一人前

• Reading: いちにんまえ
• Romaji: ichininmae
• Kanji breakdown: 一 (ichi) — one; 人 (nin) — person; 前 (mae) — front, portion
• Pronunciation: /i.tɕi.ni.ɴ.ma.e/

Meaning

One portion; one serving; also, a full-fledged adult or professional.

Has two primary uses. First, as a counter for food servings or portions at restaurants. Second, figuratively, to describe someone who has become competent or independent — a 'fully qualified' person. The figurative sense is very common in workplace and family contexts.

Examples

1. ラーメンを一人前注文した。 I ordered one serving of ramen.
2. 彼もやっと一人前の社会人になった。 He finally became a full-fledged member of society.
3. 寿司の一人前はだいたい十貫くらいだ。 A standard serving of sushi is usually around ten pieces.

Usage Guide

Context: restaurants, workplace, daily life

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 一人 (ichinin, one person) + 前 (mae, portion/share). Originally referred to the amount served for one person, then extended to mean having the capability expected of one full person.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal