Japanese Numbers
Learn to Count from 1 to 10,000+
Master Japanese numbers with both counting systems, understand counters, and learn practical applications for everyday use.
Japanese Number Systems
Japanese has two number systems. The Sino-Japanese system (from Chinese) is used for most purposes, while the native Japanese system is used for counting objects 1-10.
Sino-Japanese
Used for counting, math, dates, time, money, and most everyday situations. This is the primary system you'll use.
Native Japanese
Used for counting objects 1-10 (with the counter つ), age for young children, and some traditional contexts.
Numbers 1-10
Start with these essential numbers. The Sino-Japanese system is used most frequently.
Memory tip: Practice counting objects around you throughout the day!
Numbers 11-100
Japanese numbers follow a logical pattern. Once you know 1-10, you can easily form any number up to 99.
Pattern: 11 = 10+1 (juu-ichi), 25 = 2×10+5 (ni-juu-go)
11-19
Tens (20-90)
Large Numbers (100-10,000+)
Japanese counts in units of 10,000 (万 man) rather than 1,000 like English. This is important for understanding prices and large quantities.
Sound Changes
Some numbers have irregular pronunciations when combined:
Counting Objects (Counters)
Japanese uses special counters when counting objects. The counter changes based on what you're counting.
Note: There are many more counters in Japanese. These are the most common ones for beginners.
Practical Applications
Here's how numbers are used in everyday Japanese:
Telling Time
Dates & Months
Money & Prices
Age
Phone Numbers
Ready to Practice?
Reinforce your number knowledge with our flashcard decks and practice games.
- Number flashcards
- Audio pronunciation
- Progress tracking
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Japanese have two number systems?
Japanese borrowed the Chinese number system (Sino-Japanese) centuries ago, but retained its native counting system for certain contexts. Today, Sino-Japanese is used for most purposes, while native Japanese numbers are mainly used with the counter つ for counting objects 1-10.
How do I say my phone number in Japanese?
Read each digit separately using Sino-Japanese numbers. For example, 090-1234-5678 would be: zero-kyuu-zero no ichi-ni-san-yon no go-roku-nana-hachi. The particle の (no) is used between groups.
What are the irregular numbers I should watch out for?
Key irregulars: 4 can be 'shi' or 'yon', 7 can be 'shichi' or 'nana', 9 can be 'ku' or 'kyuu'. Also watch for sound changes: 300 (sanbyaku), 600 (roppyaku), 800 (happyaku), 3000 (sanzen), 8000 (hassen).
Do I need to learn kanji for numbers?
Yes, number kanji (一二三四五六七八九十百千万) are among the first kanji you should learn. They're very common in prices, dates, addresses, and signs. The good news is they're simple to write and recognize.
Start Counting in Japanese!
Practice Japanese numbers with our interactive flashcards. Track your progress and master numbers at your own pace.
Practice Numbers