Translation and Meaning of: 一定 - ichijyou

If you have already studied Japanese or are diving into the language, you have probably come across the word 一定[いちじょう]. It appears in contexts ranging from contracts to everyday conversations, carrying meanings like "fixed," "established," or "definitive." But what makes this expression so versatile? In this article, we will explore its etymology, practical use, and even tips for memorizing the kanji. Additionally, you will discover how this word connects with other common terms in Japanese, such as 決まり[きまり] (rule) and 確定[かくてい] (confirmation).

If you use Suki Nihongo, the largest online Japanese dictionary, you already know that we also teach writing, ready-made phrases for Anki, and even tips not to forget the kanji. And in the case of 一定, there is an interesting detail: its second character, 定, appears in words like 定番[ていばん] (classic) and 定休日[ていきゅうび] (fixed day off). Want to understand this relationship better? Keep reading!

Origin and Structure of Kanji

The word 一定 is composed of two kanjis: 一 (ichi), which means "one" or "unique," and 定 (jō), which carries the idea of "determining" or "fixing." Together, they form the concept of something that is established in a unique and unchangeable way. The kanji 定, in particular, is one of those characters that appear in various contexts, from fixed times (定時[ていじ]) to determined prices (定価[ていか]).

A common mistake among students is to confuse 一定 with 一律[いちりつ], which can also mean "uniform." The difference? While 一律 focuses on equality (as in "rules applied equally to everyone"), 一定 emphasizes stability ("a value that does not change"). Do you see how the radicals make all the difference?

Lies in Japanese Everyday Life

In everyday life, Japanese people use 一定 to talk about things that have a clear standard. For example, in employment contracts, you may find phrases like 一定の条件[いちじょうのじょうけん] (established conditions). Another common use is in public notices: 一定の距離を保ってください (Please maintain a fixed distance).

A valuable tip: pay attention when 一定 appears with verbs like 保つ[たもつ] (to maintain) or 超える[こえる] (to exceed). These combinations are common in manuals and regulations. I've even seen it in vending machines: 一定の金額を超えるとお釣りが出ます (If you exceed a fixed amount, the change will be dispensed). Practical, right?

Tips for Memorizing and Applying

To remember the meaning of 一定, imagine a ruler (一) marking a fixed point (定). This visual helps to recall that the word is linked to unchanging patterns. Another trick is to associate it with concrete situations: think of the minimum wage (一定の給料[いちじょうのきゅうりょう]) or the constant speed of a train (一定の速度[いちじょうのそくど]).

If you like flashcards, create a card with the phrase: この規則は一定です (This rule is fixed). This way, besides memorizing the vocabulary, you practice a useful grammatical structure. And here's a bonus: in conversations, 一定 sounds more formal than 決まった[きまった] (settled/decided), so use it in professional or written contexts.