Quadruple VS
Synonym Boundary: "一つ", "片道", "いちいち", "一因"
All represent the core concept "one", but require precise selection.
Japanese Option A
一つ
ひとつ (hitotsu)
N5 / CEFR
Japanese Option B
片道
かたみち (katamichi)
N4 / CEFR
Japanese Option C
いちいち
いちいち (ichiichi)
N2 / CEFR
Japanese Option D
一因
いちいん (ichiin)
N2 / CEFR
Quadruple VS Nuance Contrast & Social Differences
When expressing "one" in Japanese, you must carefully distinguish between "一つ", "片道", "いちいち", "一因" 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..
- 片道 (かたみち (katamichi) - Level: N4): Maps to "one way, single trip" and is used when Describes a journey to a destination without returning. Often used with きっぷ.
- 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..
- 一因 (いちいん (ichiin) - Level: N2): Maps to "one cause; a contributing factor" and is used when Used to indicate one of several causes or factors contributing to a situation, often a negative one..
Context for "一つ"
りんごを一つください。
Please give me one apple.
Context for "片道"
彼は飛行機の片道チケットしか持っていませんでした。
He only had a one-way flight ticket.
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 "一因"
彼の失敗は準備不足が一因だ。
His failure was partly due to insufficient preparation.
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.".