Counting in Japanese is easy, once you understand the method! The initial learning curve involves memorizing numbers 1 through 10. After this, you can combine these numbers to count up to 99.
Japanese Numbers: The Foundation
Learning the first ten numbers is crucial:
| Number | Japanese | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 一 | Ichi |
| 2 | 二 | Ni |
| 3 | 三 | San |
| 4 | 四 | Shi/Yon |
| 5 | 五 | Go |
| 6 | 六 | Roku |
| 7 | 七 | Shichi/Nana |
| 8 | 八 | Hachi |
| 9 | 九 | Kyuu/Ku |
| 10 | 十 | Juu |
Combining Numbers: Counting to 99
The reference material emphasizes that mastering 1-10 allows you to count to 99. This is achieved by combining 'tens' with 'ones'. For example:
- 11 (Eleven): Juu ichi (Ten one)
- 20 (Twenty): Ni juu (Two ten)
- 23 (Twenty-three): Ni juu san (Two ten three)
- 57 (Fifty-seven): Go juu nana (Five ten seven)
- 99 (Ninety-nine): Kyuu juu kyuu (Nine ten nine)
Pronunciation Note
The reference notes the importance of consistent syllable length in pronunciation. Each syllable should take roughly the same amount of time to say. This is crucial for clear communication in Japanese.
