一つ
hitotsu[çito̞t͡sɨ]
The English phrase "one thing" is translated into Japanese as 一つ (hitotsu).
一つ literally refers to a single item or a single unit of something. Beyond its literal meaning, it is frequently used as a discourse marker to introduce a single point, a specific request or a single topic within a conversation. To emphasize that there is "only one thing," you can use the expression 一つだけ (hitotsu dake).
Which one should you use?
While Japanese uses different counters for various objects, 一つ is the general-purpose counter for most inanimate objects. It should not be used for counting people, which uses hitori or long objects, which use ippon.
How do you pronounce it?
hitotsu
Did you know?
- While 一つ is the general counter, Japanese has over 500 different counting words. Specialized counters are used for everything from small birds and cylinders to flat objects and thin sheets of paper.
- In Zen philosophy and traditional aesthetics, the concept of 一つ represents more than just a number. It refers to a spiritual 'oneness' or singularity that is viewed as a path to enlightenment.
- The word 一つ is part of the native Japanese counting system, which is entirely separate from the 'Sino-Japanese' system used for mathematics and sequences.
Examples in context
- 一つお願いがあるんだ。I have just one thing to ask of you.This sentence shows how to use 一つ to introduce a request.Tatoeba #158492 by bunbuku, translation #256037 by CK
- 一つ知りたいことがあります。I'm curious about one thing.This sentence demonstrates using 一つ to introduce a topic of curiosity.Tatoeba #2948328 by tommy_san, translation #2543608 by CK
- 疑わしいことが一つ残っている。One thing remains doubtful.This sentence shows how 一つ can refer to a single remaining point or item.Tatoeba #182920 by KK_kaku_, translation #20041 by Serveto
- ちょっとひとつ聞きたいんだけど (Chotto hitotsu kikitai n da kedo)There's something I want to ask.
- これを一つだけください (Kore o hitotsu dake kudasai)Please give me only one of these.
- 9 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Youta and Yui are at a cafe ordering snacks.
- 陽太 Yotaケーキを一つ注文してもいい？Keiki o hitotsu chuumon shite mo ii?Can I order one cake?
- 結衣 Yuiもちろん、いいよ。Mochiron, ii yo.Of course, it's fine.
- 陽太 Yota結衣も何か食べる？Yui mo nani ka taberu?Do you want to eat something too, Yui?
- 結衣 Yui私はコーヒーだけで大丈夫。Watashi wa ko-hi- dake de daijoubu.I am fine with just coffee.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 一つ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
