Looking up...
一番
ichiban
number one, best, most
このレストランは一番おいしいです。
This restaurant is the best.
general
The best or most superior in quality, quantity, or degree; number one.
彼は一番の選手です。
He is the best player.
一番高い山は富士山です。
Mount Fuji is the tallest mountain.
Often used to express superlative comparisons.
general
The first in a sequence or order.
一番最初に来た人は誰ですか？
Who was the first person to arrive?
Can refer to the first in a series or the most important.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Superlative Usage
Use '一番' to express the superlative form in Japanese, similar to 'the most' or 'the best' in English.
Gold Rule
Order in Comparisons
When comparing, '一番' is placed before the adjective or noun it modifies.
Word Origin
Composed of '一' (one) and '番' (number), literally meaning 'number one'.
Usage Notes
Can be used as an adjective or noun. Often used in comparisons to indicate the best or most superior.
Word Breakdown
一
one
root番
number
root和英辞典