1위
il-wi
In Korean, the phrase for "number one" is 1위 (il-wi).
1위 is used to denote the top position in a ranking or competition.
What does it mean word for word?
The term is composed of the number 1 (일, il) and the counter for rank or position (위, wi).
How does it change in a sentence?
While 1위 means "first place", it is used as a noun to denote the top position in a ranking.
How do you pronounce it?
il-wi
Did you know?
- In K-pop music charts, reaching 1위 often triggers a 'victory encore' where the artist cries and gives a speech, a custom not typically seen in Western music charts.
- The character 위 (wi) in 1위 also means 'above' or 'up'. This creates a linguistic connection where the top rank is literally viewed as the position being 'above' the others.
- If you want to say someone is the 'number one' in your heart, you might use the word 최고 (choe-go). It literally means 'the best' and is used much more frequently in conversation than the formal ranking term 1위.
Examples in context
- 이 레스토랑은 제일 맛있어요!This restaurant is the tastiest!
- 너는 제일 예뻐!You are the prettiest!
- 그 팀은 최고예요!That team is the best!
- 저 공원은 일등이에요!That park is number one!
- 이 책은 제일 재미있어요.This book is the most interesting.
- 시험에서 1위를 차지했어요.siheomeseo ilwireul chajahaesseoyo.I took number one in the exam.
- 우리 팀이 1위로 끝났어요.uri timi ilwiro kkeutnasseoyo.Our team finished in first place.
Example conversation
Seoyeon and Dohyun are discussing a music chart.
- 서연 Seo-yeon이번 주 1위 가수가 누구예요?ibeon ju il-wi gasuga nuguyeyo?Who is the number one singer this week?
- 도현 Do-hyeon제가 좋아하는 그룹이 1위예요.jega joahaneun geurup-i il-wiyeyo.The group I like is number one.
- 서연 Seo-yeon정말 대단하네요!jeongmal daedanhane-yo!That is really amazing!
- 도현 Do-hyeon맞아요. 정말 기뻐요.majayo. jeongmal gippeoyo.Right. I'm so happy.
