一つもない
hitotsu mo nai
The Japanese phrase for "not even one" is 一つもない (hitotsu mo nai).
It is specifically used for counting inanimate objects or abstract concepts.
Meaning: none at all (det)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 一つ (hitotsu, one thing), も (mo, even) and ない (nai, does not exist).
How do you pronounce it?
hitotsu mo nai
Did you know?
- While 一つもない is the safe default for objects, using it for humans is a grave social error. To say 'not even one person', you must use the specific human counter to avoid sounding as though you are treating people like inanimate items.
- The word 一つ (hitotsu) is part of the 'native Japanese' counting system, which differs from the 'Sino-Japanese' system used for most numbers. This makes the phrase feel much more grounded and conversational than using the formal 'ichi'.
- While 一つもない is the standard for objects, using it for things that are naturally uncountable in English, such as 'water' or 'air', requires a container or a unit to make the phrase grammatically possible.
Examples in context
- パーティーには誰一人いなかった。Not even one person was present at the party.
- 桃の実がひとつもない。Not even one peach is present.
- 問題が一つもない。mondai ga hitotsu mo nai.There is not even one problem.
- 間違いは一つもない。machigai wa hitotsu mo nai.There is not even one mistake.
- 売れる商品は一つもない。ureru shouhin wa hitotsu mo nai.There is not even one product that sells.
Example conversation
Ren and Himari are checking a newly printed document.
- 陽葵 Himari間違いは一つもないかな？machigai wa hitotsu mo nai kana?I wonder if there is not even one mistake?
- 蓮 Renうん、一つもないよ。un, hitotsu mo nai yo.Yeah, there isn't even one.
- 陽葵 Himari蓮くん、完璧だね！Ren-kun, kanpeki dane!Ren, it's perfect!
- 蓮 Renよかった。安心したよ。yokatta. anshin shita yo.I'm glad. I'm relieved.
