Learning how to count in Japanese is an essential skill for anyone interested in the language or planning to visit Japan. In this guide, we will explore the formal and informal ways of saying Japanese numbers from 1 to 10. We’ll also provide some tips, examples, and touch upon regional variations where necessary. So, let’s dive right in!
Table of Contents
Formal Way of Saying Japanese Numbers 1-10
When it comes to formal language, Japanese has a specific counting system known as “kazumi,” in which different counters are used depending on the object being counted. However, for our purpose of simply learning the numbers 1 to 10, we’ll focus on the basic numerals here. Let’s take a look:
1 – 10 in Formal Japanese
- 1 – ichi
- 2 – ni
- 3 – san
- 4 – shi/yon (Note: “shi” is avoided in certain contexts due to its association with the word for death. “Yon” is used instead.)
- 5 – go
- 6 – roku
- 7 – shichi/nana (Either “shichi” or “nana” can be used interchangeably)
- 8 – hachi
- 9 – kyuu/ku (Both “kyuu” and “ku” are commonly used)
- 10 – juu
These are the formal ways to express the numbers 1 to 10 in Japanese. Remember to use these forms when communicating in more official or formal situations, such as counting money, addressing important figures, or during business encounters.
Informal Way of Saying Japanese Numbers 1-10
Japanese, like many other languages, has informal expressions used in casual conversations among friends, peers, or family members. The informal way of counting is quite straightforward and slightly different from the formal way. Let’s explore the informal versions of Japanese numbers 1 to 10 below:
1 – 10 in Informal Japanese
- 1 – ichi
- 2 – ni
- 3 – san
- 4 – yon
- 5 – go
- 6 – roku
- 7 – nana
- 8 – hachi
- 9 – kyuu
- 10 – juu
As you can see, in the informal way of counting, there are no significant changes compared to the formal expressions. You can freely use these informal versions in casual settings with friends, family, or in relaxed environments.
Tips for Practicing Japanese Numbers
1. Listen and Repeat
One of the best ways to familiarize yourself with Japanese numbers is through active listening and repetition. You can find audio resources or online language apps that offer pronunciation exercises. Practice saying the numbers out loud, mimicking the native speakers’ intonation and rhythm.
2. Pay Attention to Pronunciation
Japanese pronunciation is generally consistent. However, be mindful of certain exceptions, such as “shi” being replaced by “yon” to avoid the association with death. Similarly, remember the interchangeable use of “shichi” and “nana” for the number 7, and “kyuu” and “ku” for the number 9. These subtle differences can make a significant impact on your overall communication in Japanese.
3. Practice with Everyday Objects
Take advantage of your surroundings and practice counting objects you encounter in your daily life. Counting items in Japanese while grocery shopping, tidying up, or even watching TV shows with Japanese subtitles will provide practical reinforcement of your language skills.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve now learned how to say the Japanese numbers 1 to 10 in both formal and informal ways. Remember to use the formal expressions when necessary, especially in more official settings, and embrace the informal versions during casual conversations. By practicing the pronunciation, paying attention to specific nuances, and incorporating Japanese numbers into your everyday life, you’ll gradually become more fluent. Have fun exploring the beautiful world of Japanese language and culture!
