Meaning

Primary

First Class

Alternatives

First Rank, The Best

Word Type

noun, の adjective

Explanation

When you're equal to one you are the very top. You are first class and first rank. In fact, you are the best.

Reading

いっとう
  • 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. いち gets shortened to いっ though, so watch out for that if you want to remain the best, yeah?

Context

Context Sentences

一等車に乗ってるとは、さすがコウイチだね。

You are in the first-class carriage, yeah? That's so like you, Koichi!

銀座の一等地にオフィスをかまえるなんて、よっぽどもうけてるんだなぁ。

They must be making a ton of money if they have an office at the best location in Ginza.

このベーコンのキーホルダーは、私がベーコンのコスプレ大会で一等賞を取った時にもらったんです。

I won this bacon keychain when I took first prize in the bacon costume competition.

Kanji Composition