7 in Japanese = 七 (shichi / nana / nanatsu)

The number 7 in Japanese has multiple readings: 七 (shichi) pronounced "shee-chee", なな (nana) pronounced "nah-nah", or ななつ (nanatsu) pronounced "nah-NAH-tsoo". Nana is preferred to avoid confusion with 4 (shi).

Quick Answer

Pronunciation

Shichi (しち):

• Two syllables: shi-chi
• "Shee-chee"
• Traditional Sino-Japanese reading
• Often avoided because し (shi) sounds like 死 (death)

Nana (なな):

• Two syllables: na-na
• "Nah-nah"
• Native Japanese reading
• Preferred in most situations
• Clearer and avoids unlucky association

Nanatsu (ななつ):

• Three syllables: na-na-tsu
• "nah-NAH-tsoo"
• Native Japanese counting
• Used for counting objects

Common mistakes:

• Using shichi when nana would be clearer
• Confusing し (shi) in 七 (shichi) with 四 (shi = 4)

When to Use Each Reading

Use なな (nana) - MOST COMMON:

• Phone numbers: 7 = なな (preferred for clarity)
• Counting: いち、に、さん、よん、ご、ろく、なな
• Most everyday situations
• Safer choice to avoid confusion with 4

Use しち (shichi):

• Traditional contexts
• Some compound numbers: 七十 (shichi-jū / nana-jū) = 70
• Some formal settings
• July: 七月 (shichi-gatsu) uses shichi

Use ななつ (nanatsu):

• Counting objects (1-10): "seven things"
• Native Japanese context

Practical Usage

Phone numbers:

• 7 = なな (nana) - preferred
• Example: 077 = ゼロななな (zero nana nana)
• Using なな avoids confusion with 四 (shi/yon)

Prices:

• ¥7 = 七円 (nana en)
• ¥700 = 七百円 (nanahyaku en)

Times:

• 7:00 = 七時 (shichi-ji) - often uses shichi reading
• 7:15 = 七時十五分 (shichi-ji jūgo fun)
• 7:30 = 七時半 (shichi-ji han)

Dates:

• 7th of month = 七日 (nanoka / nanuka) - special reading!
• July = 七月 (shichi-gatsu) - uses shichi

Counting objects:

• Seven items = 七つ (nanatsu)
• Seven books = 七冊 (nana satsu)
• Seven people = 七人 (shichi nin / nana nin) - both acceptable

The Kanji 七

Character: 七

• Two strokes
• Resembles a stylized "7" or cross
• Simple to write

Stroke order:

1. Horizontal stroke
2. Diagonal/curved stroke down and to the left

Special Readings

Nanoka/Nanuka (なのか / 七日):

• The 7th day of the month
• Also means "seven days"
• Native Japanese reading
• Can be pronounced nanoka or nanuka

Common Phrases

七番 (nana-ban): Number seven, seventh

七月 (shichi-gatsu): July - uses shichi

七人 (shichi nin / nana nin): Seven people - both readings used

七つ (nanatsu): Seven (things)

七夕 (tanabata): Star Festival (July 7th) - special reading

七転び八起き (nana korobi ya oki): Fall seven times, stand up eight (perseverance proverb)

七色 (nanairo): Seven colors, rainbow

七福神 (shichi fukujin): Seven Lucky Gods

Why Nana is Preferred

Avoiding confusion:

• しち (shichi) contains し (shi)
• 四 (shi/yon) = 4 also uses し
• On phone: し could be 4 or 7
• なな (nana) is completely distinct
• Clearer communication, especially in noisy environments or on phone

Cultural Notes

The number 7 is generally considered lucky in Japanese culture, influenced by both traditional beliefs and Western culture:

• 七福神 (shichi fukujin) = Seven Lucky Gods
• 七夕 (tanabata) = Star Festival on 7/7
• Generally positive associations

Quick Takeaways

• 7 = 七 (shichi/nana) or ななつ (nanatsu)
• なな (nana) is preferred for clarity
• しち (shichi) avoided due to し (shi) = death association
• 7th of month = 七日 (nanoka)
• July = 七月 (shichi-gatsu) - uses shichi
• Phone numbers: Use なな, not しち
• Generally considered a lucky number
• 七転び八起き = perseverance proverb

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TravelNum shows you how numbers are pronounced in Japanese.