一番 superlatives

Core meaning and form

Use a group + の中で + item + が一番 + adjective, or simply 一番 + adjective when the comparison set is clear. Use どれ, だれ, or どこ with 一番 to ask which member ranks highest.

• Form: Use a group + の中で + item + が一番 + adjective, or simply 一番 + adjective when the comparison set is clear.
• Core use: 一番 marks the highest degree within an understood or stated set.
• Context: Use どれ, だれ, or どこ with 一番 to ask which member ranks highest.

Examples in context

Common errors

• Do not select this pattern from an English translation alone; check its attachment and discourse function.
• Keep the surrounding sentence in a consistent plain, polite, spoken, or written register.

Quick summary

• Use a group + の中で + item + が一番 + adjective, or simply 一番 + adjective when the comparison set is clear.
• 一番 marks the highest degree within an understood or stated set.
• Use どれ, だれ, or どこ with 一番 to ask which member ranks highest.