一人前
ichininmae
The Japanese phrase for "one order" is 一人前 (ichininmae).
一人前 is used specifically to denote the quantity of food or drink being ordered or served, rather than just counting the number of people present.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 一 (one), 人 (person) and 前 (in front of/portion), literally meaning "one person's portion".
How do you pronounce it?
ichininmae
Did you know?
- The term 一人前 is often used in the context of 一人前になる (ichininmae ni naru), which literally means 'to become one person's portion'.
- The character 前 in 一人前 originally referred to the space in front of a person. This evolved from the idea of placing a specific amount of food directly in front of one diner.
- In traditional Japanese apprentice systems, such as sushi or carpentry, a student is not considered 一人前 until they have mastered every single stage of the craft, regardless of how many years have passed.
Examples in context
- 注文一つお願いします。One order, please.
- ピザ一つ頼むよ。I'll have one pizza.
- ラーメンを一人前ください。Rāmen o ichininmae kudasai.One order of ramen, please.
- これは一人前ですか？Kore wa ichininmae desu ka?Is this one portion?
- 一人前ずつ注文しましょう。Ichininmae zutsu chūmon shimashō.Let's order one portion each.
Example conversation
Hiyori and Daisho are looking at a menu at a restaurant.
- 陽葵 Himari大翔、何にする？Daisho, nani ni suru?Daisho, what are you having?
- 大翔 Hiroto僕はカレーの一人前にするよ。Boku wa karee no ichininmae ni suru yo.I'll have one order of curry.
- 陽葵 Himariいいな。私も同じのにするね。Ii na. Watashi mo onaji no ni suru ne.Nice. I'll have the same thing.
- 大翔 Hirotoじゃあ、二つ頼もうか。Jaa, futatsu tanomou ka.Then, shall we order two?
