Japanese for English speakers Cafe · Lesson 5

The best

Praise something as the best with 一番 (ichiban). Learn うち (uchi) for 'our/my' when talking about your shop or family, and 当たり前 (atarimae, obvious).

Conversation

  1. Meera Meera

    わ～おいしいですね

    Wā...Oishī desu ne

    Wow! It is delicious

    Tip: <Wā> = Tnterjection to express surprise <Oishī> = Tasty/delicious

  2. Kyle Kyle

    当たり前ですよ

    Atarimae desu yo

    Obviously

    Tip: <Atarimae> = It's obvious

  3. Kyle Kyle

    うちのたこ焼きはこの町では一番ですから

    Uchi no takoyaki wa kono machi dewa ichiban desu kara

    Our takoyakis are the best downtown!

    Tip: <Uchi> = One way to say "our/my"

  4. Meera Meera

    へえ？そうですか？

    Hē? Sō desu ka?

    Oh! Really?

    Tip: Literally: Is that so?

Common questions

Quick answers about this lesson's grammar and vocabulary.

How do you say 'the best' in Japanese?

Place 一番 (ichiban) before an adjective: 一番おいしい = 'the most delicious', 一番安い = 'the cheapest'.

What does うち (uchi) mean?

'Our' or 'my' — used for groups you belong to (your family, your company, your shop). うちの〇〇 = 'our ___'.

What does 当たり前 mean?

'Obviously' or 'naturally' — confirming something self-evident: 当たり前です = 'of course it is'.

Test yourself

Pick the English translation for each line from this lesson. Wrong answers are pulled from other Japanese lessons.

4 quick questions on what you just heard.

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