Numbers

数字・すうじ・Japanese Number Rules & Examples

1. Overview

The Japanese numbering system consists of kanji (漢字) and Arabic numerals (0-9). The expression and use of numbers are prevalent in everyday life, particularly regarding pronunciation rules, which contain many regulations and exceptions.

2. Basic Numbers

2.1. Number Table

3. Date Numbers

3.1. Date Table

4. Usage Rules for Numbers

4.1. Counter Words

• In Japanese, numbers usually need to be combined with counters (助数詞), which are used to indicate quantity, type, or category.

4.2. Dates and Time

• Date expressions are typically in kanji, commonly used include:

  • 一月（いちがつ） - January
  • 二日（ふつか） - 2nd

• Time expressions:

  • 一時（いちじ） - One o'clock
  • 二分（にふん） - Two minutes

5. Special Number Rules

5.1. Expression of Zero

• 零（れい） - In Japanese, zero can be expressed as “れい” or “ゼロ”.

5.2. Large Number Expressions

• In Japanese, 万（まん） is an important unit, and numbers greater than ten thousand are typically expressed in terms of ten thousand:
  • 一千万（いっせんまん） - 10,000,000

5.3. Summary of Special Readings

• The readings of numbers may differ due to changes in counter words. For example:
  • 四（し） is sometimes read as “よん”, especially when indicating quantity.
  • 七（しち） is sometimes read as “なな”, especially when indicating quantity.

6. Example Sentences

7. Summary

Mastering the rules of Japanese numbers and their usage is essential for daily communication, time management, and counting. By learning the basic knowledge of numbers, one can enhance the accuracy and fluency of Japanese expression.