Japanese word

一人前

Pronunciation

Romajiichininmae

Meaning

  • nounfull-fledged

Example

彼はもう一人前の料理人です。kare wa mō ichi nin mae no ryō ri nin de su

He is now a full-fledged cook.

Illustration for 一人前 (full-fledged)

More examples

彼女は努力を重ねて一人前と認められました。kano jo wa do ryoku o kasa ne te ichi nin mae to mito me ra re ma shi ta

She worked hard and was recognized as a full-fledged professional.

Core concept

Describes one complete share or unit that meets the expected standard, whether it is a serving or a person capable of handling a role independently.

Common phrases

  • 一人前と認めるichi nin mae to mito me ru

    recognize as full-fledged

  • 一人前の職人ichi nin mae no shoku nin

    full-fledged artisan

Similar words

一丁前itchōmae: A person regarded as having reached a basic acceptable level of skill.

Definition in Japanese

ある仕事に必要な知識や技術を備え、独立した者として認められる人。a ru shi goto ni hitsu yō na chi shiki ya gi jutsu o sona e doku ritsu shi ta mono to shi te mito me ra re ru hito

Word origin

一人前 (ichininmae) combines 一人 (ichinin, "one person") with 前 (mae), which marks a standard amount or portion; the meaning extended from one person's share to a person meeting an expected standard.

Usage tips

  • Unlike English full-fledged, 一人前 (ichininmae) is a noun that commonly appears before の (no) when describing someone who has reached an expected level.

Other meanings

  • competentnoun
  • grown-upnoun
  • servingnoun

Opposites

  • 半人前hanninmaeinexperienced personnoun

Word lists with this word