いちばん〜
the most ~
Use this pattern to shape a complete, natural Japanese thought.
Remember it
Connect the meaning to its sound: say “いちばん〜” aloud once.
Understand
Build the pattern
Sentence formula
How it works
「いちばん〜」 means "the most ~". Structure: いちばん + Adj. This is a JLPT N5 pattern — the examples below slot different everyday and workplace words into the same structure so you can see how it behaves. Learn the structure, then swap in your own words.
When to use it
Read the example aloud, then replace one detail with something from your own life.
Tone: Neutral
A general pattern; let the sentence ending and situation set the politeness level.
Use
Hear it in real life
Everyday life
Example 1この水がいちばん好きです。
このみずがいちばんすきです。
konomizugaichibansukidesu.
I like this water the best.
Everyday life
Example 2このかばんがいちばん好きです。
このかばんがいちばんすきです。
konokabangaichibansukidesu.
I like this bag the best.
Everyday life
Example 3この時計がいちばん好きです。
このとけいがいちばんすきです。
konotokeigaichibansukidesu.
I like this clock the best.
Everyday life
Example 4このご飯がいちばん好きです。
このごはんがいちばんすきです。
konogohangaichibansukidesu.
I like this rice the best.
Everyday life
Example 5この野菜がいちばん好きです。
このやさいがいちばんすきです。
konoyasaigaichibansukidesu.
I like this vegetables the best.
Make it yours
Choose one example. Replace one person, place, object, or time with a detail from your life, then say the new sentence aloud.
Recall
Test your memory
Recall practice
Can you say it?
1 of 5
Read the situation, look away from the answer, and say the Japanese aloud.
Your situation
I like this water the best.
The answer is hidden. Try to use いちばん〜.
Remember tomorrow
Save this pattern as a flashcard
Review the meaning and formula later so today’s lesson moves into long-term memory.