一
一 is the simplest kanji, meaning ‘one.’ It is a single horizontal stroke representing the number one, and is the foundation of the Japanese number system.
Reading
On’yomi: イチ (ichi), イツ (itsu)
Kun’yomi: ひと- (hito-)
Basic Information
| Kanji | 一 |
|---|---|
| Meaning | one |
| Stroke Count | 1 |
| JLPT Level | N5 |
How to Understand This Kanji
While 一 means the number one, it also appears in expressions meaning ‘first,’ ‘once,’ or ‘the same.’ It is one of the most frequently used kanji in everyday Japanese.
Common Words
- 一つ（ひとつ / hitotsu） — one (general counter)
- 一番（いちばん / ichiban） — number one, best, most
- 一緒に（いっしょに / issho ni） — together
- 一日（いちにち / ichinichi） — one day; all day
- 一週間（いっしゅうかん / isshūkan） — one week
- 一回（いっかい / ikkai） — one time, once
Example Sentences
-
一番好きな食べ物は何ですか？
いちばんすきなたべものはなんですか？ / Ichiban sukina tabemono wa nan desu ka?
What is your favorite food?
-
一緒に行きましょう。
いっしょにいきましょう。 / Issho ni ikimashō.
Let’s go together.
-
一日に三回食べます。
いちにちにさんかいたべます。 / Ichinichi ni sankai tabemasu.
I eat three times a day.
When Learners Usually See This Kanji
一 appears in almost every number combination. You will see it in dates, prices, and time expressions from day one. Note that 一 often changes pronunciation in compounds: 一本 (いっぽん), 一回 (いっかい).
Summary
一 means ‘one’ and is the foundation of the Japanese number system, appearing in countless everyday words and expressions.