13歳です
jūsansai desu
The phrase "I am thirteen years old" in Japanese is 13歳です (jūsansai desu).
This phrase is used to state that a person is thirteen years of age. In Japanese, the subject "I" (watashi wa) is often omitted when the context makes it clear who is speaking, which is why the short form 13歳です is a common way to express this. If you want to express that you have recently turned thirteen, you can use the phrase 私は13歳になりました。 To politely express that you are about to turn thirteen in the future, you can use 私は13歳となります。
How does it change in a sentence?
You can add the particle ~yo at the end of a sentence to add emphasis to your statement.
How do you pronounce it?
jūsansai desu
Did you know?
- In Japan, a person's age is traditionally calculated using the 'kazoedoshi' system, where a person is considered one year old at birth. Although the modern system is now standard, some traditional ceremonies might still reference this concept.
- The counter 歳 comes from a word meaning 'harvest' or 'season', reflecting an ancient way of tracking time by the passing of crop cycles.
- In Japan, stating one's age is often accompanied by a slight bow, as age is closely tied to social hierarchy and the level of politeness required in a conversation.
Examples in context
- 僕は13歳だから、もう中学生だよ！Since I'm thirteen, I'm already a junior high school student!
- 今日で13歳になりました。Today, I turned thirteen.
- 私は13歳です。Watashi wa jūsan-sai desu.I am thirteen years old.
- 息子は今、13歳です。Musuko wa ima, jūsan-sai desu.My son is thirteen years old now.
Example conversation
Two students are introducing themselves at a new club.
- 蓮 Ren僕は蓮です。13歳です。Boku wa Ren desu. Jūsan-sai desu.I am Ren. I am thirteen years old.
- 結衣 Yui私は結衣です。同じ13歳です！Watashi wa Yui desu. Onaji jūsan-sai desu!I am Yui. I am also thirteen years old!
- 蓮 Renよろしくお願いします。Yoroshiku onegaishimasu.Nice to meet you.
- 結衣 Yuiこちらこそ。Kochira koso.Nice to meet you, too.
