Translation guide
This entry covers how to express the idea of a 'single line' in Japanese, including a line of text, a queue, a drawn line, and related concepts.
The learner wants to refer to one line of written or printed text, such as in a document, email, or message.
The most common and direct way to say 'one line' of text. Used in both spoken and written Japanese.
この一行を読んでください。
Please read this single line.
一行だけ書いてください。
Please write just one line.
Same as 一行 but using Arabic numeral. Common in digital contexts, instructions, or technical writing.
エラーは1行目にあります。
The error is on the first line.
The learner wants to describe a line of people waiting, or a row of objects.
Means 'one line' or 'one row' of people or things arranged in a straight line. Used for queues, formations, or rows.
一列に並んでください。
Please line up in a single line.
机が一列に並んでいる。
The desks are lined up in a single row.
Simply 'line' or 'queue'. When context makes it clear there is only one line, 列 alone can be used.
列に並んでください。
Please get in line.
The learner wants to refer to a physical line drawn with a pen, pencil, or brush, or a stroke in a character.
Literally 'one line' using the counter 本 for long, thin objects. Natural for a drawn or physical line.
紙に一本の線を引いてください。
Please draw a single line on the paper.
Specifically one stroke of a kanji or kana character. Used in calligraphy or when discussing writing systems.
この漢字は一画足りない。
This kanji is missing one stroke.
The learner wants to refer to one line of a poem, haiku, or song lyrics.
Same as for text, but also used for lines of poetry or lyrics when written.
その詩の一行が心に残った。
One line of that poem stayed with me.
Specifically one phrase or verse of poetry, especially haiku or tanka. More literary than 一行.
I remember just one line (of the poem).