6 in Japanese = 六 (roku / muttsu)

The number 6 in Japanese is 六 (roku) pronounced "roh-koo" for counting/math, or むっつ (muttsu) pronounced "MOOT-tsoo" when counting objects.

Quick Answer

Pronunciation

Roku (ろく):

• Two syllables: ro-ku
• "Roh-koo" (both vowels short and even)
• Most common reading
• The "r" is a flap, like Spanish "r"

Muttsu (むっつ):

• Two syllables: mut-tsu
• "MOOT-tsoo"
• Native Japanese counting
• Small っ indicates doubled "t"

Common mistakes:

• Using English "r" sound instead of Japanese flap
• Making the vowels too long - they should be short and even
• Not pronouncing the doubled "t" in muttsu

Practical Usage

Phone numbers:

• 6 = ろく (roku)
• Example: 066 = ゼロろくろく (zero roku roku)

Prices:

• ¥6 = 六円 (roku en)
• ¥600 = 六百円 (roppyaku en) - note sound change!
• ¥6000 = 六千円 (roku sen en)

Times:

• 6:00 = 六時 (roku-ji)
• 6:15 = 六時十五分 (roku-ji jūgo fun)
• 6:30 = 六時半 (roku-ji han)

Dates:

• 6th of month = 六日 (muika) - special reading!
• June = 六月 (roku-gatsu)

Counting objects:

• Six items = 六つ (muttsu)
• Six books = 六冊 (roku satsu)
• Six people = 六人 (roku nin)

The Kanji 六

Character: 六

• Four strokes
• Top part resembles a roof/hat
• Simple structure

Special Readings

Muika (むいか / 六日):

• The 6th day of the month
• Also means "six days"
• Native Japanese reading
• Irregular pronunciation

Roppyaku (ろっぴゃく / 六百):

• 600
• Note: The "h" in hyaku changes to "pp" after roku
• This is a unique sound change for 6
• 六 + 百 → 六百 (roppyaku)

Common Phrases

六番 (rokuban): Number six, sixth

六月 (roku-gatsu): June

六人 (roku nin): Six people

六つ (muttsu): Six (things)

六感 (rokkan): Sixth sense

六本木 (Roppongi): Famous Tokyo district (literally "six trees")

Cultural Notes

The number 6 has no particular superstitious significance in Japanese culture. It's considered neutral.

六曜 (rokuyo): A traditional Japanese calendar system with six days in a cycle, used to determine lucky/unlucky days.

Sound Changes

Important pattern with 六: When 六 (roku) is followed by certain consonants, unique sound changes occur:

• 六百 (roppyaku) = 600 - "h" becomes "pp"
• 六千 (roku sen) = 6000 - no change
• 六万 (roku man) = 60,000 - no change

This "pp" change is specific to combinations with 百 (hyaku).

Grammar Notes

Counters:

• Six items: 六つ (muttsu) or 六個 (rokko)
• Six people: 六人 (roku nin)
• Six books: 六冊 (roku satsu)
• Six sheets: 六枚 (roku mai)

Quick Takeaways

• 6 = 六 (roku) or むっつ (muttsu)
• Pronounced "roh-koo" or "MOOT-tsoo"
• 6th of month = 六日 (muika)
• 600 = 六百 (roppyaku) with unique sound change
• No superstitious associations
• Japanese "r" is a flap, not English "r"
• 六本木 (Roppongi) = famous Tokyo area

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TravelNum shows you how numbers are pronounced in Japanese.