偶数
gūsū[ɡɯ̟ːsɨː]
In Japanese, the mathematical term for an even number is 偶数 (gūsū). Wiktionary also lists 丁 (chō).
Meaning: arithmetic: divisible by two (adj)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 偶数 | gūsū | [ɡɯ̟ːsɨː] (narrow) |
| 丁 | chō | [te̞ː] (narrow) [t͡ɕo̞ː] (narrow) |
The term 偶数 is used in arithmetic to describe a number that is divisible by two. In a formal context, the Japanese word さえ (sae) can be used to translate the English word "even".
Which one should you use?
While 偶数 is the standard mathematical term for an even number, the form 丁 should not be used to mean "an even number" in a mathematical context.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun 偶数 can be used with the copula だ or です to state that something is an even number.
How do you pronounce it?
gūsū
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use 丁 to mean "an even number" in a mathematical context. It does not function as the mathematical term for even.
Did you know?
- In the traditional 'Onmyōdō' system of divination, 偶数 (even numbers) are often associated with 'Yin' energy, while odd numbers are associated with 'Yang'.
- The word 偶数 contains the character 偶, which can also mean 'partner' or '配偶者' (spouse) in other contexts.
- In traditional Japanese crafts, 丁 can refer to a specific unit of measurement for metal ingots.
Examples in context
- フライパンは丁寧に使えば安物でも長く持ちます。Even a cheap frying pan will last a long time if used carefully.This sentence shows how 丁 appears in a sentence about a cheap frying pan.Tatoeba #11007630 by small_snow, translation #11015467 by CK
- 「こちらの席は空いていますか？」は「ここの席座ってもいいですか？」よりもさらに自然で丁寧な表現だと私は思います。I think that the expression "Is this seat taken?" is even more natural sounding and polite than "May I sit here?".This sentence uses 丁 in a comparison of politeness between expressions.Tatoeba #8543387 by small_snow, translation #10071470 by tsp_2
- 十二は偶数だ。Twelve is an even number.This sentence demonstrates the use of 偶数 to state that twelve is an even number.Tatoeba #930200 by ryanwhiting, translation #73341 by CK
- 彼はお金さえ持っていない。He doesn't even have money.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Kenta and Himari are playing a board game.
- 陽葵 Himariこの数字は偶数だよ。Kono suuji wa guusuu da yo.This number is an even number.
- 健太 Kentaじゃあ、次は奇数だね。Jaa, tsugi wa kisuu da ne.Then, the next one is an odd number.
- 陽葵 Himari健太、正解！Kenta, seikai!Kenta, that's correct!
- 健太 Kentaやった！Yatta!I did it!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “even” translations and entries 偶数, 丁, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
