By ProDev Teach | Updated May 2025
📘 Meaning & Usage
一番 (いちばん) is a common expression used to mean “the most” or “the best” in Japanese. It is often used to compare or describe the highest degree of something.
It can be used with both adjectives and nouns to express the idea of being the best or most in a certain context. It can be applied to both positive and comparative contexts.
Example sentences:
- 一番好きな食べ物は寿司です。
Ichiban suki na tabemono wa sushi desu.
My favorite food is sushi. - この映画が一番面白かったです。
Kono eiga ga ichiban omoshirokatta desu.
This movie was the most interesting. - どれが一番大きいですか？
Dore ga ichiban ōkii desu ka?
Which one is the biggest?
🔧 Usage Tips
- 一番 is used with adjectives to indicate the highest degree. For example: 一番高い (the highest, the most expensive).
- It is often followed by a noun, adjective, or verb to express “the most” or “the best”:
Example: 一番早い車 (the fastest car). - In questions, it can ask for the “most” or “best”:
Example: 一番好きな色は何ですか？ (What is your favorite color?)
📝 Example Sentences
- 私は一番日本語が上手だと思います。
Watashi wa ichiban nihongo ga jōzu da to omoimasu.
I think I am the best at Japanese. - 一番楽しい旅行はどこでしたか？
Ichiban tanoshii ryokō wa doko deshita ka?
Where was the most fun trip? - このレストランが一番美味しいです。
Kono resutoran ga ichiban oishii desu.
This restaurant is the best (tastes the best). - 一番早い電車は何時ですか？
Ichiban hayai densha wa nanji desu ka?
What time is the fastest train?
📝 Grammar Notes
- 一番 (いちばん) is used to emphasize something as the “most” or “best” when comparing items or qualities.
- When used with adjectives, it takes the positive form of the adjective without needing to conjugate it: 一番高い (the highest), 一番面白い (the most interesting).
- 一番 can also be used to express preferences or choices in a group. It’s often used with verbs like 好き (suki) or 楽しい (tanoshii).
📝 Practice Exercises
1. Fill in the blank with the correct form of 一番
- 今日は（＿＿＿）暑いです。
- あなたは（＿＿＿）好きな映画は何ですか？
- 一番（＿＿＿）動物は猫です。
✔ Answers:
- 一番
- 一番
- 好きな
2. Translate into Japanese
- What is the most expensive thing here?
- That was the most fun part of the trip.
- Which book is the best?
✔ Sample Answers:
- ここで一番高いものは何ですか？
- それは旅行で一番楽しかった部分です。
- どの本が一番良いですか？
🈶 Vocabulary & Kanji Breakdown
| Word | Kanji | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 一番 | 一番 | いちばん | The most / Best |
| 高い | 高 | たかい | High / Expensive |
| 楽しい | 楽 | たのしい | Fun / Enjoyable |
| 面白い | 面白 | おもしろい | Interesting |
| 早い | 早 | はやい | Fast |
| 美味しい | 美味 | おいしい | Delicious |
🔗 Related Grammar
- もっと: A way to express “more” or “to a greater degree.”
- 一番好き: The most preferred – often used to express preferences.
🧠 Summary
- 一番 (いちばん) means “the most” or “the best.”
- Used with adjectives, it indicates the highest degree of quality or extent.
- Commonly used in preference, comparison, and superlative contexts.
- Level: JLPT N5
I’m a software engineer based in Japan, with experience in developing web and mobile applications. I’m passionate about technology, especially in DevOps, AI, and app development using platforms like AWS, Flutter, and Node.js. My goal is to build a website that shares knowledge about the Japanese language and IT, helping everyone learn and grow more easily in the digital era.
