Japanese Numbers 0 to 9: Complete Guide with Pronunciation

Japanese numbers 0 to 9 are surprisingly straightforward once you understand the system. Here's everything you need to know.

Japanese Numbers 0-9

Understanding Japanese Zero

Japanese has two words for zero, and the context matters.

Rei (零): The traditional Japanese/Chinese origin word, used in formal contexts, math, and temperatures.

• 零度 (rei do) = 0 degrees

Zero (ゼロ): Borrowed from English, used in casual speech, sports scores, and phone numbers.

• ゼロから始める = start from zero

In everyday conversation, most people say "zero" rather than "rei."

The Superstition Numbers: 4 and 7

Numbers 4 and 7 have two pronunciations each, and there's a cultural reason for this.

Four (四)

Shi (し): Sounds identical to the word for "death" (死), making it considered unlucky.

Yon (よん): The alternative pronunciation used to avoid the death association.

When to use which:

• Phone numbers: Usually "yon" to avoid bad luck
• Counting objects: Often "yon" (四つ = yottsu)
• In compounds: Sometimes "shi" (四月 = shigatsu for April)

Seven (七)

Shichi (しち): The primary pronunciation, but sounds similar to "ichi" (one).

Nana (なな): Alternative pronunciation used for clarity or to match certain counters.

When to use which:

• Counting to avoid confusion with 1: "nana"
• April (fourth month): "shigatsu" uses "shi"
• July (seventh month): "shichigatsu" uses "shichi"
• Counting objects: "nanatsu" (七つ)

Pronunciation Guide

Short vs. long vowels matter:

• ichi (ee-chee) - short "i" sounds
• kyuu (kyoo) - long "u" sound, hold it twice as long

The "r" sound: Japanese "r" is between English "r" and "l." Your tongue briefly taps the roof of your mouth, like the "tt" in "butter."

• roku: Light tap, not a rolled "r"

Double consonants: When you see っ (small tsu), pause briefly before the next consonant.

• yottsu (four objects): yo-t-tsu with a slight pause

Kanji Recognition

Japanese uses three writing systems, but for numbers, kanji is most common in formal writing.

Simple kanji:

• 一 (1): One horizontal line
• 二 (2): Two horizontal lines
• 三 (3): Three horizontal lines

These are among the easiest kanji to learn and remember.

More complex kanji:

• 四 (4): Enclosed shape with four "sides"
• 五 (5): Resembles a cross
• 六 (6): A roof-like shape
• 七 (7): Like a "seven" with a cross-stroke
• 八 (8): Opens at the top like splaying
• 九 (9): A bent hook shape
• 十 (10): A cross or plus sign

Counting Objects: The Counter System

Japanese uses different counters depending on what you're counting. This is where numbers 1-9 change slightly.

For general objects (〜つ):

Notice these readings are completely different from the standard numbers. This is the native Japanese counting system, used for ages 1-9 or counting general objects.

After 10, Japanese switches to Chinese-origin numbers for most counting.

Usage in Daily Life

Phone numbers: Read digit by digit, usually using "yon" for 4 and "nana" for 7.

• 090-1234 = zero kyuu zero, ichi ni san yon

Prices: Use standard Sino-Japanese numbers.

• 500円 = go-hyaku en (500 yen)

Time: Hours use standard numbers, minutes use Sino-Japanese.

• 3:45 = san-ji yon-juu go-fun

Addresses:

• 三丁目 = san-choume (3rd district)
• Numbers are read with standard Sino-Japanese

Ages: Young children's ages (1-9) often use the native system with 〜つ or 〜歳.

• 5歳 = go-sai (5 years old)
• Colloquially: itsutsu

Regional and Situational Variations

Japanese numbers remain consistent across Japan, unlike some other aspects of the language. However, there are contextual differences:

Phone numbers: People may deliberately use "nana" instead of "shichi" to avoid confusion with "ichi" (one).

Formal vs. casual: Casual speech might drop to just "ichi, ni, san" while counting, while formal contexts use full kanji.

Borrowed words: Baseball and other sports might use English "one, two, three" instead.

Quick Takeaways

• Japanese has two words for zero: rei (formal/traditional) and zero (casual/modern)
• Numbers 4 and 7 have two pronunciations each due to superstition and clarity
• Kanji for 1, 2, and 3 are simple horizontal lines
• The native Japanese counting system (hitotsu, futatsu, etc.) is used for counting objects 1-9
• Phone numbers avoid "shi" (death) by using "yon" for 4
• These nine numbers plus zero form the foundation for all Japanese counting

Master these basics and you'll be able to handle numbers in most everyday Japanese situations.

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