Use 'itsutsu' as a versatile, native Japanese way to count five of any object.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Used to count five items of any kind.
- A native Japanese (wago) number word.
- Can also represent the age of five years old.
概要
「五つ」は日本語の和語（大和言葉）の数詞で、1から10までを数える際（ひとつ、ふたつ…）に使われる形式の一つです。数字の「5」を指しますが、単なる数字としてではなく、具体的な対象物の個数を示す際に非常に頻繁に使われます。2) 使用パターン: 「五つ」は、助数詞（個、本、枚など）を付けずにそのまま名詞として使うことができます。例えば「りんごを五つください」のように、対象が何であれ、一般的な「個」を指す場合に万能な数詞として機能します。3) 一般的な文脈: 日常生活のあらゆる場面で使われます。買い物の際、年齢を言う際（五つ＝5歳）、あるいは抽象的な事柄を列挙する際にも用いられます。特に子供が数えるときや、個数が少ない場合によく使われます。4) 類似語との比較: 「五つ」は和語であるため、漢語の「五個（ごこ）」とはニュアンスが異なります。「五個」はより客観的で事務的な響きがあり、「五つ」はより日常的で柔らかい響きがあります。また、「五つ」は年齢を指す際にも使われますが、「五個」は年齢には使えません。
Examples
りんごを五つ買いました。
everydayI bought five apples.
条件を五つ挙げてください。
formalPlease list five conditions.
あと五つで終わりだよ。
informalWe're done after five more.
五つの要素から構成される。
academicIt is composed of five elements.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
五つ星
five-star
五つ子
quintuplets
五つの指
five fingers
Often Confused With
Goko is a Sino-Japanese construction used for specific objects. Itsutsu is warmer and more native.
Gonin is strictly for counting people. Itsutsu is for inanimate objects or abstract concepts.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Itsutsu is part of the native Japanese counting system (hitotsu, futatsu, mittsu, yottsu, itsutsu). It is highly versatile and used in daily life for counting almost anything. Use it when you are unsure of the specific counter word for an object.
Common Mistakes
The most common mistake is using 'itsutsu' to count people, which is incorrect and can be offensive. Another error is using it in highly technical or strictly formal contexts where 'go' (the digit) or 'goko' might be preferred for precision.
Tips
Use for general counting
If you don't know the specific counter word, 'itsutsu' is your safest bet. It works for almost any small object.
Avoid for people
Never use 'itsutsu' to count people. Use 'gonin' instead to avoid being rude.
The importance of native numbers
Native Japanese numbers (hitotsu to tootsu) are deeply rooted in traditional culture. Mastering them makes your Japanese sound much more natural.
Word Origin
Derived from the ancient Japanese counting system. It has been used since Old Japanese to count objects in daily life.
Cultural Context
The native counting system is still very much alive in Japan, especially for small counts (1-10). It reflects the historical Japanese way of categorizing the world through simple, natural numbers.
Memory Tip
Think of 'Itsutsu' as 'It-sut-su' (It's 5!). It sounds like a quick count to five.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions「五つ」は和語で日常的に広く使われ、年齢にも使えます。「五個」は漢語で、より客観的・事務的な印象を与えます。
はい、使えます。「彼は今年で五つです」と言うと「5歳です」という意味になります。ただし、大人に対してはあまり使いません。
はい、特定の単位がないものや、一般的な物を数える際に非常に便利です。ただし、人間を数えるときには使えません。
「五」は数字そのものを指しますが、「五つ」は「個数」という概念を含んでいるからです。日本語の数え方の基本形の一つです。
Test Yourself
テーブルの上にりんごが___あります。
一般的な物を数える場合は「五つ」が最も自然です。
5歳の子どもを指す表現は？
年齢を言うときは「五つ」を使います。
（ください / 五つ / を / りんご）
助詞「を」の使い方が正しい選択肢です。
Score: /3
Summary
Use 'itsutsu' as a versatile, native Japanese way to count five of any object.
- Used to count five items of any kind.
- A native Japanese (wago) number word.
- Can also represent the age of five years old.
Use for general counting
If you don't know the specific counter word, 'itsutsu' is your safest bet. It works for almost any small object.
Avoid for people
Never use 'itsutsu' to count people. Use 'gonin' instead to avoid being rude.
The importance of native numbers
Native Japanese numbers (hitotsu to tootsu) are deeply rooted in traditional culture. Mastering them makes your Japanese sound much more natural.
Examples
4 of 4りんごを五つ買いました。
I bought five apples.
条件を五つ挙げてください。
Please list five conditions.
あと五つで終わりだよ。
We're done after five more.
五つの要素から構成される。
It is composed of five elements.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
More general words
能力
A1Nouryoku refers to the mental or physical power, skill, or capacity required to perform a specific task or function. It can describe both innate talent and skills acquired through learning and practice.
異常
A1A word used to describe something that deviates from the normal state, standard, or expected pattern. It often implies a problem, malfunction, or an extraordinary occurrence that requires attention or investigation.
～について
A2About, concerning; indicates topic.
〜について
B1About, concerning; on the subject of.
～ぐらい
A2about, approximately
ぐらい
A2About; approximately; to the extent of.
ごろ
A2About, approximately (time).
うえ
A2At a higher position than.
絶対
B1Absolutely; definitely; never.
絶対に
B1Absolutely; definitely.
