小数
shōsū
In Japanese, the phrase for "decimal numbers" is 小数 (shōsū).
The term refers to numbers that use a decimal point to represent a fraction of a whole.
Which one should you use?
While 小数 refers to the decimal numbers themselves, the term 小数点 (shōsūten) is used specifically for the decimal point.
How do you pronounce it?
shōsū
Did you know?
- When writing out large decimals, Japanese precision-oriented culture often uses 桁 (keta) to count the 'digits' or 'places' after the decimal point.
- The word 小数 is composed of the characters for 'small' and 'number', essentially meaning 'small numbers'.
- In Japanese schools, the decimal point 小数点 is often referred to as a 'dot' using the loanword ドット (dotto) in informal settings or computer science.
Examples in context
- 小数点を打つTo insert a decimal point
- 小数を使って計算してください。shousu o tsukatte keisan shite kudasai.Please use decimal numbers to calculate.
- この問題は小数が出てきます。kono mondai wa shousu ga detekimasu.Decimal numbers appear in this problem.
- 答えは小数になります。kotae wa shousu ni narimasu.The answer will be a decimal number.
Example conversation
Yui and Ren are studying math together at home.
- 結衣 Yui蓮、この答えは小数にするの？Ren, kono kotae wa shōsū ni suru no?Ren, do I make this answer a decimal number?
- 蓮 Renうん、小数点以下まで書いて。Un, shōsūten ika made kaite.Yes, write it up to the decimal place.
- 結衣 Yui小数の計算は少し難しいね。Shōsū no keisan wa sukoshi muzukashii ne.Calculating with decimal numbers is a bit difficult.
- 蓮 Ren一緒に練習すれば大丈夫だよ。Issho ni renshū sureba daijōbu da yo.It'll be fine if we practice together.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 小数, CC BY-SA 4.0.
