一
ichi[it͡ɕi]
The English word 'one' is translated into Japanese as 一 (ichi). Wiktionary also lists 一つ (hitotsu) and ワン (wan).
Meaning: cardinal number 1 (num)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 一 | ichi | [it͡ɕi] (narrow) [çito̞] (narrow) |
| 一つ | hitotsu | [çito̞t͡sɨ] (narrow) |
| ワン | wan | [β̞ã̠ɴ] (narrow) |
While 一 is the cardinal number, Japanese uses specific counters for different items. Additionally, the term 一 ワン can refer to a digit or figure.
Which one should you use?
The form 一 (ichi) is the standard cardinal number. The form 一つ (hitotsu) acts as a general counter for objects and is used when the specific counter for an item is unknown.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The form 一つ (hitotsu) serves as a general-purpose counter for objects when a more specific counter is not used. The particle の can be used to express 'one thing or person' as an impersonal pronoun.
How do you pronounce it?
ichi
Did you know?
- The word ワン (wan) is also used onomatopoeically in other East Asian languages, such as Vietnamese and Mandarin, to represent the sound of a dog barking.
- The character for 'one' is the simplest possible kanji, consisting of a single horizontal stroke.
Examples in context
- 一寸先は闇。No one knows what the future holds.This sentence shows how 一 is used in a proverb.Tatoeba #190438 by small_snow, translation #8147543 by CK
- 一つ選んで。Choose one.This sentence demonstrates using 一 to mean choosing one item.Tatoeba #3488273 by arnab, translation #883062 by U2FS
- 一言言いたい。Let me say one thing.This sentence shows how 一 can be used to refer to a single thing being said.Tatoeba #190645 by KK_kaku_, translation #433735 by CK
- 一つご質問があります。I have one question.
- 一個だけお願いします。Just one, please.
- このケーキ、ひとつもらってもいい？Can I have one piece of this cake?
- ひとつだけ教えてくれる？Can you tell me just one thing?
- 今日だけ一つだけ特別なものがあるよ！Today, there is only one special thing!
- ひとつだけ忘れ物があったんだ。I left just one thing behind.
- 497 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A couple is discussing their travel plans for the beginning of the year.
- 陽葵 Himari一月に北海道へ行きませんか？ichigatsu ni hokkaido e ikimasen ka?Shall we go to Hokkaido in January?
- 大翔 Hirotoいいですね。一泊で行けますか？ii desu ne. ippaku de ikemasu ka?That sounds good. Can we go for one night?
- 陽葵 Himari一泊は少し短いかもしれません。ippaku wa sukoshi mijikai kamoshiremasen.One night might be a little short.
- 大翔 Hirotoじゃあ、二泊にしましょう。jaa, nihaku ni shimashou.Then, let's make it two nights.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “one” translations and entries 一, 一つ, ワン, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ワン, 一, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
