Konnichiwa! Are you interested in learning how to say “I am thirteen years old” in Japanese? It’s great that you’re exploring the language and culture. In this guide, we’ll cover both formal and informal ways to express your age. Keep in mind that Japanese has regional variations, but we will focus on the standard language used in Tokyo, known as “Hyōjungo.” Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions:
When it comes to formal situations, it’s important to use polite language. Here are the different ways to say “I am thirteen years old” formally:
- 私は13歳です。 (Watashi wa jūsan-sai desu.)
This is the most straightforward and commonly used formal way to express your age. The word “watashi” means “I,” “wa” is a particle indicating the subject, “jūsan-sai” means “thirteen years old,” and “desu” is the polite copula. - 私は13歳になりました。 (Watashi wa jūsan-sai ni narimashita.)
This expression implies that you recently turned thirteen. “Narimashita” is the polite past tense of the verb “naru,” which means “to become.” - 私は13歳となります。 (Watashi wa jūsan-sai to narimasu.)
If you want to express your upcoming thirteenth birthday politely, you can use this phrase. “Narimasu” is the polite present tense of “naru.”
Informal Expressions:
When talking with friends, classmates, or people younger than you, you can use more casual language. Here are some informal ways to say “I am thirteen years old”:
- 俺は13歳だ。 (Ore wa jūsan-sai da.)
This expression uses the informal pronoun “ore” meaning “I” and the casual copula “da.” It’s commonly used among male friends or in casual conversations. - 僕は13歳だ。 (Boku wa jūsan-sai da.)
Similar to the previous phrase, “boku” is an informal pronoun used mainly by males, especially boys. It is also followed by the casual copula “da.” - ～なんだけど、13歳だよ。 (~Nan da kedo, jūsan-sai da yo.)
This phrase starts with “~nan da kedo,” which adds a softening effect to the statement, similar to saying “you know” in English. The “~yo” at the end adds emphasis. For example, you could say “とりあえず (toriaezu)” before “~nan da kedo” to mean “well, you know…”
Tips and Examples:
Now that you’ve learned the formal and informal expressions, here are some additional tips and examples to help you use them confidently:
1. Pay Attention to Pronouns:
In Japanese, the pronouns you use can convey different levels of politeness and formality. “Watashi” is a common neutral pronoun, while “ore” and “boku” are more casual and mainly used by males. For females, “atashi” is a slightly softer version of “watashi.”
Example: 僕は13歳だから、もう中学生だよ！ (Boku wa jūsan-sai dakara, mō chūgakusei da yo!)
Translation: “Since I’m thirteen, I’m already a junior high school student!”
2. Be Mindful of Verb Tenses:
In Japanese, verb tenses can indicate whether an action is happening in the past, present, or future. Make sure to use the appropriate tense based on the context of your age.
Example: 今日で13歳になりました。 (Kyō de jūsan-sai ni narimashita.)
Translation: “Today, I turned thirteen.”
3. Customize Your Expressions:
You can make your statements more personal by adding words like “ね (ne)” for seeking agreement or “よ (yo)” for emphasis. Experiment with different ways to express yourself while still maintaining respect and appropriate levels of politeness.
Example: もうすぐ13歳だよね！ウキウキするなぁ。 (Mō sugu jūsan-sai da yo ne! Ukiuki suru nā.)
Translation: “I’ll be thirteen soon, won’t I? I’m so excited!”
Conclusion:
Congratulations on learning how to express your age in Japanese! Now you can confidently say “I am thirteen years old” in formal and informal settings. Remember to adjust your language based on the relationship and formality of the situation. Language learning opens doors to new cultures and opportunities, so keep exploring and enjoying your Japanese journey!
