Learning numbers in a new language is always an exciting endeavor, and Japanese numbers are no exception. In this guide, we’ll explore how to say “seventeen” in Japanese, covering both formal and informal ways. Additionally, we’ll provide useful tips, examples, and even touch upon regional variations if necessary.
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say Seventeen in Japanese
When it comes to formal or polite conversations, Japanese offers specific vocabulary and expressions. To say “seventeen” formally, you can use the phrase “juu shichi.” The pronunciation for each syllable is as follows:
Juu: Pronounced as “joo” like in “judo.”
Shichi: Pronounced as “shee-chee” with a soft “shee” sound followed by “chee” like in “cheese.”
Together, “juu shichi” represents the number seventeen in Japanese formal speech. It’s worth noting that this is the equivalent of the standard Japanese pronunciation.
Informal Ways to Say Seventeen in Japanese
If you’re in a casual setting or having a conversation with friends, there are alternative ways to say “seventeen” in Japanese.
An informal way to express “seventeen” is to combine the words for “ten” and “seven” in Japanese. In this case, you would say “juu nana.” Let’s take a closer look at the pronunciation:
Juu: Pronounced as “joo” like in “judo.”
Nana: Pronounced as “nah-nah” with a short “ah” sound for each “a.”
So, when speaking informally, you can use the phrase “juu nana” to refer to the number seventeen.
Tips and Examples
Counting System in Japanese
Understanding the counting system in Japanese is essential. In Japanese, there are two numerical systems: the native Japanese system called “Washuu” and the Sino-Japanese system based on Chinese numbers. When counting objects, money, or anything non-specific, it’s common to use the Sino-Japanese system.
However, when speaking about one’s age, dates, or counting one to ten, the native Japanese system is used. For the number seventeen, we utilize the Sino-Japanese system in both formal and casual instances.
Regional Variations
Japan consists of various regions with their own dialects and pronunciations. While the vocabulary for numbers is generally consistent throughout the country, some variations in pronunciation may be found. However, for the number seventeen, the pronounced differences across regions are minimal. People from different regions would generally understand “juu shichi” and “juu nana” as the best way to express seventeen, regardless of their accent or dialect.
Examples
Let’s see a few examples of how to use the numbers seventeen in Japanese sentences:
- Formal: Watashi wa juu shichi sai desu. (I am seventeen years old.)
- Informal: Kyou wa gakkou de juu nana nin no gakusei ga imasu. (There are seventeen students at school today.)
These examples showcase the usage of both the formal and informal ways to express seventeen, using different contexts and sentence structures.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve learned how to say “seventeen” in Japanese, covering both formal and informal ways. Remember, in formal situations, “juu shichi” is the appropriate term while, in casual settings, “juu nana” works perfectly. Gain more familiarity with the counting system and try to incorporate numbers in your everyday conversations to solidify your knowledge. Keep up the great work, and enjoy your journey of learning Japanese!
