1 in Japanese = 一 (ichi / hitotsu)

The number 1 in Japanese is 一 (ichi) pronounced "EE-chee" for counting/math, or ひとつ (hitotsu) pronounced "hee-TOH-tsoo" when counting objects. Ichi is most common.

Quick Answer

Pronunciation

Ichi (いち):

• Two syllables: i-chi
• "EE-chee" (like "each" with "ee" at the end)
• Most common reading
• Used in Sino-Japanese counting

Hitotsu (ひとつ):

• Three syllables: hi-to-tsu
• "hee-TOH-tsoo"
• Native Japanese counting
• Used when counting objects generally

When to Use Each

Use ichi (いち):

• Numbers: 1, 11, 21, 31, etc.
• Phone numbers: 1 = いち
• Math: 1 + 1 = 2
• Compound numbers: 十一 (jūichi) = 11
• Time: 一時 (ichiji) = 1 o'clock

Use hitotsu (ひとつ):

• Counting objects (1-10): "one thing"
• Ordering: "One beer please" = ビールひとつ
• Ages (for young children): 一つ (hitotsu) = 1 year old

Practical Usage

Phone numbers:

• 1 = いち (ichi)
• Example: 011 = ゼロいちいち (zero ichi ichi)

Prices:

• ¥1 = 一円 (ichi en)
• ¥100 = 百円 (hyaku en)

Times:

• 1:00 = 一時 (ichiji)
• 1:15 = 一時十五分 (ichiji jūgo fun)

Dates:

• 1st of month = 一日 (tsuitachi) - special reading!
• January = 一月 (ichigatsu)

Counting objects:

• One person = 一人 (hitori) - special counter
• One book = 一冊 (issatsu)
• One item = 一つ (hitotsu)

The Kanji 一

• Simplest kanji: one horizontal stroke
• Literally represents the number 1 as a line
• One stroke to write

Common Phrases

一番 (ichiban): Number one, best, most

一緒に (issho ni): Together

一度 (ichido): Once, one time

一人 (hitori): One person, alone

一生懸命 (isshōkenmei): With all one's might

Quick Takeaways

• 1 = 一 (ichi) most common, or ひとつ (hitotsu) for objects
• Pronounced "EE-chee" or "hee-TOH-tsoo"
• 1st of month = 一日 (tsuitachi) - special reading
• One person = 一人 (hitori) - special
• Simplest kanji - one stroke
• いちばん (ichiban) = number one/best

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TravelNum shows you how numbers are pronounced in Japanese.