learn this in Lesson 115 · HSK 7–9: 郑钦文巴黎夺金 (Sport: gold in Paris)
A dialogue, a reading, word cards with audio and a drill that uses it, in Learn Chinese with Bao. The first lessons of every level are free.
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