一種

• Reading: いっしゅ
• Romaji: isshu
• Kanji breakdown: 一 (ichi/it) — one; 種 (shu) — species, kind, seed
• Pronunciation: /iɕ.ɕɯ/

Meaning

A kind; a type; a variety. One species or category of something.

A noun meaning 'one kind' or 'a type of.' Often used with の to describe something as being a form of something else (一種の病気 — a kind of illness). The expression 一種独特の means 'uniquely distinctive.' Also appears as a counter in classification contexts. Common in academic and explanatory writing.

Examples

1. これは一種のアレルギー反応だ。 This is a type of allergic reaction.
2. 彼の話し方には一種の魅力がある。 There's a certain charm to the way he speaks.
3. 緊張も一種のストレスだと言われている。 They say that nervousness is a kind of stress too.

Usage Guide

Context: academic, explanations, essays

Tone: analytical

Origin & History

Composed of 一 (one) and 種 (species, kind, seed). Literally 'one seed/type,' indicating a single category within a broader group.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Educated