Meaning

Primary

Number One

Alternatives

The First, First, The Best, Best, The Most, Most

Word Type

noun

Explanation

When you're the number one in a number in a series, you're number one ba-bay!

This word can refer to something ranked first or best in comparison to other things, or it can specifically refer to something marked with the number one, like an athlete with the number one on their jersey.

Reading

いちばん
  • Kyoko
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)

Explanation

This is a jukugo word, which usually means on'yomi readings from the kanji. If you know the readings of your kanji you'll know how to read this as well.

Context

Pattern of Use

Common Word Combinations

  • 一番高い

    most high, most expensive

    一番いい

    best

    一番多い

    most numerous

Context Sentences

私にとって一番大切なのはお金です。

The most important thing to me is money.

今週のテストで一番高い点数をとりたいです。

I want to get the highest score on this week's test.

これが、今全米で一番人気の曲ですよ。

This is the most popular song in all of America right now.

Kanji Composition