Japanese grammar

What does ~が一番~です mean? Japanese grammar N5

~が一番~です means ~ is the most ~.

Quick facts
Level (estimated, JLPT framework)N5
Structure(範囲) で N が一番 Adj です
Romaji~ ga ichiban ~ desu
Meaning~ is the most ~

How to use it

Superlative comparison (within a group).

  • 一番 = number one, the most. Placed BEFORE the adjective.
  • The scope of comparison uses で: 「クラスで田中さんが一番背が高いです。」
  • Question form: 「~の中で何が一番好きですか。」

Examples

  • Among fruits, I like apples the best.

  • Mt. Fuji is the highest mountain in Japan.

Common mistakes

  • Wrongりんごは一番(いちばん)好(す)きが。

    Correctりんごが一番(いちばん)好(す)きです。

    一番 sits right before the adjective, and the chosen item takes が.

Related patterns

All N5 grammar →