Learning how to express decimal numbers in Japanese can be both challenging and rewarding. Whether you’re traveling to Japan, studying the language, or simply have an interest in Japanese culture, being familiar with decimal numbers is essential for everyday situations like shopping, telling time, or discussing measurements. In this guide, we will explore how to say decimal numbers in Japanese, providing formal and informal ways to express them. While we will mostly focus on standard Japanese, we will also touch on regional variations where necessary. So, let’s dive in and discover everything you need to know about decimal numbers in Japanese!
Table of Contents
1. The Basics: Understanding Decimal Numbers in Japanese
Before we delve into the intricacies of expressing decimal numbers, let’s make sure we have a clear understanding of how decimals work in Japanese. Unlike some other languages, Japanese employs a similar system to English in terms of its decimal place value. For instance, the number “12.34” is read as “twelve point three four,” with the term “point” separating the whole number and the decimal part. However, it’s important to note that when expressing decimal numbers in Japanese, the decimal point is referred to as “ten” (ten) and not “point.”
2. Formal Ways of Expressing Decimal Numbers in Japanese
When it comes to formal settings or scenarios where politeness is crucial, such as business meetings or formal presentations, it’s advisable to use the more respectful form of expressing decimal numbers. Here are two common ways to do so:
- Method 1: Whole Number + “ten” (10) + Decimal Part
For example:
・ 1.5 – “ichi ten go”
・ 7.89 – “nana ten hachi kyuu”
Method 2: Whole Number + “ten” (10) + Decimal Part + “no” (の) + Classifier
This method is used when specifying the unit of measurement of the decimal number. Here are a few examples:
・ 2.5 kilograms – “ni ten go no kilogramu”
・ 3.75 meters – “san ten nana go no meetoru”
3. Informal Ways of Expressing Decimal Numbers in Japanese
When speaking casually or in everyday situations, it is common to use a more relaxed and simplified form to express decimal numbers. Here are a couple of informal methods:
- Method 1: Whole Number + “ten” (てん) or “pont” (ポント) + Decimal Part
For example:
・ 0.5 – “zero ten go” or “zero pont go”
・ 3.67 – “san ten roku nana” or “san pont roku nana”
Method 2: Decimal Number as a Fraction
Instead of referring to the decimal part, you can express it as a fraction. The most common denominator to use is 10, and it is expressed as follows:
・ 0.25 – “rei byou ni juppun no ichi”
・ 0.8 – “rei byou hachi juppun no hachi”
4. Regional Variations in Expressing Decimal Numbers
While standard Japanese is widely understood and used throughout Japan, some regional variations exist in terms of expressing decimal numbers. Here are two examples:
Southern Kyushu Dialect:
In the southern region of Kyushu, instead of using “ten” (ten) as the decimal point, they use “chan” (ちゃん) or “jan” (じゃん). For instance:
・ 4.3 – “yon juppun san chan”
・ 5.8 – “go juppun hachi jan”
Osaka Dialect:
The dialect commonly spoken in Osaka replaces “ten” (ten) with “to” (と). Here are a couple of examples:
・ 6.5 – “roku juppun go to”
・ 9.3 – “kyuu juppun san to”
5. Tips for Expressing Decimal Numbers in Japanese
Now that you have a good grasp of the different ways to express decimal numbers in Japanese, here are some additional tips to help you refine your skills:
- Practice pronunciation to ensure accuracy when expressing decimal numbers.
- When in doubt, opt for the more formal methods of expressing decimal numbers, especially in unfamiliar situations.
- Remember to use the correct counters when specifying units of measurement for decimal numbers.
- Listen to native speakers or audio resources to familiarize yourself with the rhythm and flow of expressing decimal numbers in Japanese.
- Regularly incorporate decimal numbers into your language learning routine to improve fluency.
Congratulations! You’ve now completed our comprehensive guide on how to say decimal numbers in Japanese. By mastering the various methods and tips provided, you’ll be well-equipped to handle decimal numbers in any situation, be it formal or informal. Whether you’re measuring ingredients for a recipe, talking about time, or discussing distances, you’ll impress others with your ability to express decimal numbers accurately in Japanese.
