Translation guide
The English phrase 'one paragraph' refers to a single block of text in writing. In Japanese, the most natural way to express this depends on context: counting paragraphs, referring to a specific paragraph, or describing a short piece of writing.
To say 'one paragraph' when counting or specifying the number of paragraphs.
Literally 'one paragraph'. Used when counting paragraphs in a text. Note that 段落 (だんらく) is the word for 'paragraph'.
このエッセイは一段落だけです。
This essay is just one paragraph.
Using the generic counter 一つ (ひとつ) with 段落. Slightly more conversational than 一段落.
一つの段落にまとめてください。
Please combine it into one paragraph.
To talk about a particular paragraph, e.g., 'the first paragraph' or 'that one paragraph'.
Means 'that paragraph'. Use その to refer to a specific paragraph previously mentioned or understood from context.
その段落をもう一度読んでください。
Please read that one paragraph again.
Means 'the first paragraph'. Use 最初 (さいしょ) for 'first'.
最初の段落が一番重要です。
The first paragraph is the most important.
To describe a text that is only one paragraph long, often implying brevity.
Means 'a short piece of writing'. This is a natural way to describe a text that is only one paragraph without explicitly saying 'paragraph'.
短い文章を書いてください。
Please write one paragraph.
Literally 'one sentence', but sometimes used loosely to mean a very short text. Use with caution as it may be interpreted literally.
Can be ambiguous; 一段落 or 短い文章 is clearer for 'one paragraph'.
感想を一文で書いてください。
Please write your thoughts in one paragraph.