一いち

noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no', suffix

best; number one

Used as a suffix or with の to mean the best or top in a category. Often in compounds like 日本一 (Japan's best).

• 彼かれはクラスで一いちの成せい績せきだ。

  He has the best grades in the class.

• この店みせのラーメンは世せ界かい一いちおいしい。

  This shop's ramen is the most delicious in the world.

noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'

first; foremost

Indicates the first in order or rank. Often used with の.

• 一いちの指ゆびは親おや指ゆびです。

  The first finger is the thumb.

• 一いちの候こう補ほ者しゃを選えらぶ。

  Choose the foremost candidate.

noun

beginning; start

Refers to the start or origin of something. Often used in set phrases like 一からやり直す.

• 一いちからやり直なおそう。

  Let's start over from the beginning.

• 一いちを聞きいて十じゅうを知しる。

  Hearing one thing, understand ten. (A wise person grasps the whole from a part.)

noun, used as a prefix

a (single); one (of many)

Used as a prefix before a noun to mean 'a single' or 'one of many'. Common in compounds like 一石二鳥.

• 一いち例れいを挙あげます。

  I will give one example.

• 一いっ石せき二に鳥ちょうだ。

  It's killing two birds with one stone.

noun

ace (card games)

In card games, the ace. Cross-referenced with エース.

See also: エース

• 一いちのカードを出だした。

  I played the ace.

noun

bottom string (shamisen, etc.)

The first (lowest-pitched) string on a shamisen or similar instrument.

• 三味線しゃみせんの一いちの糸いとを張はり替かえる。

  Replace the bottom string of the shamisen.