Translation and Meaning of: 一 - ichi

If you are studying Japanese, you have certainly encountered the kanji 一 (いち), which simply means "one". But is this word as simple as it seems? In this article, we will delve into its etymology, its use in everyday Japanese, the meaning behind its unique stroke, and even some curiosities that will help you memorize it for good. Additionally, you will discover how this word appears in common expressions and why it is so important for those who want to master the basics of the language. Here at Suki Nihongo, you will also find practical examples and ready-made sentences to include in your Anki or other spaced repetition systems.

Origin and etymology of the kanji 一

The kanji 一 is one of the oldest and simplest in the Japanese language, directly derived from archaic Chinese. Its form is a unique horizontal line, representing the idea of unity, the first number in counting. Interestingly, this character is so essential that it appears in various other kanjis as a radical component, as in 二 (two) and 三 (three), which follow the same logic of stroke repetition.

In ancient China, writing began with records on bones and turtle shells, and "one" was represented by a single stroke. This simplicity has been maintained throughout the centuries, making it one of the first characters that students learn. If you've ever tried writing it by hand, you know it looks easy, but it requires a certain control to keep the stroke even — a challenge for beginners!

Everyday use and popular expressions

Besides being used alone as a numeral, 一 appears in several useful combinations. For example, 一人 (ひとり) means "one person" or "alone," while 一番 (いちばん) means "the best" or "first place." Anyone who has watched anime or Japanese dramas has certainly heard phrases like 「一番になりたい！」 ("I want to be number one!"). This word is also essential in basic counting, such as 一つ (ひとつ) for objects and 一日 (いちにち) for "one day."

Another interesting use is in proper names. Many Japanese people use 一 in their names to convey the idea of uniqueness or beginning, such as in 一郎 (Ichirō), a common name that carries the meaning of "first son". If you've ever wondered why so many anime characters have "ichi" in their name, now you know the reason!

Tips for memorization and curiosities

A fun way to remember this kanji is to associate it with something that has a single part — imagine a ruler with a single stroke or even a toothpick lying down. If you enjoy word games, it's worth knowing that いち can be used in puns, such as in the catchphrase 「いち、にの、さん！」 ("One, two, three!"), common in children's games. And if you have heard of the game Oicho-Kabu, a traditional Japanese card game, note that "Oicho" comes precisely from "1-2-3" in the old pronunciation.

For beginners, a valuable tip is to pay attention to the stroke order. Although it is just one line, it should be written from left to right, with a clear beginning and end. And if you've ever wondered why sometimes "1" in Japanese is written as １ (western numeral) and other times as 一, the answer is simple: informal contexts often use the numeral, while formal or traditional texts prefer the kanji.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

ひとつ (hitotsu) - One (count of objects)
いち (ichi) - One (number)
ひ (hi) - One (only, in some counts)
かず (kazu) - Number (general)
ひとり (hitori) - A person
ひとつき (hitotsuki) - One month (time period)
ひとあし (hitoashi) - One step
ひとくち (hitokuchi) - A bite
ひとくみ (hitokumi) - A set
ひとづつ (hitodutsu) - One by one
ひとせ (hitose) - one time
ひとたび (hitotabi) - Once (in formal contexts)

Related words

唯一

yuiitsu

only; solo; unique

一休み

hitoyasumi

a rest

一人でに

hitorideni

by itself; automatically; naturally

一人一人

hitorihitori

one by one; each; one at a time

一息

hitoiki

swollen; one breath; a pause; an effort

一頃

hitokoro

once; some time ago

一筋

hitosuki

a line; sincerely; blindly; direct

一つ

hitotsu

I'm sorry, but I need the text you would like me to translate. Please provide the content for translation.

一通り

hitotoori

ordinary; usual; in general; briefly

一まず

hitomazu

by present; once; sketchy

一

Romaji: ichi
Kana: いち
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n5

Translation / Meaning: (Num) one

Meaning in English: (num) one

Definition: Number one

Quick Access
- Vocabulary
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How to Write in Japanese - (一) ichi

See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese. (一) ichi:

Example Sentences - (一) ichi

See below some example sentences:

一瞬の出来事が人生を変えることもある。

Isshun no dekigoto ga jinsei wo kaeru koto mo aru

A momentary event can also change someone's life.

A momentary event can change life.

一瞬 - means "an instant" or "a moment".
の - Title that indicates possession or expiration.
出来事 - means "happening" or "event".
が - Particle that indicates the subject of the sentence.
人生 - means "human life" or "existence".
を - particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence.
変える - means "to change" or "to transform".
こと - abstract noun that indicates an action or event.
も - particle indicating inclusion or addition.
ある - verb that indicates the existence or presence of something.

もう一度やり直してください。

Mou ichido yarinaoshite kudasai

Please try again.

もう一度 - "once again"
やり直して - "try again"
ください - "Please"

一休みしましょう。

Ichi kyuu mi shimashou

Let's take a coffee break.

一 - means "one" or "first".
休み - means "rest".
しましょう - is a polite way of saying "let's do it", indicating a suggestion or invitation.

一人一人が大切です。

Hitori hitori ga taisetsu desu

Each person is important.

一人一人 - each person individually
が - subject particle
大切 - important, valuable
です - verb to be in the polite form

一個のりんごをください。

Hitotsu no ringo wo kudasai

Please give me an apple.

一個 (ikko) - I'm sorry, but I need the text you would like me to translate. Please provide the content for translation.
のりんご (no ringo) - Litter
を (wo) - direct object particle
ください (kudasai) - please give me

デザートは私の一番好きな食べ物です。

Dēzāto wa watashi no ichiban suki na tabemono desu

Dessert is my favorite food.

デザート - デザート (dezāto)
は - particle in Japanese that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, "dessert."
私の - possessive pronoun in Japanese that means "my/mine".
一番 - expression in Japanese that means "the most," in this case, "my favorite dessert."
好きな - adjective in Japanese that means "favorite".
食べ物 - word in Japanese that means "food".
です - verb in Japanese that means "to be/being", used to indicate the affirmation of the sentence.

テストは大切な学習の一環です。

Tesuto wa taisetsu na gakushuu no ikkan desu

Tests are an important part of learning.

Tests are part of important learning.

テスト - test
は - Topic particle
大切 - Important
な - adjectival suffix
学習 - apprenticeship
の - Possessive particle
一環 - Part of it
です - Verb to be/estar

ずっと一緒にいたい。

Zutto issho ni itai

I want to be with you always.

I wanna be with you forever.

ずっと - Adverb that indicates continuity, permanence or duration.
一緒に - expression meaning "together with" or "beside".
いたい - verb "いる" conjugated in the present tense and in the desejative form, meaning "to want to be" or "to wish to be".

クリスマスは家族と一緒に過ごす特別な日です。

Kurisumasu wa kazoku to issho ni sugosu tokubetsu na hi desu

Christmas is a special day spent with family.

Christmas is a special day to spend with your family.