Japanese is a fascinating language that is spoken by millions of people worldwide. Learning Japanese can be both challenging and rewarding, and one of the most important things to learn when studying this language is the Japanese number system. The Japanese number system is unique in its structure and usage, and understanding it is essential for communication in Japanese. In this beginner’s guide, we will explore the basics of Japanese numbers, their pronunciation, and their usage in counting and quantities.
Basic Numbers:
The Japanese number system consists of two sets of numbers: the native Japanese numbers and the Sino-Japanese numbers. The native Japanese numbers are used for counting things and expressing time, while the Sino-Japanese numbers are used for counting money, telephone numbers, and other numerical expressions. Here are the basic numbers in both sets:
Native Japanese numbers: 1 (ひとつ hitotsu), 2 (ふたつ futatsu), 3 (みっつ mittsu), 4 (よっつ yottsu), 5 (いつつ itsutsu), 6 (むっつ muttsu), 7 (ななつ nanatsu), 8 (やっつ yattsu), 9 (ここのつ kokonotsu), 10 (とお tō).
Sino-Japanese numbers: 1 (いち ichi), 2 (に ni), 3 (さん san), 4 (し shi/よん yon), 5 (ご go), 6 (ろく roku), 7 (しち shichi/なな nana), 8 (はち hachi), 9 (きゅう kyū/く ku), 10 (じゅう jū).
Note: The number 4 can be pronounced as “shi” or “yon” in Sino-Japanese, and “shi” is sometimes avoided because it sounds similar to the word for death.
Pronunciation:
The pronunciation of Japanese numbers can be tricky for beginners because they are pronounced differently from their English counterparts. Here are the pronunciations of the basic numbers in both sets:
Native Japanese numbers: 1 (ひとつ hitotsu), 2 (ふたつ futatsu), 3 (みっつ mittsu), 4 (よっつ yottsu), 5 (いつつ itsutsu), 6 (むっつ muttsu), 7 (ななつ nanatsu), 8 (やっつ yattsu), 9 (ここのつ kokonotsu), 10 (とお tō).
Sino-Japanese numbers: 1 (いち ichi), 2 (に ni), 3 (さん san), 4 (し shi/よん yon), 5 (ご go), 6 (ろく roku), 7 (しち shichi/なな nana), 8 (はち hachi), 9 (きゅう kyū/く ku), 10 (じゅう jū).
Note: The pronunciation of some numbers changes when they are used with other numbers or words. For example, the pronunciation of “one” (いち ichi) changes to “hitotsu” (ひとつ) when used with a counter.
Counting:
Counting in Japanese is relatively straightforward. To count objects, you need to use a counter after the number. Counters are words that indicate the type of object being counted. Here are some common counters:
- 人 (にん nin): people
- 匹 (ひき hiki): small animals like cats and dogs
- 枚 (まい mai): flat objects like paper or photographs
- 冊 (さつ satsu): books
- 台 (だい dai): machines, vehicles, and appliances
- 杯 (はい hai): cups of liquid
- 本 (ほん hon): long, cylindrical objects like pencils or bottles
- 個 (こ ko): small, round objects like fruit or eggs
- 枚 (まい mai): flat objects like sheets of paper or photographs
To count objects, simply use the appropriate number followed by the counter. For example, to say “two books,” you would say “に冊 (にさつ nisatsu).” Here are some examples:
- 一つのリンゴ (ひとつのりんご hitotsu no ringo) – one apple
- 二人の友達 (ふたりのともだち futari no tomodachi) – two friends
- 三匹の猫 (さんびきのねこ sanbiki no neko) – three cats
- 四枚の紙 (よんまいのかみ yonmai no kami) – four sheets of paper
- 五個の卵 (ごこのたまご goko no tamago) – five eggs
- Quantities:
In addition to counting objects, Japanese numbers are also used to express quantities. Here are some common expressions of quantity:
- 多い (おおい ōi): many
- 少ない (すくない sukunai): few
- 半分 (はんぶん hanbun): half
- 全部 (ぜんぶ zenbu): all
- 何個 (なんこ nan ko): how many (for small, round objects)
- 何枚 (なんまい nan mai): how many (for flat objects)
To express quantity, simply use the appropriate number and expression. For example, to say “five apples,” you would say “りんご五つ (りんごいつつ ringo itsutsu).” Here are some examples:
- たくさんの本 (たくさんのほん takusan no hon) – many books
- 少しの時間 (すこしのじかん sukoshi no jikan) – a little time
- 半分の量 (はんぶんのりょう hanbun no ryō) – half the amount
- 全部の人 (ぜんぶのひと zenbu no hito) – all the people
- 何個のりんご (なんこのりんご nanko no ringo) – how many apples
- 何枚の紙 (なんまいのかみ nanmai no kami) – how many sheets of paper
Conclusion:
The Japanese number system can be challenging for beginners, but it is essential for communication in Japanese. By learning the basic numbers, their pronunciation, and their usage in counting and quantities, you will be able to navigate the Japanese language with more ease. Remember to use the appropriate counter when counting objects and to express quantity with the appropriate number and expression. With practice, you will become more confident in your ability to use Japanese numbers correctly.
