The Chinese wrote their first three numbers rotated 90 degrees from what the Romans did. Obviously this kanji is one, but in writing the Hindu-Arabic numeral 1 is also often used.

on readings:
  • ichi
  • itsu
kun readings:
  • hito
examples:
dai-ichi No. 1, first, best, main
dai-ikka lesson 1
dai-ikkan volume one
hitokire slice, piece
hitori one person
hitotaba a bundle
ichiban first
ichidan step; single-stage
ichido once, one degree (of temperature)
ichiju issai one soup, one side (and rice)
ichinichijū all day long
ichinichioki every other day
ichioku 100 million
ichiryū first class
ikkagetsu one month
ikkai once
ikkai first floor
ikkai no mere, only
ikkan link, part
ippiki one (small animal)
ippon one (cylindrical object)
ippun one minute
issho together
isshu kind, sort
issoku a bundle
ittō one (large animals)
kan-ippatsu by a hairsbreadth
ototoi the day before yesterday
ototoshi the year before last
shinshin ichinyo mind and body as one
tan'itsu single, simple, individual
かり tenimotsu ichiji azukari temporary handbaggage storage
かり tenimotsu ichiji azukarijo place for temporary handbaggage storage
かり tenimotsu ichiji azukarisho place for temporary handbaggage storage
tsuitachi 1st day (of the month)

links:
Dai-ichi
Wiktionary
Japanese homepage | top

Last Alteration Performed: 11 May 2025 by Bradley James Wogsland.