一番 (superlative marker)

grammar

19 sentences

The adverb 一番 (いちばん), literally 'number one,' preposed to an adjective or adverb to form a superlative — 'the most / the best / the -est / number one in X.' Japanese has no morphological superlative; 一番 always sits immediately before the quality. 一番美味しい ('the most delicious'), 一番大きい ('the biggest'), 一番大事 ('most important'), 一番高い ('the tallest'), 一番うまい ('the best'). Often paired with の中で ('among') to set the comparison group: クラスの中で一番背が高い ('the tallest in the class').

19 sentences

、、。

Kaoru, so far you're the grand prize winner for the best reaction.

？

What's your favorite topping for sushi?

。

The apples on the other side of the fence are the sweetest.

。

She seems happiest when she's with him.

。

She's happiest when she's at home.

。

She's stuck on the idea that she's the best English speaker around.

。

She's by far the tallest girl.

。

He thought it was best to stay quiet.

。

Clarity is what matters most.

。

I was the slowest off the start.

。

What's the tallest mountain in North America?

。

Mother is the earliest riser in our family.

。

She gets up the earliest of anyone in my family.

。

She picked out the most expensive dress.

。

She's said to be the top tennis player in France.

。

She picked the best of all the jewels in that shop.

。

She's the fastest runner in the class.

、。

She was by far the best singer in the class.

。

She's the happiest in the class.

End of results — 19 loaded.