一般

• Reading: いっぱん
• Romaji: ippan
• Kanji breakdown: 一 (ichi/itsu) — one; 般 (han/ban) — sort, kind
• Pronunciation: /ip.paɴ/

Meaning

General; ordinary; average. Refers to what is common or standard among a group.

A noun that also functions as an adjectival noun with の. Frequently used in compounds like 一般的 (typical), 一般人 (ordinary person), and 一般公開 (open to the public). It implies the mainstream or default case.

Examples

1. 一般的に日本人は時間に厳しいと言われている。 Generally speaking, Japanese people are said to be strict about time.
2. このイベントは一般の方も参加できます。 This event is open to the general public as well.
3. 一般道よりも高速道路の方が早い。 The highway is faster than regular roads.

Usage Guide

Context: media, academic, daily life

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Chinese 一般. 一 means 'one' and 般 means 'sort/kind,' together implying 'of one kind' or 'the same as the common standard.'

Cultural Context

Era: Medieval

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal