Kanji 一 - one
Kanji 一 means one. Onyomi readings are イチ (ichi), イツ (itsu) . Kunyomi readings are ひと (hito).
Stroke order animation (1 strokes)
Stroke Order Diagram
Each box shows the kanji up to that stroke. Red dot indicates stroke start point.
Readings of 一
音On'yomi (音読み)
訓Kun'yomi (訓読み)
一 in different fonts
Vocabulary with 一
| Audio | English  | Romaji | Japanese | Kana |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| one | ichi | 一 | いち | |
| January | ichigatsu | 一月 | いちがつ |
More Information about 一
What does 一 (ichi) mean and how do you read it?
一 (ichi) means one / first. Onyomi (on'yomi) (Chinese readings): イチ (ichi), イツ (itsu). Kunyomi (kun'yomi) (Japanese readings): ひと (hito), ひとつ (hitotsu).
What are some common compound words (熟語 - jukugo) using 一 (ichi)?
Many important compounds use 一 (ichi):
- 一生 (isshō): a lifetime.
- 一瞬 (isshun): an instant.
- 一流 (ichiryū): first-class, top-tier.
- 一致 (icchi): agreement, unity.
- 唯一 (yuiitsu): the only, unique. These compounds show how 一 (ichi) conveys ideas of singularity, importance, or excellence.
Is 一 (ichi) used in Japanese idioms or sayings?
Yes, 一 (ichi) appears in many proverbs and idioms:
- 一期一会 (ichi-go ichi-e): 'one time, one meeting,' meaning each encounter is unique and should be treasured.
- 一石二鳥 (isseki nichō): 'kill two birds with one stone.'
- 一心不乱 (isshin furan): 'with single-minded devotion.' These expressions reflect the deep cultural emphasis on mindfulness, efficiency, and focus.
Philosophical Symbolism
In Zen Buddhism, 一 (ichi) represents the oneness of reality (一如 – ichinyo): the idea that all phenomena are interconnected. It symbolizes beginning, unity, and the source of all multiplicity. A Zen phrase states: 'From one, ten thousand things arise.' Thus, 一 (ichi) carries profound weight beyond its numerical value.
Radical and Structural Role
As a radical, 一 (ichi) is the simplest of all. It often appears as a component to suggest unity or the number one. For example:
- 三 (san) literally builds on 一 (ichi) by adding more strokes.
- 百 (hyaku) contains 一 (ichi) at the top, symbolizing the unit that structures larger numbers. Thus, 一 (ichi) is both a number and a structural building block in the kanji system.
