【JLPT N5 grammar】いちばん | Meanings and Examples | Japanese Grammar

In Japanese, “いちばん” (ichiban) means “the most” or “number one” and is used to express superiority or preference. In this lesson, we will explore how to construct sentences using “いちばん” to effectively convey your thoughts and preferences in Japanese.

説明 (Explanation)

First, make a base sentence, like:

すしがすきです。(sushi ga suki desu.)
I like sushi.

Then, add “いちばん” (ichiban) before the adjective to express it as your favorite:

すしがいちばんすきです。(sushi ga ichiban suki desu.)
Sushi is my favorite.

Questions

When forming questions with “いちばん” (ichiban), you’re asking about the most preferred or highest-ranking choice among a group. This is useful for asking about favorites, comparisons, and identifying the “number one” option in various contexts. Here’s how it works:

To ask about the “most” of something, use the format:

[Category/Group] + で + [Questio] + がいちばん + [Adjective] + ですか

きせつでいつがいちばんすきですか。(kisetsu de itsu ga ichiban suki desu ka)
Among the seasons, which do you like the most?

にほんりょうりでなにがいちばんすきですか。(nihon ryōri de nani ga ichiban suki desu ka)
Among Japanese dishes, what is your favorite?

にほんでどこがいちばんきれいですか。(nihon de doko ga ichiban kirei desu ka)
Among places in Japan, where is the most beautiful?

かぞくでだれがいちばんおもしろいですか。(kazoku de dare ga ichiban omoshiroi desu ka)
Among your family, who is the funniest?

例文 (Examples)

1. 冬が一番すきです。
2. ラーメンが一番おいしいです。
3. 1月が一番寒いです。
4. 京都が一番きれいです。

ひらなが (Hiragana)

1. ふゆがいちばんすきです。
2. ラーメンがいちばんんおいしいです。
3. いちがつがいちばんさむいです。
4. きょうとがいちばんきれいです。

Romaji

1. Fuyu ga ichiban suki desu.
2. Rāmen ga ichiban oishii desu.
3. Ichigatsu ga ichiban samui desu.
4. Kyōto ga ichiban kirei desu.

英語翻訳 (English Translation)

1. Winter is my favorite.
2. Ramen is the most delicious.
3. January is the coldest.
4. Kyoto is the most beautiful.