How do you say "One" in Japanese?

"One" in Japanese is "一つ". This phrase is commonly used in Japan.

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How to Say ‘One’ in Japanese

Q: What does "一つ" mean in English?

"一つ" means "One" in English. Usage tip: [一つ] is a general "one" for counting things when you're not using a more specific counter. The [一] here is said (hitotsu), not the usual (ichi).

一つ

hito tsu

[hee-toh tsoo]

💬 Usage Tip: [一つ] is a general "one" for counting things when you're not using a more specific counter. The [一] here is said (hitotsu), not the usual (ichi).

Phrase Breakdown

一

hito

[hee-toh]

one

The kanji for the number one. In this phrase it is read as part of 一つ.

Example

一つの荷物があります。

There is one piece of luggage.

つ

tsu

[tsoo]

counter suffix

This hiragana helps form the general counter 一つ, meaning 'one item.'

Example

つを付けて一つになります。

Adding つ makes it 一つ.

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