Learn Japanese - Lesson 3: Numbers (1-10) (2024)

FAQs

Learn Japanese - Lesson 3: Numbers (1-10)? ›

How to say numbers in Japanese? To say numbers in Japanese, start by learning the numbers up to 10: ichi (1), ni (2), san (3), yon (4), go (5), roku (6), nana (7), hatchi (8), kyu (9) and juu (10).

How to say numbers in Japanese? To say numbers in Japanese, start by learning the numbers up to 10: ichi (1), ni (2), san (3), yon (4), go (5), roku (6), nana (7), hatchi (8), kyu (9) and juu (10).

The number four (4) is called either “yon” or “shi” in Japanese. In the case of four you can say any of those. But for other words, like “death” (死）that is also pronounced “shi”, you can't change it for “yon”. In other words, “shi” and “yon” are both words that represents the number four.

However, many experts believe it takes between 4 to 6 months of dedicated study to reach a beginner level. On the other hand, you can expect to spend at least 3 years studying to become fluent in Japanese with near-native level accuracy.

While it may not be possible to become fluent in Japanese in just ten days, it IS possible to learn the basics of speaking in a short period of time and move on to becoming fluent. Don't be discouraged. You can and will learn Japanese much faster than you expect.

It is known that Japanese tend to be superstitious. There are certain things or circ*mstances that are uniquely explained sometimes through superstitious beliefs. One of those things are the concept about Lucky Numbers! Did you know that the number 3 is considered as one of the lucky numbers in Japan?

七 means 'seven'

What is 31 in Japan? ›

10,000: ichi-man 「1万」 100,000: juu-man 「10万」

“Ichi, ni, san, yon... (or is it shi?), go, roku, nana (or shichi), hachi, kyuu (but sometimes ku)...” Oh, yeah...Japanese has multiple words for the same number! Seven can be either "nana" or "shichi", for example.

Traditionally, 4 is unlucky because it is sometimes pronounced shi, which is the word for death. Sometimes levels or rooms with 4 do not exist in hospitals or hotels. Particularly in the maternity section of a hospital, the room number 43 is avoided because it can literally mean "stillbirth".

As the questioner pointed out, there are two ways to express seven in Japanese; nana and shichi. The problem is how to select one from them. This is too bad as the answer of the question, but it seems there is no special rules.

Start with the vocabulary and grammar. Learn basic vocabulary and grammar of the Japanese language and set a schedule for you to achieve your target. Learn pronunciations of the words. Once you get a hold of the basic Japanese sound it will be easy for you to learn the pronunciation of the Japanese words.