How to Count from 1 to 99 in Japanese

In this beginner lesson, you’ll learn Japanese numbers from 1 to 99, including their pronunciation, counting patterns, and easy memorization tips. Once you’ve mastered these basics, you’ll be ready to read larger Japanese numbers.

In this article, we’re going to learn from 1 up to 99. Check out these links instead if you want to learn more numbers:
Japanese numbers: Hundreds – Ten thousands
Japanese numbers: Millions

If you’ve learned Chinese numbers before, you will have no problem with the kanji for numbers since they are basically the same character and also have similar rules. The characters are similar, but the Japanese pronunciations are different. Below you can find a table for Japanese numbers from 1 to ten.

Check out the memorizing tips below to help you memorize them easier 😀

Japanese Numbers 1 to 10

One: 一 (ichi)

Two: 二 (ni)

Three: 三 (san)

Four: 四 (shi/yon)

Five: 五 (go)

Six: 六 (roku)

Seven: 七 (nana/shichi)

Eight: 八 (hachi)

Nine: 九 (kyuu/ku)

Ten: 十 (juu)

Notes: There are 2 readings for 4 and 7. Both reading are acceptable up to 10. Above 10,however, preferred reading is yon for 4 and shichi for 7. For 9, the preferred reading is kyuu

But also note that depending on the things you’re counting, you may need to memorize the specific reading it uses.

For example, when counting months, its always 四月 shigatsu and 七月 shichigatsu. And for thousands, it’s always 四千 yon sen and 七千 nana sen.

Japanese Numbers Above 10

Now that you’ve learned 1-10, we’re ready to tackle up to 99!. Don’t worry! You won’t need to memorize many new patterns.. You just need to follow a specific pattern.

Japanese Numbers 11 to 19

Pattern: 十 (juu) + number

11 is 十一 juu ichi
17 is 十七 juu shichi
19 is 十九 juu kyuu

Japanese Tens (20, 30, 40…)

Pattern: number + 十 (juu)

The pattern is the reverse of 11 – 19

20 is 二十 ni juu
90 is 九十 kyuu juu

Notes: 20 is a special number in Japanese. So especially about days and age it has a special reading.

Age 20 is not 二十歳 ni juu sai, but it is hatachi
And the 20th day of the month is not 二十日 ni juu nichi. It is called hatsuka.

Another thing to remember is that 70 is always read as nana juu.

Japanese Numbers 21 to 99

Pattern: the Tens + Number
The pattern is logical and simple. Say the tens first and follow with the number.

21 is 二十一 ni juu ichi
48 is 四十八 yon juu hachi
89 is 八十九 hachi juu kyuu

Summary

Japanese numbers from 1 to 99 follow simple patterns once you memorize the numbers from 1 to 10. Practice reading and saying them regularly, and you’ll quickly become comfortable counting in Japanese before moving on to larger numbers.

Continue learning Japanese numbers:

• Japanese Numbers: Hundreds and Thousands
• How to Count Millions in Japanese