一
ichi[it͡ɕi]
The Japanese word for one is 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) |
The term is used to represent the cardinal number one. Depending on the context, it can refer to the abstract number, a digit or serve as a prefix in various compound words.
Which one should you use?
一 (ichi) is used in a mathematical context, such as when performing calculations or reciting a sequence of numbers. In contrast, 一つ (hitotsu) is the general way to count objects or is used when the specific counter for a noun is unknown. The form ワン (wan) is a loanword from the English word 'one'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
ワン (wan) is an informal form used in casual contexts, such as in brand names or song lyrics.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The form 一つ (hitotsu) is the native Japanese way to count a single object and can also function as a noun meaning 'one thing'.
How do you pronounce it?
ichi
Did you know?
- While ワン is used as a loanword for 'one' in modern Japanese, it is also the onomatopoeic sound a dog makes when barking.
- In traditional Japanese culture, the number one is sometimes associated with the concept of 'unity' or 'the whole' in Zen philosophy, beyond its use as a simple digit.
Examples in context
- 一寸先は闇。No one knows what the future holds.This sentence shows the use of 一 in a common proverb.Tatoeba #190438 by small_snow, translation #8147543 by CK
- 一つ選んで。Choose one.This sentence demonstrates how to use 一 when asking someone to choose one thing.Tatoeba #3488273 by arnab, translation #883062 by U2FS
- 一言言いたい。Let me say one thing.This sentence illustrates how 一 can be used to refer to a single word or statement.Tatoeba #190645 by KK_kaku_, translation #433735 by CK
- 一人 (ひとり)One person
- 一杯 (いっぱい)One cup
- ひとつのプレゼントOne gift
- 497 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Ren and Yui are ordering drinks at a cafe.
- 蓮 Renコーヒーを一杯ください。Kōhī o ippai kudasai.One cup of coffee, please.
- 結衣 Yui私は紅茶を一杯にします。Watashi wa kōcha o ippai ni shimasu.I will have one cup of tea.
- 蓮 Renケーキも一皿頼もうか。Kēki mo hito sara tanomō ka.Shall we also order one plate of cake?
- 結衣 Yuiいいですね、そうしましょう。Ii desu ne, sō shimashō.That sounds good, let's do that.
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.
