一番

• 読み: いちばん
• ローマ字: ichiban
• 漢字の分解: 一 (ichi) — one; 番 (ban) — number, turn
• 発音: /i.tɕi.baɴ/

意味

Number one; first; first place. As an adverb: most; best; -est.

Functions as both a noun (number one/first place) and a superlative adverb (most/best). Japanese does not have superlative adjective forms — 一番 before an adjective creates the superlative (一番高い = tallest/most expensive). Essential for making comparisons.

例文

1. 日本で一番高い山は富士山です。
2. 果物の中でりんごが一番好きです。
3. 一番近い駅はどこですか。

使い方ガイド

場面: comparisons, rankings, opinions

トーン: neutral

起源と歴史

Composed of 一 (ichi, one) and 番 (ban, number/turn). Literally 'number one,' extended to mean 'the most' when used adverbially.

文化的背景

時代: Classical

世代: All ages

社会的背景: Universal