一体

いったい

one object

JLPT N3

Character Breakdown

Core Meanings

"一体" can mean "one entity" or "whole", referring to things combined or unified. It is also used as an intensifier in questions to express strong curiosity or confusion, similar to "on earth" or "in the world" in English.

Usage in Sentences

As a noun or adjective, it describes unity or integration, e.g., "一体结构" (integrated structure). As an adverb in questions, it adds emphasis, e.g., "一体什么?" (What on earth do you want to do?).

Common Collocations

Notes

Do not confuse "一体" with "整体" which also means whole but is more formal and abstract.

Example Sentences

These two parts are integrated and cannot be separated.

What on earth do you want to say?

The country and the nation are one entity.