Japanese numbers from 1 to 100 with pronunciation

Using Japanese numbers correctly helps avoid misunderstanding and boosts your confidence. Dive deep into how to read, write, and count Japanese numbers with this guide from Thao & Co.

Japanese numbers from 1 to 100

Here’s a basic table of Japanese numbers from 1 to 100 for beginners. A summary of the rules for numbers not listed in this table can be found under it.

Some rules to remember:

1. • From 11 to 19: 十 (juu) + ones number (e.g. 17 = juu-nana)
2. • Multiples of 10: ones number + 十 (juu) (VD: 40 = yon-juu, 70 = nana-juu)
3. • From 21 to 99: tens number + 十 (juu) + ones number (e.g. 24 = ni-juu-yon)

🅘 Download the Japanese alphabets for further reading and writing practice!

How to read Japanese numbers from 1 to 10

There are at least two ways to say numbers in Japanese: Onyomi (Chinese origin) and Kunyomi (Japanese origin) readings.

1. • Onyomi: Pronunciation derived from Chinese Hanzi, usually used in combinations with two or more Kanji characters.
2. For example: 三人 (さんにん – sannin) means three people
3. • Kunyomi: Pronunciation derived from Old Japanese, generally used for counting, especially for numbers up to 10.
4. For example: 一つ (hitotsu) – one thing

*Note: There are different ways to read Japanese numbers depending on the situation. A reputable Japanese dictionary helps you know when to use the Onyomi or Kunyomi reading.

Example of an exception when counting the number of people:

1. • One person: 一人 (ひとり – hitori), which is Kunyomi reading.
2. • Two people: 二人 (ふたり – futari), which is Kunyomi reading.
3. • From three people or more: Onyomi reading is used for both the number and the word “human” (“nin”) as in 三人 (san-nin), 四人 (yo-nin), 五人 (go-nin), etc.

Here is how to write Japanese numbers from 1 to 10 in Kanji:

Learn more: Common languages spoken in Japan

How to count large numbers in Japanese

Here are some rules to say and write numbers in Japanese:

For two-digit numbers (10 → 99)

[tens number] + 十 (じゅう – juu) + [ones number]

(For multiples of ten, use [ones number] + 十 (じゅう – juu))

For example: 20 = 二十 (にじゅう – ni-juu), 38 = 三十八 (さんじゅうはち – san-juu-hachi)

For three-digit numbers (100 → 999)

[hundreds number] + 百 (ひゃく – hyaku) + [combined value of tens and ones numbers]

For example: 100 = 百 (ひゃく – hyaku), 356 = 三百五十六 (さんびゃくごじゅうろく – san-byaku go-juu-roku)

For four-digit numbers (1000 → 9999)

[thousands number] + 千 (せん – sen) + [combined value of hundreds, tens, and ones numbers]

For example: 1000 = 千 (せん – sen), 8456 = 八千四百五十六 (はっせんよんひゃくごじゅうろく – hassen yon-hyaku go-juu-roku)

For larger numbers (万, 億 , 兆…)

Unlike English, numbers with five digits or more in Japanese are followed by a unit 万 (まん – man). For example:

1. • 10,000 = 一万 (いちまん – ichi-man)
2. • 50,000 = 五万 (ごまん – go-man)
3. • 100,000 = 十万 (じゅうまん – juu-man)
4. • 1,000,000 = 百万 (ひゃくまん – hyaku-man)
5. • 100,000,000 = 一億 (いちおく – ichi-oku)
6. • 1,000,000,000,000 = 一兆 (いっちょう – icchou)

Useful tips to learn Japanese numbers

Make Japanese numbers stick with these practical tips:

1. ➤ Learn numbers in groups: Start with the Onyomi and Kunyomi readings for numbers from 1 to 10. After that, you can move on to larger numbers.
2. ➤ Practice frequently: You can try reading phone numbers, money, dates, etc. in Japanese for daily practice.
3. ➤ Challenge yourself with quantifiers (counter words): Once you have become more familiar with counting Japanese numbers, try adding quantifiers for objects, humans, etc. This practical exercise helps build your Japanese vocabulary as well.
4. ➤ Use flashcards or vocabulary-learning apps: Gamify your learning experience with language-learning apps, flashcards, and stimulating activities.

Learn more: Is learning Japanese difficult?

Key Takeaway

While there are rules for the most basic numbers in Japanese, the wide range of exceptions there are may leave beginners confused. Together with three alphabets and unique grammar structures, the Japanese language can be pretty challenging. This means learners of Japanese usually spend years of study before they can use or translate from and to this language with accuracy.

If you are looking for reliable Japanese translation services, Thao & Co. translation company is your trusted destination. Our team of specialized and experienced Japanese translators is committed to delivering:

1. ✦ Timely and accurate translation
2. ✦ Competitive and transparent pricing
3. ✦ Complete confidentiality with NDAs

Contact Thao & Co. today through our Get a Quote form to receive detailed and personalized consultation!