numero
numero — noun
- numerosingular
- numerosplural
1. an informal phrase used when someone deliberately puts their own needs, interest
an informal phrase used when someone deliberately puts their own needs, interests, or well-being ahead of everyone else’s, especially in competitive or difficult situations.
After three failed promotions, Lin Mei-hua chose to look after numero uno.
collocation: look after numero uno
The headhunter told Chang Da-wei to think about numero uno first.
collocation: think about numero uno
Huang Hsin-yi felt guilty, but her doctor insisted she care for numero uno.
When everyone worked eighty-hour weeks, someone had to protect numero uno from burnout.
Wu Tsung-han's father said, 'Take care of numero uno before worrying about rivals.'
- everyone else
the people whose needs are being set aside
文法句型
look after / take care of numero uno
用法筆記
Almost always appears in the fixed phrase 'numero uno' and is typically the object of verbs like 'look after,' 'take care of,' 'think about,' or 'watch out for.'
常見錯誤
2. an informal expression that describes the person, company, product, or team rega
an informal expression that describes the person, company, product, or team regarded as the best or most successful within a specific field.
Lin Mei-hua's pineapple cake shop in Taichung was voted numero uno by tourists.
pattern: be voted numero uno
Chen Yi-chun's leather workshop is thought of as numero uno in Taipei.
pattern: be thought of as numero uno
Lee Ya-ting's bubble tea brand became numero uno across southern Taiwan.
Food critics rank the Tainan night market as numero uno for oyster omelets.
Yang Wen-chieh's dumpling stall was named numero uno by a food magazine.
- top dog
very informal, especially for people or organisations
- number one
the English equivalent, equally informal
- underdog
the person or team expected to lose
文法句型
be + (the) numero uno
用法筆記
Used as a predicate ('is numero uno') or a complement ('became numero uno'). Can take the definite article 'the' but often omits it in colloquial speech. Common in ranking contexts — food, business, sports, entertainment.
常見錯誤
3. an informal word used especially with young children or in polite company to des
an informal word used especially with young children or in polite company to describe releasing urine from the body.
The teacher asked Lin Wei if he needed to do numero uno before storytime.
pattern: do numero uno
On the bus to Kenting, the children kept asking their parents to do numero uno.
Chang Da-wei's daughter whispered that she needed to do numero uno after the accident.
At the zoo, Wang Chih-ming's nephew hopped on one foot yelling, 'Numero uno!'
Toddlers quickly learn to say 'numero uno' when they need the toilet in public.
文法句型
do / need / have to do numero uno
用法筆記
Typically used by adults speaking to young children or by children themselves. Contrasts with 'numero due' (number two) for defecation. In adult conversation this sounds childish or deliberately coy.