一 – One (Ichi / Hitotsu Kanji)
Learn the meaning, Onyomi and Kunyomi readings, stroke order, common vocabulary, and example sentences for the Japanese Kanji 一.
Kanji 一 Readings – Onyomi & Kunyomi
一 has both an Onyomi (Chinese-derived) reading and Kunyomi (native Japanese) readings, each used in different word contexts.
Used in compound words such as 一番 (ichiban – number one/best) and 一月 (ichigatsu – January). Also read イツ (itsu) in some compounds like 一切 (issai – everything).
Used when counting a single item, such as りんごが一つ (ringo ga hitotsu – one apple).
一 Stroke Order – How to Write 一
一 is written with 1 strokes. Follow the numbered order below to write it correctly.
💡 Tip: Write a single horizontal stroke from left to right.
Common Words Using 一 (Vocabulary List)
Here are 10 essential words that use the kanji 一, worth memorizing first.
Example Sentences with 一
See 一 used in real, natural Japanese sentences with Kanji, Kana, Romaji and English meaning.
これは一つです。
これは ひとつ です。
Kore wa hitotsu desu.
This is one.
彼女はクラスで一番です。
かのじょは くらすで いちばんです。
Kanojo wa kurasu de ichiban desu.
She is number one in the class.
私は一人で旅行します。
わたしは ひとりで りょこうします。
Watashi wa hitori de ryokou shimasu.
I travel alone.
一月に日本へ行きます。
いちがつに にほんへ いきます。
Ichigatsu ni nihon e ikimasu.
I will go to Japan in January.
友達と一緒に勉強します。
ともだちと いっしょに べんきょうします。
Tomodachi to issho ni benkyou shimasu.
I study together with my friend.
Frequently Asked Questions About 一
What does the Kanji 一 mean?
一 means one. It is one of the most common JLPT N5 kanji and appears in many everyday words such as 一番 (best/number one) and 一緒 (together).
What is the Onyomi reading of 一?
The Onyomi (Chinese-derived) readings of 一 are イチ (ichi) and イツ (itsu), as in 一番 (ichiban, best) and 一月 (ichigatsu, January).
What is the Kunyomi reading of 一?
The Kunyomi (native Japanese) reading of 一 is ひと.つ (hitotsu, one thing).
How many strokes does 一 have?
一 is written with just 1 stroke, making it one of the simplest kanji.
Is 一 a JLPT N5 kanji?
Yes, 一 is part of the official JLPT N5 kanji list and is one of the very first kanji beginners learn.
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