Getting numbers right in Japanese unlocks so many travel wins. Mastering japanese numbers pronunciation is a game-changer when you’re exploring Tokyo’s busy stations and ordering ramen with confidence. In this ultimate guide, you’ll learn how to read and say Japanese numbers from zero to millions, plus tips to sound natural on trains, at shops, and in restaurants.
Why learn numbers
Ever missed your stop because you didn’t catch the platform number? Nailing number words makes ticket machines, signs, and menus a breeze. You’ll know when your bus arrives, check price tags with japanese money phrases, and even understand japanese train announcements translation without guessing.
- Navigate ticket machines and select the right fare.
- Spot platform numbers while listening to station announcements.
- Read price tags at stores using japanese transportation vocabulary.
- Ask “How many stops?” or “What time?” when you ask for directions.
Pronounce numbers 1–10
First things first, Japanese numbers from zero to ten form the foundation of every larger figure. You’ll meet two reading systems: the native Japanese (kun’yomi) and the Sino-Japanese (on’yomi).
Kunyomi vs on’yomi
Native readings appear mainly for counters up to ten, while Sino-Japanese is used beyond. Most travelers stick with the on’yomi set since it fits all contexts.
| Number | Kanji (hiragana) | Pronunciation | Reading note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 零 (れい) / ゼロ | rei / zero | Native / borrowed |
| 1 | 一 (いち) | ichi | Sino-Japanese |
| 2 | 二 (に) | ni | Sino-Japanese |
| 3 | 三 (さん) | san | Sino-Japanese |
| 4 | 四 (よん) | yon | Preferred over shi |
| 5 | 五 (ご) | go | |
| 6 | 六 (ろく) | roku | |
| 7 | 七 (なな) | nana | Preferred over shichi |
| 8 | 八 (はち) | hachi | |
| 9 | 九 (きゅう) | kyuu | Preferred over ku |
| 10 | 十 (じゅう) | juu |
Each syllable should feel even—short and clear. Practice writing and sounding out these in your head, then speak them aloud. For a quick refresher on hiragana and katakana, check out katakana hiragana basics.
Handle double-digit numbers
Once you’ve nailed up to ten, double-digit figures follow a reliable pattern by tacking on “juu” (10).
Form tens
- 11 to 19: say juu + unit (10 + 1 = juu ichi, up to juu kyuu).
- Multiples of ten: digit + juu
- 20 is ni-juu
- 30 is san-juu
- 40 is yon-juu
- 50 is go-juu
- 60 is roku-juu
- 70 is nana-juu
- 80 is hachi-juu
- 90 is kyuu-juu
Use yon, nana, and kyuu (not shi, shichi, ku) to stay on the polite side.
Pronunciation emphasis
Aim for equal timing across parts, but you might notice a slight stress on the middle syllable. For example, 21 (ni-juu-ichi) sounds like “nee-djoo-ee-tchee” (Big Rock Aikikai).
When you hit hundreds, watch for sound shifts:
- 300 is san-byaku
- 800 is hap-pyaku
These changes prevent awkward consonant clusters so speech flows smoothly.
Say large numbers
Japanese groups digits by ten-thousand, not by thousand. Once you see man (万), you know you’re counting in units of 10 000 (Coto Academy).
Group by man units
| Value | Kanji (reading) | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 10 000 | 一万 (いちまん) | ichi-man |
| 100 000 | 十万 (じゅうまん) | juu-man |
| 1 000 000 | 百万 (ひゃくまん) | hyaku-man |
| 10 000 000 | 千万 (せんまん) | sen-man |
| 100 000 000 | 一億 (いちおく) | ichi-oku |
You can keep stacking units—just multiply man by ichi, ni, san, and so on. Dive deeper into counters and large numbers in our japanese counting system resource.
Know number superstitions
Numbers carry cultural meaning in Japan, so a few have special reputations.
Unlucky numbers
Four (shi) sounds like death (死) and nine (ku) echoes suffering (苦) (Berlitz). You’ll spot some hotels skipping floor four or avoiding 4.99 pricing. To sidestep faux pas, see common japanese mistakes avoid.
Lucky numbers
Seven (nana) ties to the Seven Gods of Luck and eight (hachi) fans out like prosperity (Mondly). If you’re booking a room, asking for seat 7 or 8 might boost your good fortunes.
Practice pronunciation tips
Getting numbers down takes real-world use, not just flashcards.
Listen and repeat
Tune into station announcements or sample clips and shadow each number. Our japanese train announcements translation page is a great starting point.
Record yourself
Use your phone’s voice memo feature to compare your pronunciation against native speakers. Then review tips on mouth shape and timing in our japanese pronunciation guide.
Use real-life contexts
Order three sushi pieces with japanese restaurant phrases ordering or ask for five apples using japanese shopping phrases useful. The more you drop numbers into conversation, the faster they stick.
Summary of key takeaways
- Master readings for 0–10 before tackling larger figures
- Combine digits and juu to form 11–99 smoothly
- Learn man units (10 000 and up) for big numbers
- Watch out for unlucky four and nine in certain settings
- Practice by listening, speaking, and recording daily
Ready to sound like a local? Start counting your train stops or reading price tags in kanji, then share your favorite number trick in the comments below.
Answer common questions
-
Should I say “rei” or “zero” for zero?
Both are correct. Use rei when formally counting and zero for scores or measurements. -
How do I count people or objects?
You need counters. For people use –nin (三人 = san-nin), for long objects –hon (三本 = san-bon). See japanese counting system. -
Why skip floor four in buildings?
The sound “shi” matches the word for death, so many avoid labeling a fourth floor. -
When should I use kun’yomi readings?
Native readings appear with specific counters up to ten. Otherwise stick with the on’yomi set. -
How can I practice numbers every day?
Count steps, read signboards, and name your stop on the train. Recording helps you track progress.
