Quadruple VS
Synonym Boundary: "一つ", "億", "いちいち", "逐一"
All represent the core concept "one", but require precise selection.
Japanese Option A
一つ
ひとつ (hitotsu)
N5 / CEFR
Japanese Option B
億
おく (oku)
N3 / CEFR
Japanese Option C
いちいち
いちいち (ichiichi)
N2 / CEFR
Japanese Option D
逐一
ちくいち (chikuichi)
N2 / CEFR
Quadruple VS Nuance Contrast & Social Differences
When expressing "one" in Japanese, you must carefully distinguish between "一つ", "億", "いちいち", "逐一" based on context.
- 一つ (ひとつ (hitotsu) - Level: N5): Maps to "one (general counter for objects)" and is used when Used for counting general items, especially small, individual objects, when a specific counter is not needed or known..
- 億 (おく (oku) - Level: N3): Maps to "one hundred million (100,000,000)" and is used when A large numerical unit in Japanese. 1億 = 100,000,000. Often used for large amounts of money, population, or astronomical figures..
- いちいち (いちいち (ichiichi) - Level: N2): Maps to "one by one; in detail; item by item; minutely; every single time (often implies annoyance or unnecessary thoroughness)" and is used when Implies going through things individually or paying attention to every small detail. Can convey a sense of annoyance when someone is being excessively meticulous or complaining about every little thing..
- 逐一 (ちくいち (chikuichi) - Level: N2): Maps to "one by one, in detail, item by item" and is used when To do or report things individually, sequentially, and in full detail. It emphasizes meticulousness and thoroughness. Often used with verbs like 報告する.
Context for "一つ"
りんごを一つください。
Please give me one apple.
Context for "億"
日本の人口は約1億2千万です。
Japan's population is approximately 120 million.
Context for "いちいち"
彼は部下のやることに、いちいち口を出す。
He interferes with every single thing his subordinates do.
Context for "逐一"
彼は出張の進捗状況を逐一報告してくれた。
He reported the progress of his business trip in detail, item by item.
Synonym Mastery Challenge
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "りんごを ＿＿＿ ください。" (Meaning: "Please give me one apple.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "一つ" is correct here because it represents "one (general counter for objects)" in the context: "Please give me one apple.".