Learning how to count in Japanese is an essential skill for anyone interested in the language and culture of Japan. In this guide, we’ll explore how to express numbers in both formal and informal settings. Additionally, we’ll touch upon regional variations where necessary. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Japanese Number System
Before we delve into the different ways of saying numbers, it’s important to understand the basics of the Japanese number system. Similar to English, Japanese employs a decimal system, with numbers arranged in units of ten. Understanding the units from one to ten will help you grasp the patterns of counting.
The Japanese Counting Units
The basic Japanese counting units from one to ten are as follows:
- 1: ichi
- 2: ni
- 3: san
- 4: yon / shi
- 5: go
- 6: roku
- 7: nana / shichi
- 8: hachi
- 9: kyū / ku
- 10: jū
Formal Way to Say Japanese Numbers
In formal situations, such as when addressing someone of higher social status, there is a specific system for counting in Japanese. It’s called the Kanji-based Sino-Japanese system and relies on Chinese characters. Here are the numbers from one to ten in this system:
- 1: 一 (ichi)
- 2: 二 (ni)
- 3: 三 (san)
- 4: 四 (shi / yon)
- 5: 五 (go)
- 6: 六 (roku)
- 7: 七 (shichi / nana)
- 8: 八 (hachi)
- 9: 九 (ku / kyū)
- 10: 十 (jū)
When counting beyond ten, this system combines the counting units with the word for ten, “jū.”
For example, 17 is “juu nana” (十七) and 24 is “ni jū shi” (二十四).
Informal Way to Say Japanese Numbers
In informal situations, such as conversations with friends or peers, a different counting system is commonly used. It’s known as the Native Japanese system, which involves using different words to express the numbers. Here’s the informal way of counting from one to ten:
- 1: hitori / hitotsu
- 2: futari / futatsu
- 3: sannin / mittsu
- 4: yonin / yottsu
- 5: goin / itsutsu
- 6: rokunin / muttsu
- 7: shichinin / nanatsu
- 8: hachinin / yattsu
- 9: kyūnin / kokonotsu
- 10: jūnin / tō
Similar to the formal system, the informal way also combines the counting units with the word for ten, “tō,” when counting multiples of ten.
For instance, 17 would be “jū nanatsu” (十七) and 24 would be “ni jū yottsu” (二十四) when using the informal system.
Regional Variations
Though the formal and informal systems are commonly used across Japan, there might be some regional variations in pronunciation. Keep in mind that these variations are relatively minor and won’t affect understanding. Here are a few examples:
- 6: In Kansai region, roku (ろく) may be pronounced as roppi (ろっぴ).
- 7: In Kansai region, shichi (しち) may be pronounced as shichimi (しちみ) or nana (なな) as nanami (ななみ).
- 9: In Okinawa dialect, kyū (きゅう) may be pronounced as kuu (くー).
Tips for Practicing Counting
Here are a few tips to enhance your practice when it comes to Japanese counting:
- Start Small: Begin by memorizing the numbers from one to ten in both formal and informal ways.
- Expand Your Vocabulary: Gradually learn numbers beyond ten and aim to count up to one hundred.
- Listen and Repeat: Watching Japanese movies, TV shows, or listening to music can help you familiarize yourself with the pronunciation and rhythm of counting in Japanese.
- Practice with Native Speakers: Engage in conversations with native Japanese speakers to refine your counting skills and gain real-world exposure.
- Utilize Flashcards: Create flashcards with numbers and their corresponding Japanese expressions for regular practice.
Congratulations! You now have a solid understanding of how to say Japanese numbers in both formal and informal settings. Remember to practice regularly and enjoy your journey in mastering this fundamental aspect of the Japanese language!
