Kanji · 10 min
Numbers and counters
Recognize the first number kanji and use them in simple phrases.
- Recognize the main idea in numbers and counters.
- Use one clear example before you begin the quiz.
- Build confidence with a small, repeatable step.
Number kanji are among the most useful characters because they appear in prices, dates, ages, and times.
Start with one to three
一 is one, 二 is two, 三 is three, and 四 is four. Learn the meaning before every possible reading.
Context chooses the reading
Numbers change pronunciation with counters, but recognition comes first at this level.
Study these forms
Numbers 11–19 begin with 十. For larger numbers, put the tens digit before 十, then add the ones digit; 二十三 is 23. 一 (1) · 二 (2) · 三 (3) · 四 (4) · 五 (5) · 六 (6) · 七 (7) · 八 (8) · 九 (9) · 十 (10) · 十一 (11) · 十二 (12) · 十三 (13) · 十四 (14) · 十五 (15) · 十六 (16) · 十七 (17) · 十八 (18) · 十九 (19) · 二十 (20) · 二十一 (21) · 二十二 (22) · 二十三 (23) · 二十四 (24) · 二十五 (25)
More reading practice
二十六 (26) · 二十七 (27) · 二十八 (28) · 二十九 (29) · 三十 (30) · 三十一 (31) · 三十二 (32) · 三十三 (33) · 三十四 (34) · 三十五 (35) · 三十六 (36) · 三十七 (37) · 三十八 (38) · 三十九 (39) · 四十 (40) · 四十一 (41) · 四十二 (42) · 四十三 (43) · 四十四 (44) · 四十五 (45) · 四十六 (46) · 四十七 (47) · 四十八 (48) · 四十九 (49) · 五十 (50)
Put it together
Look at the examples once more. Notice the small detail that makes this kanji lesson different from the one before it.
Guided examples
Use this example while studying numbers and counters.
Try to recognize it before you start the quiz.
Before the quiz, can you recognize the key form from numbers and counters?
1
Show the answer
1 · This is one of the forms introduced in the lesson. Say it aloud and connect it to the explanation above.
Remember the main pattern from numbers and counters and use the examples as your first reference. A short review is useful learning, not a setback.