一分
ippun
The Japanese phrase for "one minute" is 一分 (ippun).
一分 refers to a period of time equal to sixty seconds.
Which one should you use?
While 一分 is the correct way to express this duration, avoid using the pronunciation ichifun, as it is incorrect for this specific meaning.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word 一分 is a combination of the number one and the counter for minutes.
How do you pronounce it?
ippun
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use the pronunciation ichifun to mean one minute. Instead, use ippun.
When do people say it?
If you want to informally ask someone to wait a moment to convey a short period of time, you can use the expression ちょっと待って.
Did you know?
- The phrase 一分 can be read as ichibu when referring to a very small unit of distance or currency in historical contexts. This is distinct from the time measurement ippun.
- In Japanese, the word 分 (fun/pun) does not only measure time, but also represents a 'fraction' or 'portion' of a whole. This allows it to be used in expressions describing someone's 'share' of a responsibility or a reward.
- While 一分 means sixty seconds, the phrase 一分一秒 (ippun ichibyo) is often used idiomatically to mean 'every single second' or 'every precious moment'.
Examples in context
- 一分、待ってください。ippun, matte kudasai.Please wait for one minute.
- 一分で終わります。ippun de owarimasu.It will be finished in one minute.
- あと一分あります。ato ippun arimasu.There is one minute left.
Example conversation
Ren and Misaki are meeting at a station.
- 蓮 Ren今どこにいるの？ima doko ni iru no?Where are you now?
- 美咲 Misaki駅に着くまであと一分だよ。eki ni tsuku made ato ippun dayo.I'll be at the station in one minute.
- 蓮 Renわかった。ここで待ってるね。wakatta. koko de matteru ne.Got it. I'll wait here.
- 美咲 Misakiありがとう。すぐ行くね！arigatou. sugu iku ne!Thanks. I'll be there soon!
