Learn Numbers in Japanese: A Quick Guide to Counting from 1-100
Counting in Japanese may seem complex at first, but with the right approach, it becomes manageable. The Japanese language uses a combination of two main systems: Native Japanese counting (for numbers 1-10) and Sino-Japanese counting (for numbers beyond 10). Understanding both is key to mastering numbers in Japanese.
Basics of Counting in Japanese
Japanese numbers are often paired with "counters" that specify the type of object being counted. For example, to count long items like pencils, the counter "本" (hon) is used. There are hundreds of different counters, but learning a few common ones will help you get started.
Numbers in Japanese can be written in kanji (Chinese characters) or numerals. While numbers 1-10 have single kanji characters, numbers beyond 10 combine kanji characters. Key kanji include:
100: 百 (hyaku)
1000: 千 (sen)
10,000: 万 (man)
Sino-Japanese Readings vs. Native Japanese Readings
There are two primary readings for kanji in Japanese: "on-yomi" (Sino-Japanese, derived from Chinese) and "kun-yomi" (Native Japanese).
Native Japanese counting is used for 1-10 and involves adding the suffix “-tsu” to numbers (e.g., hitotsu for 1, futatsu for 2).
Sino-Japanese readings are used beyond 10 and follow a more regular structure (e.g., ichi for 1, ni for 2, san for 3).
Counting from 1 to 10 in Japanese
Here are the numbers from 1 to 10 in Native Japanese and Sino-Japanese:
How to Say Zero in Japanese
The word for zero is typically written as “ゼロ” (zero), a loanword from English. Another kanji for zero is “零” (rei), and “まる” (maru) is also sometimes used, especially when referring to a circle.
Counting from 11 to 100 in Japanese
For numbers beyond 10, the Sino-Japanese system applies:
11 = 10 + 1 → “juu-ichi”
12 = 10 + 2 → “juu-ni”
20 = 2 * 10 → “ni-juu”
30 = 3 * 10 → “san-juu”
The pattern follows the same logic for 40, 50, etc. Numbers between 100 and 199 are formed by adding "hyaku" (100) with the number, e.g., 112 is “hyaku juu-ni.”
Japanese Numbers Beyond 100
100: 百 (hyaku)
200: 二百 (ni-hyaku)
300: 三百 (san-byaku)
1000: 千 (sen)
10,000: 万 (man)
100,000: 十万 (juu-man)
1,000,000: 百万 (hyaku-man)
Japanese Counter Words
Counters are used with numbers to specify the type of object being counted. Some of the common counters include:
人 (nin) for people
匹 (hiki) for small animals
本 (hon) for long objects (e.g., pens)
個 (ko) for small objects (e.g., apples)
台 (dai) for mechanical objects (e.g., cars)
For example, "3 people" is "san-nin" and "5 books" is "go-satsu."
Common Counters for Time
時 (ji) for hours, e.g., "1 o'clock" is “ichi-ji.”
分 (fun/pun) for minutes, e.g., “1 minute” is “ippun,” “2 minutes” is “nifun.”
For minutes, the pronunciation changes for numbers 1, 3, 6, 8, and 10, e.g., "1 minute" is "ippun," but "3 minutes" is "sanpun."
Days of the Month in Japanese
Months are formed by adding the suffix “月” (gatsu) to numbers:
January = 1月 (Ichi-gatsu)
February = 2月 (Ni-gatsu)
March = 3月 (San-gatsu)
For the days of the month, the suffix “日” (nichi) is added to numbers. However, the pronunciation for the 1st to 10th and the 20th is irregular:
1st = ついたち (tsuitachi)
2nd = ふつか (futsuka)
3rd = みっか (mikka)
20th = はつか (hatsuka)
Superstitions Around Numbers in Japan
Certain numbers are considered lucky or unlucky:
Lucky numbers: 7, 8, and 3. These are associated with good fortune, especially in Buddhist beliefs (7 is considered lucky, and 8 symbolizes eternity).
Unlucky numbers: 4 and 9. The number 4 sounds like “死” (shi), which means death, and 9 sounds like “苦” (ku), which means suffering.
5 frequently asked questions (FAQs)
1. How do you count in Japanese beyond 10?
After 10, the Sino-Japanese system is used. Numbers are formed by combining the base numbers (1-9) with 10 (十), 100 (百), 1000 (千), etc. For example, 11 is "juu-ichi" (十＋一), 20 is "ni-juu" (二＋十), and 100 is "hyaku" (百).
2. What is the difference between the Native Japanese and Sino-Japanese number systems?
Native Japanese numbers are used for counting small objects and things like age (1-10). Sino-Japanese numbers are used for counting larger quantities and follow a regular pattern after 10, such as 11-19, 20-29, etc.
3. How do you say zero in Japanese?
The word for zero is typically "ゼロ" (zero), a loanword from English. Another kanji for zero is "零" (rei), and "まる" (maru) is used in some contexts, like counting phone numbers or indicating a circle.
4. What are Japanese counters, and why are they important?
Counters are words used to specify the type of object being counted. For example, "人" (nin) is used for people, "本" (hon) for long objects, and "個" (ko) for small items. Using the correct counter is essential for proper grammar in Japanese.
5. Are there any superstitions about numbers in Japan?
Yes, certain numbers are considered lucky or unlucky. For example, 7 is considered lucky, while 4 (which sounds like "死" meaning death) and 9 (which sounds like "苦" meaning suffering) are considered unlucky
Conclusion
Counting in Japanese involves understanding both the numerals and the counters. While it may seem overwhelming initially, practicing with numbers 1-10 and familiarizing yourself with common counters will make it easier. As you grow in your language skills, incorporating counters into your vocabulary will help make your Japanese sound more natural and fluent.
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