Translation and Meaning of: 一度に - ichidoni

If you've ever tried to do several things at once and noticed that the result wasn't so good, you may need to learn the importance of doing something 一度に (いちどに) — at once. This Japanese expression carries a powerful meaning and is often used in everyday life, whether to organize tasks or even to emphasize decisive actions. In this article, you will discover the etymology, practical uses, and even curiosities about this word, as well as tips to memorize it for good. And if you're looking for ready-made sentences to study in Anki or another spaced repetition system, we also have examples that will boost your learning.

The kanji 一 (いち) means "one," while 度 (ど) can indicate "time" or "occasion." Together, they form an expression that goes beyond the literal translation, conveying the idea of completeness and efficiency. Do the Japanese use this word only for everyday tasks, or does it also appear in deeper contexts? Let's explore all of this below.

Origin and etymology of 一度に

The composition of 一度に is simple but effective. The first kanji, 一 (いち), is one of the most basic in the Japanese language, representing the number "one." 度 (ど) has a range of meanings, including "degree," "occasion," and "time." When combined, these ideograms form the expression "at once," emphasizing the idea of something done in a single movement, without interruptions or additional steps.

The に at the end functions as a particle that directs the meaning of the sentence, indicating that the action occurs in a unique and concentrated manner. Interestingly, this structure also appears in other temporal expressions, such as 一時に (いちじに — "at the same time"). If you have studied Japanese, you know how these small particles make all the difference in meaning.

Lies in Japanese everyday life

In daily life, Japanese people use 一度に for situations where something needs to be resolved quickly or without distraction. Imagine a person cleaning the house and saying: 「一度に全部片付けよう」 ("Let's tidy up everything at once"). The word conveys a sense of practicality, almost like an invitation not to leave tasks unfinished.

But it also appears in more serious contexts, such as important decisions. For example, a boss might say: 「この問題は一度に解決しましょう」 ("Let's solve this problem once and for all"). In this case, the expression takes on a more emphatic tone, almost like a definitive conclusion. Do you see how the meaning goes beyond the literal?

Tips for memorization and curiosities

A fun way to remember 一度に is to associate it with situations where you really need to do something without procrastinating. Have you ever thought about how many times we delay tasks that could be solved quickly? Use that frustration to your advantage and visualize the word whenever you need a little push to act.

Another interesting fact is that 一度に frequently appears in productivity manuals and guides in Japan, precisely because it conveys the idea of efficiency. If you like techniques such as the Pomodoro method or the two-minute rule, this word can be a great ally in your Japanese studies. How about trying to create a sentence with it today?