一軍
Meanings
an army; a military force
Refers to a single organized army or military unit, often in historical or strategic contexts.
He led an army and advanced into enemy territory.
the whole army; the entire force
Emphasizes the entirety of a military force, not just a part of it.
The whole army launched an all-out attack.
first team; top team; first-string players
Sports term for the primary or varsity squad, as opposed to the second team (二軍).
See also: 二軍
He was promoted to the first team this year.
the popular group; the cool kids
Colloquial use, often in school settings, referring to the socially dominant or popular clique.
She's in the popular group in class.
Usage patterns
- 〈人〉が一軍に上がるfor a player to be promoted to the first team
He was promoted from the second team to the first team last month.
- 〈人〉が一軍に入るto be part of the popular clique
The ones in the class's popular group are the students who stand out.
- 〈人〉が一軍から外れるfor a player to be dropped from the first team
He got dropped from the first team due to an injury.