How to Say "One, Two, Three" in Japanese

いち、に、さん

ichi, ni, san

The English phrase "one, two, three" is translated into Japanese as いち、に、さん (ichi, ni, san).

This sequence is commonly used to count objects or to signal a countdown before starting an action.

Which one should you use?

While いち、に、さん are the standard cardinal numbers, ひと、ふた、み are the older, native Japanese readings used in specific traditional contexts.

When counting apples, こ (こ) can be used as a counter.

ichi, ni, san

The number さん is also the word for 'Mr.', 'Ms.' or 'Mrs.' when added as a suffix to a name, though this is a different kanji character.
Japanese has a 'counting system' where the native words ひと, ふた and み are still used for specific items like 'one person' ひとり or 'two people' ふたり.
In certain traditional martial arts or rhythmic sports, the pronunciation of いち、に、さん is used as a way to synchronize the breathing of a group.

りんごを一つください。
Please give me one apple.
ご三名様を招待しました。
We have invited three guests.
昨日、本を二つ買いました。
I bought two books yesterday.
寿司を三つ食べたい。
I want to eat three sushi.
いち、に、さん、の順に並べて。
ichi, ni, san, no jun ni narabete.
Arrange them in the order of one, two, three.
いち、に、さん、で、スタート！
ichi, ni, san, de, sutāto!
One, two, three, and start!
いち、に、さん、と数えてみてください。
ichi, ni, san, to kazoete mite kudasai.
Please try counting one, two, three.

Yota and Himari are preparing to jump into a pool together.

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