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The most / number one
Definition
The grammar pattern "一番" is used to express the superlative degree, indicating the most or the highest degree of something. It is often used in comparisons and can be paired with question words such as "何が" (what), "どこが" (where), or "いつが" (when) to ask which one is the most. The pattern is used to emphasize the highest degree of something within a specific scope or group.
Structure
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun | Scope の中で + Noun が + 一番 + Adjective | 季節の中で、春が一番好きです。 |
| Noun | Scope で + Noun が + 一番 + Adjective | クラスで、太郎が一番背が高いです。 |
| Question word | Question word が + 一番 + Adjective | 何が一番おいしいですか? |
Examples
くだものの中で、りんごが一番おいしいです。
kudas mono no naka de, ringo ga ichiban oishii desu.
Among the fruits, apples are the most delicious.
くだもの (fruits), の中で (within), りんご (apples), が (subject marker), 一番 (superlative), おいしい (delicious)
季節の中で、春が一番好きです。
kiyoi no naka de, haru ga ichiban suki desu.
Among the seasons, spring is the most favorite.
季節 (seasons), の中で (within), 春 (spring), が (subject marker), 一番 (superlative), 好き (favorite)
クラスで、太郎が一番背が高いです。
kurasu de, Taro ga ichiban saka ga takai desu.
In the class, Taro is the tallest.
クラス (class), で (location), 太郎 (Taro), が (subject marker), 一番 (superlative), 背が高い (tall)
何が一番おいしいですか?
nani ga ichiban oishii desu ka?
What is the most delicious?
何 (what), が (subject marker), 一番 (superlative), おいしい (delicious)
Context
The grammar pattern "一番" is used to express the superlative degree and is often used in comparisons. It can be paired with question words to ask which one is the most. The pattern is used to emphasize the highest degree of something within a specific scope or group. The pattern is used in informal and formal writing and speaking.
Watch out
Forgetting の中で can lead to incorrect comparisons and misunderstandings. Using の中で helps to define the scope of comparison and ensures accurate results.
Placing 一番 after the adjective can lead to incorrect grammatical structure and meaning. Placing 一番 before the adjective ensures the correct grammatical structure and meaning.
Using で instead of の中で for non-physical locations can lead to incorrect comparisons and misunderstandings. Using の中で helps to define the scope of comparison and ensures accurate results.
Strategy
When using the grammar pattern "一番" in the JLPT exam, make sure to use the correct scope of comparison (の中で or で) and place 一番 before the adjective. Also, be careful with the usage of で and の中で for non-physical locations.
In context
Worked examples drawn from JLPT N5 test-style questions. Each sentence shows 一番 used correctly, with a brief note on what the pattern is doing.
くだものの中で、りんごが一番おいしいです。
Pattern used: 一番
一番 expresses the superlative: apples are THE MOST delicious among fruits. もっと means 'more' (comparative, not superlative).
季節の中で、春が一番好きです。
Pattern used: の
の中で defines the scope: 'among the seasons'. の connects the group noun to 中で. I like spring the most among the seasons.
クラスでだれが一番背が高いですか。
Pattern used: だれ
だれ (who) is the correct question word for asking about people. 'Who is the tallest in the class?' uses だれが一番.
Interactive
くだものの中で、りんごが______おいしいです。
Adaptive practice
Our adaptive engine will quiz you on this grammar pattern and track your progress toward mastery.