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Numbers and Counting in Japanese

Japanese numbers are simple until you count something. The words for one to ten are quick to learn; the problem is that Japanese attaches a counter to the noun, and the counter changes with the shape of the thing — flat, long, small, bound, alive.

Two counters cover most travel. -tsu for general objects up to nine, and -mei or -nin for people. Say futatsu kudasai for two of something on a counter and you will be understood everywhere. Four and nine are the numbers to watch: read yon and kyuu, because shi and ku sound like death and suffering.

All 14 phrases in this section

Each one has its own page with the kana, the romaji, a literal breakdown of what the words actually say, and a note on when it fits and when it does not.

The rest of the phrasebook

All 337 phrases →