Welcome to your ultimate guide on how to say numbers in Japanese! Whether you’re a beginner learning the language or just looking to expand your knowledge, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to master numbers in Japanese. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover the formal and informal ways of saying numbers, as well as provide tips, examples, and even touch on regional variations. So let’s dive right in and get started!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways of Saying Numbers
In formal settings, such as business or official contexts, Japanese speakers typically use native Japanese numbers, known as “Kanji numbers” or “On-yomi.” Here is a list of numbers from one to ten in their formal form:
1. いち (ichi)
2. に (ni)
3. さん (san)
4. よん (yon)
5. ご (go)
6. ろく (roku)
7. なな (nana)
8. はち (hachi)
9. きゅう (kyuu)
10. じゅう (juu)
It’s important to note that the pronunciation of some numbers may change when combined with certain counters. For example, 4 is pronounced as “shi” (し) when it stands alone, but as “yon” (よん) when combined with a counter. This is because “shi” sounds similar to the word for death in Japanese and is considered unlucky.
Now, let’s move on to larger numbers. To create larger numbers, you simply combine the above numbers with the appropriate place values. Here’s an example:
11. じゅういち (juu-ichi) = 10 + 1
43. よんじゅうさん (yon-juu-san) = 40 + 3
99. きゅうじゅうきゅう (kyuu-juu-kyuu) = 90 + 9
Keep in mind that larger numbers are typically written using Arabic numerals (0, 1, 2, 3, etc.) in modern Japanese. However, being able to understand and pronounce the Kanji numbers will still come in handy in formal situations.
Informal Ways of Saying Numbers
In informal settings, such as among friends or family, Japanese speakers often use a different set of numbers called “Kun-yomi.” These numbers are based on the Japanese readings of Chinese characters used for counting things. Here is a list of the informal numbers from one to ten:
1. ひとつ (hitotsu)
2. ふたつ (futatsu)
3. みっつ (mittsu)
4. よっつ (yottsu)
5. いつつ (itsutsu)
6. むっつ (muttsu)
7. ななつ (nanatsu)
8. やっつ (yattsu)
9. ここのつ (kokonotsu)
10. とお (too) or じゅっこう (jukkou)
You might have noticed that some of these numbers sound quite different from their formal counterparts. This is to make them easier to pronounce during casual conversations. While these informal numbers are commonly used among peers, it’s essential to switch to the formal numbers in more polite or formal occasions.
Tips for Saying Numbers in Japanese
Now that you know both formal and informal ways of saying numbers in Japanese, here are some handy tips to help you further:
- Pronunciation: Practice the accurate pronunciation of each number to ensure clarity in communication.
- Counters: Japanese numbers are often used with counters, which indicate the type of objects being counted. For instance, when counting flat objects like sheets of paper, you would use the counter “mai” (枚). So, instead of saying “one paper,” you would say “ichi-mai.” Learn different counters to expand your number vocabulary.
- Practice Listening: Listen to native Japanese speakers saying numbers to familiarize yourself with the correct intonation and rhythm. You can find online resources, videos, or even language exchange partners to practice with.
- Learn Hand Gestures: Japanese speakers often use hand gestures while indicating numbers. Familiarize yourself with common hand gestures to enhance your communication skills.
Examples of Numbers in Context
To help you understand how to use numbers in everyday conversations, here are some examples:
Example 1:
Japanese: 魚を三匹ください。
Romaji: Sakana o san-biki kudasai.
English: Please give me three fish.
Example 2:
Japanese: その本は五千円です。
Romaji: Sono hon wa go-sen-en desu.
English: That book costs five thousand yen.
Example 3:
Japanese: 今週は七つのテストがあります。
Romaji: Konshuu wa nanatsu no tesuto ga arimasu.
English: There are seven tests this week.
Remember, practice makes perfect! Utilize these tips, and don’t hesitate to practice your number skills whenever possible.
While Japan generally follows the standard form of numbers, some regional variations may exist. However, these variations are not commonly used in everyday conversation and are often specific to particular dialects. Therefore, focusing on the standard forms provided in this guide will be sufficient for most situations.
Congratulations! You’ve now learned how to say numbers in Japanese, both formally and informally. With practice, you’ll become more confident in using numbers in various contexts. Keep exploring the fascinating world of the Japanese language, and enjoy your language learning journey!
