Japanese word

一員

Pronunciation

Romajiichiin

Meaning

  • nounmember

Example

彼はチームの一員です。kare wa chī mu no ichi in de su

He is a member of the team.

Illustration for 一員 (member)

More examples

新しい一員を迎えて、チームの雰囲気が明るくなりました。atara shi i ichi in o muka e te chī mu no fun i ki ga aka ru ku na ri ma shi ta

After welcoming a new member, the team atmosphere became brighter.

Core concept

Describes one person as a constituent part of a larger group, emphasizing belonging within that whole.

Common phrases

  • 社会の一員sha kai no ichi in

    a member of society

  • 一員として働くichi in to shi te hatara ku

    work as a member

Similar words

メンバーmenbā: A person who belongs to a group, team, or organization, often in casual or modern usage.
構成員kōseiin: A person who forms part of an organization or other larger group, with a formal tone.
成員seiin: A person who forms part of a group, especially in formal or academic language.

Definition in Japanese

集団や組織などを構成する一人。shū dan ya so shiki na do o kō sei su ru hito ri

Word origin

一員 (ichiin, "one member") combines 一 (ichi, "one") and 員 (in, "member"), expressing one person as part of a group.

Usage tips

  • The phrase 社会の一員 (shakai no ichiin) is common in discussions of civic life and presents a person as part of society rather than as an isolated individual.

Word lists with this word