Numbers in Japanese

Navigating the World of Japanese Numbers

In modern japanese, you will encounter numbers written with arabic numerals as well as in Kanji. Arabic Numerals (1, 2, 3) are the standard for horizontal text. You will see them everywhere in modern life, including price tags, mathematical equations, phone numbers, and addresses. Kanji (一, 二, 三) Traditional and formal, Kanji numbers are the go-to for vertical text. If you are picking up a novel, reading a newspaper, or drafting a formal letter, you will likely encounter these characters.

While less common for counting, for stylistic and artistic purposes, sometimes numbers are written in Katakana (イチ, ニ, サン). Often appearing in graphic design or creative advertisements to make the numbers stand out.

Note: For educational purposes somtimes Hiragana (いち, に, さん) is used to write down numbers. But this is mainly the starting point for students and is common in books written for young children who have not yet mastered Kanji.

Zero to Ten

Like in english, japanese uses a decimal system with the numbers 1-10, and has simple rules to build higher numbers.

Numbers use the On-reading for the most part. But there are some exceptions. The prefered reading is highlighted in the table below. (You can read more about On/Kun Readings)

Up to 20

Once you reach , you simply stack them: Eleven is .

Note: for Kun-readings above 10, modern Japanese uses the On-reading system for almost all counting purposes.

Up to 100

Twenty is . Digits work as before.

Note: that for 40, 70, and 90, the more common spoken forms actually still use the Kun-derived digit sounds , , mixed with the On-reading

Up to 1000

Up to 10000

Up to 100.000

Following Chinese tradition, large numbers are created by grouping digits into myriads (every 10,000) rather than the Western thousands (1,000).

Up to 1.000.000

1.000.000 and above

Daiji Variations

Daiji () are formal, complex kanji numerals used in Japan for legal and financial documents to prevent forgery. Because standard kanji (一, 二, 三) are easily altered by adding strokes.
Daiji are used to make tampering difficult, commonly seen on checks, certificates, and receipts. The same system is also used in china.

Note: While mostly replaced by modern numerals in daily life, daiji are still legally recognized and used in formal, traditional contexts.

Note: The numbers four through nine usually do not have specific daiji forms.

Closing thoughts

Mastering numbers is one of the first steps toward fluency. It’s how you handle money, understand dates, and eventually learn Reading the Clock.