Gaining knowledge of numbers in any language is fundamental for effective communication. So, if you’re looking for how to say “sixty” in Japanese, you’ve come to the right place! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover both formal and informal ways to express “sixty” in Japanese, along with some tips, examples, and a glimpse into regional variations. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
1. Formal Ways to Say Sixty in Japanese
When speaking formally or in professional settings, the commonly used word for “sixty” in Japanese is rokujū (六十). It is pronounced as “ro-ku-ju”.
Example:
Meeting time: 午前六十分 (gozen rokujū fun) – Sixty minutes past midnight
2. Informal Ways to Say Sixty in Japanese
In informal conversations, people often use alternative expressions to refer to “sixty” in Japanese. Here are a few commonly used informal phrases:
- Rokujū (ろくじゅう): This is the same word as the formal one, but with a more relaxed pronunciation. It is commonly used in everyday contexts.
- Rokujissen (ろくじっせん): This phrase combines “sixty” (rokujū) with the counter for units of one thousand (sen) to convey the same meaning in a more casual way.
- Imajū (いまじゅう): Sometimes, people use “ima” (now) before “jū” (ten) to represent “sixty” informally. It implies “right now” or “at this moment.”
Examples:
I’m sixty years old: わたしはろくじゅうさいです。 (Watashi wa rokujuu sai desu)
It’s currently sixty degrees: いまじゅうど (Imajuu do)
3. Tips and Regional Variations
When learning Japanese numbers, it’s essential to keep a few tips in mind:
- Pronunciation: Pay attention to proper pronunciation, especially when pronouncing “jū” (ten) in “rokujū”. The “j” sound is closer to the English “z” sound in this context.
- Counting Systems: Japanese has two counting systems – “hitotsu, futatsu” and “ichi, ni.” Both can be used to count “sixty.” However, the “ichi, ni” system is commonly used for formal situations.
- Regional Variations: While the words mentioned before are standard across Japan, some regional variations exist. For instance, in Kansai dialect, people might say “rokō” instead of “rokujuu”. However, these variations are typically limited to specific areas and not commonly used nationwide.
Conclusion
By now, you should have a solid understanding of how to say “sixty” in Japanese. Remember, “rokujū” is the formal word, whereas “rokujū,” “rokujissen,” or “imajū” are commonly used informally. Don’t forget to pay attention to pronunciation, choose the appropriate counting system, and keep in mind any regional variations you may encounter.
Building your vocabulary with numbers is an excellent way to enhance your Japanese language skills. Practice using these phrases in various contexts, and soon you’ll be able to effortlessly express “sixty” in Japanese, whether it’s in a formal setting or casual conversation. Good luck!
