Japanese Numbers

Learning numbers in Japanese, a language spoken primarily in Japan, is essential for anyone looking to understand the language and culture deeply. Japanese numbers are integral for daily activities such as shopping, telling time, discussing prices, and more. This lesson aims to provide a comprehensive guide to Japanese numbers, including pronunciation tips, structure explanations, and practical applications.

Introduction to Japanese Numerals

Japanese numerals combine native Japanese (和数詞, wajūshi) and Sino-Japanese (漢数詞, kansūshi) systems. The Sino-Japanese system is more commonly used in modern Japan for most counting purposes. Understanding these numbers is crucial for various everyday contexts and engaging more deeply with Japanese culture.

Basic Numbers (1-10)

Mastering numbers 1 through 10 is crucial as they form the foundation for creating larger numbers. Here are the basic Japanese numbers in the Sino-Japanese system with their phonetic pronunciations:

一 (いち, Ichi) – [ee-chee] – One
二 (に, Ni) – [nee] – Two
三 (さん, San) – [sahn] – Three
四 (し/よん, Shi/Yon) – [shee/yon] – Four
五 (ご, Go) – [goh] – Five
六 (ろく, Roku) – [roh-koo] – Six
七 (しち/なな, Shichi/Nana) – [shee-chee/nah-nah] – Seven
八 (はち, Hachi) – [hah-chee] – Eight
九 (きゅう/く, Kyū/Ku) – [kyoo/koo] – Nine
十 (じゅう, Jū) – [joo] – Ten

Forming Numbers (11-19)

Numbers from 11 to 19 are formed by combining “十” (ten) with the unit number:

十一 (じゅういち, Jū Ichi) – [ʤuː iˈtʃi] – 11
十二 (じゅうに, Jū Ni) – [ʤuː niː] – 12
十三 (じゅうさん, Jū San) – [ʤuː saɴ] – 13
十四 (じゅうし / じゅうよん, Jū Shi/Jū Yon) – [ʤuː ʃi] / [ʤuː joɴ] – 14
十五 (じゅうご, Jū Go) – [ʤuː ɡo] – 15
十六 (じゅうろく, Jū Roku) – [ʤuː ɾoːku] – 16
十七 (じゅうしち / じゅうなな, Jū Shichi/Jū Nana) – [ʤuː ʃiːtʃi] / [ʤuː naːna] – 17
十八 (じゅうはち, Jū Hachi) – [ʤuː haːtʃi] – 18
十九 (じゅうきゅう / じゅうく, Jū Kyū/Jū Ku) – [ʤuː kjuː] / [ʤuː kuː] – 19

Counting in Tens (20-90)

Understanding how to count by tens is essential for forming larger numbers. Numbers are formed by combining the digit with “十”:

二十 (にじゅう, Nijū) – [nee-joo] – 20
三十 (さんじゅう, Sanjū) – [sahn-joo] – 30
Continue with this pattern up to 90.

Compound Numbers (21-99)

Numbers between 21 and 99 follow a similar principle by combining the tens with the unit number:

二十一 (にじゅういち, Nijū Ichi) – [nee-joo ee-chee] – 21
三十二 (さんじゅうに, Sanjū Ni) – [sahn-joo nee] – 32
四十三 (しじゅうさん, Shijū San) – [shee-joo sahn] – 43

Larger Numbers

Understanding larger numbers is crucial for discussing dates, quantities, and financial transactions:

百 (ひゃく, Hyaku) – [hyah-koo] – 100
千 (せん, Sen) – [sehn] – 1,000
万 (まん, Man) – [mahn] – 10,000
十万 (じゅうまん, Jūman) – [joo-mahn] – 100,000
百万 (ひゃくまん, Hyakuman) – [hyah-koo-mahn] – 1,000,000
千万 (せんまん, Senman) – [sehn-mahn] – 10,000,000
億 (おく, Oku) – [oh-koo] – 100,000,000

Practice and Exercises

Listening and Pronunciation Practice: Use audio resources or language learning apps to familiarize yourself with the pronunciation of Japanese numbers. Practice speaking them aloud.
Writing and Reading: Practice writing numbers in both numeral and word forms to enhance your reading and writing skills in Japanese.
Practical Application: Try to use numbers in everyday situations, such as discussing prices, dates, or quantities, to reinforce your learning.

Tips for Effective Learning

Consistent Practice: Regular practice with numbers will help solidify your understanding and improve recall.
Flashcards: Use flashcards with numbers on one side and their word forms on the other to test your memory.
Language Exchange: Practice speaking with native speakers or fellow learners. Using numbers in conversation will help you become more comfortable with their pronunciation and usage.

Conclusion

Mastering numbers in Japanese is a crucial step towards achieving fluency in the language. By starting with the basics, gradually moving to more complex numbers, and consistently practicing, you’ll enhance your ability to communicate effectively in Japanese. Remember, patience and consistent practice are your best tools for learning this beautiful and historically rich language.