one line; one strand; one beam
Counts a single long, thin thing: a line, strand of hair, beam of light, stretch of road, or length of rope. Used with the counter 筋.
There is a single strand of white mixed into her hair.
A single beam of light shone through a break in the clouds.
na-adjective, noun, used as a suffix
earnest; single-minded; devoted
Describes a person who is focused on one path or goal with unwavering dedication. Often used as 一筋な or 一筋の.
He has lived a life devoted solely to research.
Her single-minded character earns the trust of those around her.
one bloodline; one clan
Archaic noun meaning a single family line or clan. Not used in modern Japanese outside historical contexts.
Ancient documents record that a single family line ruled that land for generations.
Archaic adjectival noun meaning ordinary or common. Replaced by words like 普通 or 平凡 in modern usage.
In Edo-period documents, the expression 'ordinary townspeople' can be found.
A single beam of light streamed in through the window.
He has lived a life devoted entirely to music.
He has worked single-mindedly all his life.
一条 is a neutral, formal way to count one long thin thing, while 一筋 is more common for abstract paths of light or life and often carries a nuance of single-mindedness.
一筋 describes a single streak or line (of smoke, light, hope) or steadfast devotion, while 一抹 is a faint, wisp-like touch of a feeling or substance.
Alternate kanji spelling; less common and may be confused with 一条 read いちじょう.