一
English meaning: One
Definition
The number one. In isolation or for counting, the reading is いち (ichi); in compound words it may be read differently.
Example
“一つのリンゴを食べました。”
In English: “I ate one apple.”
Another example: “りんごを一つください。”
Usage — When, Where & How
The numeral one. Read いち when counting or standalone, but reading shifts in compounds (e.g. 一人 hitori, 一月 ichigatsu). Used everywhere in counting, dates, and prices.
Etymology & Origin
English — Origin & History
'一' (ichi) is a character derived from ancient Chinese numerals, representing quantity with roots in early counting systems.
Common Collocations
- 一番
- 一人
- 一日
- 一月
- 第一
Word Forms
Readings: いち, ひと(つ); 一つ (hitotsu, one item)
Word Tools
Literary Heritage
“古池や 蛙飛び込む 水の音”
/Furuike ya / kawazu tobikomu / mizu no oto/
“The old silent pond — a frog jumps into the water — the sound of a splash.”
“この世をば どりゃおいとまと 咲く花に”
/Kono yo o ba / dorya oitoma to / saku hana ni/
“As the blossoms fall, this world bids farewell — saying: now I must go.”
Images
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Language information
- Language
- 日本語
- Japanese
- Script
- Kana+Han
- Family
- Japonic
- Speakers
- 125M