Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say Japanese numbers! Whether you’re traveling to Japan, learning the language, or simply interested in Japanese culture, being able to count and understand numbers is essential. In this guide, we’ll cover both formal and informal ways of expressing numbers in Japanese, providing tips, examples, and some regional variations where necessary. Let’s dive right in!
Table of Contents
The Basics: Numbers 1 to 10
Let’s start with the foundational numbers in Japanese, from one to ten:
- 1 – ichi: Pronounced as “ee-chee.”
- 2 – ni: Pronounced as “nee.”
- 3 – san: Pronounced as “sahn.”
- 4 – yon or shi: Pronounced as “yohn” or “shee.” Be aware that “shi” also sounds like the word for death in Japanese, so it can be considered unlucky in some contexts.
- 5 – go: Pronounced as “goh.”
- 6 – roku: Pronounced as “roh-koo.”
- 7 – nana or shichi: Pronounced as “nah-nah” or “shee-chee.”
- 8 – hachi: Pronounced as “haa-chee.”
- 9 – kyuu or ku: Pronounced as “kyu” or “koo.”
- 10 – juu: Pronounced as “joo.”
Counting Up: Beyond Ten
Now that we have the basics down, it’s time to tackle higher numbers. To form numbers from eleven to nineteen, simply add the corresponding number after “juu,” which means ten. Here are a few examples:
- 11 – juuichi: Pronounced as “joo-ee-chee.”
- 13 – juusan: Pronounced as “joo-sahn.”
- 17 – juushichi: Pronounced as “joo-shee-chee.”
- 19 – juukyuu: Pronounced as “joo-kyu.”
For numbers beyond twenty, you combine the tens place and the ones place using the word “juu.” For example:
- 20 – nijuu: Pronounced as “nee-joo.”
- 25 – nijuu go: Pronounced as “nee-joo-goh.”
- 37 – sanjuu nana: Pronounced as “sahn-joo-nah-nah.”
- 48 – yonjuu hachi: Pronounced as “yohn-joo-haa-chee.”
- 99 – kyuujuu kyuu: Pronounced as “kyu-joo-kyu.”
Formal and Informal Counting
In Japanese, there are different ways to express numbers depending on the formality of the situation. We’ll first look at the more formal expressions:
Formal: When counting with the formal form, use the word “tsu” after each number. Here’s an example: hitotsu, futatsu, mittsu… (one, two, three…).
On the other hand, informally, the word “tsu” is dropped, and numbers are simply pronounced by themselves. Here’s an example:
Informal: Hitotsu, futatsu, mittsu… (one, two, three…)
Remember to tailor your speech based on the level of formality required in a given situation. Maintaining the appropriate level of politeness is essential in Japanese culture.
Regional Variations
While most Japanese numbers are consistent across the country, a few regional variations exist. Here are a couple of examples:
- 4 – yotsu: In some regions, “yotsu” is used instead of “yon” or “shi” for the number four.
- 7 – shichimen: Occasionally, “shichimen” is used instead of “nana” or “shichi” for the number seven, especially in the Kanto region.
These regional variations may be encountered, but they are not as common in everyday Japanese.
Additional Tips and Advice
Here are a few more tips to help you master Japanese numbers:
- Practice pronunciation by listening to audio recordings or native speakers.
- When counting objects, use the appropriate counter for each item (e.g., objects, people, flat objects, long objects, etc.).
- Pay attention to pitch accent, as it can change the meaning of words in Japanese. However, for basic numbers, don’t worry too much about pitch accent.
- Remember to use the appropriate level of formality based on the situation. When in doubt, err on the side of being more polite.
- Practice counting in various contexts, such as telling time, giving your age, or ordering at a restaurant.
- Immerse yourself in Japanese culture, watch movies, listen to music, and explore the language further to enhance your understanding of numbers and their contexts.
With practice and exposure, you’ll gradually become more comfortable with Japanese numbers. Embrace the learning process and enjoy the journey!
We hope this guide has been helpful in unraveling the mystery of Japanese numbers. Remember to have fun with your language learning adventure and embrace the rich cultural significance behind each number. Good luck!
