How to Write Numbers in Hiragana
Complete guide to writing and reading numbers using Hiragana
How to Write Numbers in Hiragana: Complete Guide
Writing numbers in Japanese can be done using Hiragana, and it's an essential skill for Japanese language learners. This comprehensive guide will teach you everything you need to know about writing and reading numbers using Hiragana.
Basic Number System
Single Digits (1-10)
1 - いち (ichi)
2 - に (ni)
3 - さん (san)
4 - よん/し (yon/shi)
5 - ご (go)
6 - ろく (roku)
7 - なな/しち (nana/shichi)
8 - はち (hachi)
9 - きゅう/く (kyuu/ku)
10 - じゅう (juu)
Reading Rules
- Some numbers have multiple readings
- Context determines which reading to use
- Certain combinations have special rules
Counting System
Counter Words
- つ (tsu) - General counter
- こ (ko) - Small objects
- ほん (hon) - Long objects
- まい (mai) - Flat objects
- にん (nin) - People
Examples
1つ - ひとつ (hitotsu)
2つ - ふたつ (futatsu)
3つ - みっつ (mittsu)
4つ - よっつ (yottsu)
5つ - いつつ (itsutsu)
6つ - むっつ (muttsu)
7つ - ななつ (nanatsu)
8つ - やっつ (yattsu)
9つ - ここのつ (kokonotsu)
10 - とお (too)
Larger Numbers
Tens (20-90)
20 - にじゅう (nijuu)
30 - さんじゅう (sanjuu)
40 - よんじゅう (yonjuu)
50 - ごじゅう (gojuu)
60 - ろくじゅう (rokujuu)
70 - ななじゅう (nanajuu)
80 - はちじゅう (hachijuu)
90 - きゅうじゅう (kyuujuu)
Hundreds (100-900)
100 - ひゃく (hyaku)
200 - にひゃく (nihyaku)
300 - さんびゃく (sanbyaku)
400 - よんひゃく (yonhyaku)
500 - ごひゃく (gohyaku)
600 - ろっぴゃく (roppyaku)
700 - ななひゃく (nanahyaku)
800 - はっぴゃく (happyaku)
900 - きゅうひゃく (kyuuhyaku)
Special Number Combinations
Sound Changes
- じゅう + はち → じゅうはち (18)
- に + ひゃく → にひゃく (200)
- ろく + ひゃく → ろっぴゃく (600)
Common Patterns
- Days of the month
- Age expressions
- Counting sequences
- Time expressions
Practical Applications
Time and Dates
1時 - いちじ (ichiji) - 1 o'clock
2日 - ふつか (futsuka) - 2nd day
3月 - さんがつ (sangatu) - March
Money and Prices
100円 - ひゃくえん (hyaku en)
1000円 - せんえん (sen en)
10000円 - いちまんえん (ichiman en)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
-
Reading Errors
- Using wrong number variations
- Incorrect counter words
- Improper sound changes
-
Writing Mistakes
- Wrong character combinations
- Incorrect stroke order
- Missing sound changes
Practice Exercises
Basic Counting
- Count from 1-10
- Practice counter variations
- Write number sequences
Real-world Applications
- Write shopping lists with quantities
- Practice telling time
- Write dates and schedules
Digital Tools and Resources
-
Online Practice
- Number writing apps
- Digital flashcards
- Interactive quizzes
-
Learning Materials
- Printable worksheets
- Video tutorials
- Audio pronunciation guides
Tips for Mastery
-
Memory Techniques
- Create associations
- Practice regularly
- Use real-life contexts
-
Writing Practice
- Use grid paper
- Follow stroke order
- Practice number combinations
Common Expressions
Age
一歳 - いっさい (issai) - 1 year old
二十歳 - はたち (hatachi) - 20 years old
Quantities
一つずつ - ひとつずつ (hitotsu zutsu) - one at a time
二人とも - ふたりとも (futari tomo) - both people
Advanced Topics
Traditional Number Systems
- Traditional counting methods
- Historical number usage
- Regional variations
Modern Applications
- Digital input methods
- Business number usage
- Mathematical expressions
Conclusion
Mastering the writing of numbers in Hiragana is crucial for Japanese language proficiency. Regular practice and understanding of the various counting systems will help you become confident in using numbers in Japanese. Remember to practice both reading and writing to fully grasp the number system.
Start practicing today with basic numbers and gradually work your way up to more complex combinations. With consistent practice, you'll be able to read and write Japanese numbers naturally!
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