一番
ichiban[it͡ɕibã̠ɴ]
In Japanese, the phrase 'something is the best' is expressed with 一番 (ichiban).
一番 is used to describe a person or thing that is superior to all others within a particular group. It can function as an adverb meaning 'most' or 'first' to modify an adjective, such as saying something is 'the biggest'.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, it translates to 'number one'.
Which one should you use?
While 一番 indicates being 'number one', the word 最高 is a common alternative used to express that something is 'the best' or 'awesome' in terms of quality or feeling. Additionally, ピカイチ is an informal way to convey being 'the best' or 'the top'.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express that something is 'the best' in a qualitative sense, 一番 is often followed by an adjective, such as 一番いい.
How do you pronounce it?
ichiban
Did you know?
- The informal term ピカイチ is believed to come from pika pika, the sound of something sparkling, combined with ichi for 'one'.
- The word 番 (ban) originally comes from a term used to describe a 'pair' or 'couple' in ancient contexts. This links the concept of 'number one' to the idea of a matched or ordered set.
- In traditional Japanese theater and music, the word 一番 can refer to the first verse of a song or the first movement of a piece.
Examples in context
- このレストランの料理は最高です！The food at this restaurant is the best!
- この映画は一番面白いです！This movie is the most interesting!
- 彼は最優秀プレーヤーです。He is the best player.
- このゲームが一番好き！I like this game the most!
- このラーメン屋はピカイチだよ！This ramen restaurant is the best!
- 彼とのデートは最高だった！The date with him was the best!
- これが一番好きです。Kore ga ichiban suki desu.I like this one the best.
- 彼はクラスで一番です。Kare wa kurasu de ichiban desu.He is the best in the class.
- 日本料理は世界で一番です。Nihon ryouri wa sekai de ichiban desu.Japanese food is the best in the world.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing their favorite food at a restaurant.
- 陽太 Yotaこのラーメン、一番おいしいね！Kono raamen, ichiban oishii ne!This ramen is the best!
- 美咲 Misaki本当だね。最高だよ。Hontou da ne. Saikou da yo.You're right. It's amazing.
- 陽太 Yota美咲は、何が一番好き？Misaki wa, nani ga ichiban suki?Misaki, what do you like the best?
- 美咲 Misaki私は、やっぱり和食が一番好きかな。Watashi wa, yappari washoku ga ichiban suki kana.I guess I like Japanese food the best, after all.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 一番, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 一番, CC BY-SA 4.0.
