Numbers and Counting in Japanese

Understanding how to count and use numbers is essential for everyday conversations in Japanese. In this article, we'll explore the numbers from one to ten, provide insights into larger numbers, and give examples of how to integrate these numbers in sentences. Let’s dive right in!

Basic Numbers 1-10

Here are the basic Japanese numbers from one to ten along with their pronunciations:

Counting Beyond 10

Once you have the basics down, counting beyond ten is quite straightforward. The numbers from 11 to 19 can be formed by combining the word for ten (十, juu) with the numbers one to nine.

• 11: 十一 (juu-ichi)
• 12: 十二 (juu-ni)
• 13: 十三 (juu-san)
• 14: 十四 (juu-shi/juu-yon)
• 15: 十五 (juu-go)
• 16: 十六 (juu-roku)
• 17: 十七 (juu-shichi/juu-nana)
• 18: 十八 (juu-hachi)
• 19: 十九 (juu-kyuu/juu-ku)

Tens and Beyond

When you reach 20, you combine the word for two (二, ni) with ten (十, juu), so 20 is 二十 (ni-juu). This pattern continues for all the tens:

• 20: 二十 (ni-juu)
• 30: 三十 (san-juu)
• 40: 四十 (yon-juu)
• 50: 五十 (go-juu)
• 60: 六十 (roku-juu)
• 70: 七十 (nana-juu)
• 80: 八十 (hachi-juu)
• 90: 九十 (kyuu-juu)
• 100: 百 (hyaku)

For numbers beyond 100, you use the following pattern. The word for hundred (百, hyaku) is used as follows:

• 200: 二百 (ni-hyaku)
• 300: 三百 (san-byaku)
• 400: 四百 (yon-hyaku)
• 500: 五百 (go-hyaku)
• 600: 六百 (roppyaku)
• 700: 七百 (nana-hyaku)
• 800: 八百 (happyaku)
• 900: 九百 (kyuu-hyaku)
• 1000: 千 (sen)

Using Numbers in Conversations

Knowing the numbers is essential, but it’s just as important to understand how to use them in everyday situations. Let’s look at some common contexts:

1. Shopping

When shopping, numbers play a vital role. For instance, you might say:

• このリンゴは二百円です (Kono ringo wa nihyaku en desu) – This apple is 200 yen.
• 私は五つのオレンジを買いたいです (Watashi wa itsutsu no orenji o kaitai desu) – I want to buy five oranges.

2. Ordering Food

When ordering at a restaurant, you’ll often need to use numbers:

• 私は三つの寿司をお願いします (Watashi wa mitsu no sushi o onegaishimasu) – I would like three sushi.
• これは四人分のメニューです (Kore wa yonin bun no menyuu desu) – This is a menu for four people.

3. Giving Your Phone Number

When giving your phone number, use numbers clearly:

• 私の電話番号は零八八－一二三四です (Watashi no denwa bangou wa zero hachi hachi – ichi ni san shi desu) – My phone number is 088-1234.

4. Asking About Time

Numbers are also crucial when telling time. For example:

• 今は三時です (Ima wa san-ji desu) – It’s three o’clock.
• 彼は七時に帰ります (Kare wa shichi-ji ni kaerimasu) – He will return at seven o’clock.

Counting Objects and People

In Japanese, when counting different types of objects and people, you will use specific classifiers or counters. Here are a few common ones:

• つ (tsu): General counter used up to ten.
• 人 (nin): Used for counting people.
• 冊 (satsu): Used for counting books and notebooks.
• 匹 (hiki): Used for counting small animals.

Examples:

• りんごは一つあります (Ringo wa hitotsu arimasu) – There is one apple.
• 彼は二人の友達をつれてきました (Kare wa futari no tomodachi o tsuretekimashita) – He brought two friends.
• 本は三冊あります (Hon wa san-satsu arimasu) – There are three books.

Numbers in Japanese Culture

Numbers also carry cultural significance in Japan. For example:

• 4 (shi): Can be viewed as unlucky because it sounds like the word for death (死).
• 9 (ku): Might be considered unlucky as it sounds like suffering (苦).
• 7 (shichi/nana): Is considered a lucky number, often associated with good fortune.

Understanding these cultural nuances can enhance your language learning and help you navigate social situations more effectively.

Practice Makes Perfect

To master counting in Japanese, practice regularly. Here are a few exercises:

1. Flashcards: Create flashcards with numbers on one side and their Japanese equivalents on the other.
2. Counting Objects: Look at items around you and practice counting them in Japanese.
3. Daily Conversations: Try to incorporate numbers into your daily conversations, whether it’s about shopping, scheduling, or even counting your favorite foods.

Conclusion

Counting in Japanese opens up a world of conversation possibilities. From shopping to dining out, knowing your numbers will enhance your ability to communicate effectively in a variety of contexts. As you continue to practice and integrate these numbers into your everyday language use, you will find that your confidence grows, making conversations in Japanese more enjoyable and rewarding. Happy counting!