一番手
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Meanings
1
first person to do something; person going first
Refers to the individual who acts first in a sequence, such as the first speaker, first performer, or first to attempt something.
At the meeting, he was the first person to give his opinion.
Since I became the first person in rock-paper-scissors, I started the game first.
2
first place; top position; person in the lead
Used in competitive contexts like sports, business rankings, or any situation where someone holds the leading position.
He is running in first place in the marathon.
In this industry, that company is the top player.
Usage patterns
- 一番手を務めるto serve as the first person (to act, speak, perform, etc.)
He served as the first presenter.
- 一番手に立つto take the lead position
She took the lead in the race.
- 一番手に選ばれるto be chosen to go first
He was chosen to go first.