The word 'yon' is the standard, neutral way to say the number four in Japanese.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Used to represent the number four.
- Commonly used in daily counting and time.
- Preferred over 'shi' to avoid negative associations.
Overview
- 1概要：「よん」は数字の4を指す基本的な名詞です。日本語の数字には「よん」と「し」という二つの読み方がありますが、日常会話では「よん」が圧倒的に多く使われます。2) 使用パターン：単独で数を数える場合や、電話番号、部屋番号、時刻などを伝える際に使われます。「よんじ（4時）」や「よんがつ（4月）」のように、後ろに単位が続く際にも「よん」が基本となります。3) 一般的な文脈：買い物、時間確認、住所の読み上げなど、生活のあらゆる場面で必須の単語です。4) 類義語との比較：「し」という読み方も存在しますが、「死」を連想させるため、病院の部屋番号や縁起を担ぐ場面では避けられることが多いです。そのため、基本的には「よん」を使うのが無難で、最も自然な表現となります。
Examples
私はりんごをよんこ持っています。
everydayI have four apples.
会議はよん時に始まります。
formalThe meeting starts at four o'clock.
よん番目の人を選んでください。
informalPlease choose the fourth person.
第よん章を読んでください。
academicPlease read chapter four.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
よん分
four minutes
よん月
April
Often Confused With
This is an alternative reading for four. It is often avoided in daily life due to its association with death.
This is used specifically for counting objects. Use 'yon' for numbers and 'yottsu' for quantity.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Use 'yon' for most general counting situations. Remember that 'yoji' is the only exception for time. 'Shi' is mostly reserved for specific set phrases or months.
Common Mistakes
Beginners often say 'yonji' for 4 o'clock, which is incorrect. Another error is using 'yon' instead of 'yottsu' when counting physical objects.
Tips
Use 'yon' for daily counting
Always use 'yon' instead of 'shi' when counting objects or numbers in casual conversation. It sounds more natural and avoids superstition.
Watch out for time readings
Remember that 4 o'clock is 'yoji', not 'yonji'. Mixing these up is a common beginner mistake.
The superstition of four
In Japan, the number four is considered unlucky because it sounds like the word for death. You will rarely see the fourth floor in some older buildings.
Word Origin
The word 'yon' originates from native Japanese counting systems. It reflects the ancient way of counting before Chinese-derived numerals became standard.
Cultural Context
The number 4 is avoided in hospitals and some hotels because of the 'death' superstition. This is known as tetraphobia in Japan.
Memory Tip
Think of 'yon' as 'yawn'. If you have to count four things, you might yawn because it's so easy.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions「し」は「死」という漢字と同音であるため、縁起が悪いと避ける傾向があります。日常会話では誤解を避けるためにも「よん」を使うのが一般的です。
はい、4月は「しがつ」と読みます。また、4時は「よじ」と読みます。このように単位によって読み方が変わる場合があるため注意が必要です。
物を数える際は「よっつ」と言います。数字そのものを指す時は「よん」ですが、個数を数える時は読み方が変わることを覚えておきましょう。
電話番号の場合は「よん」と読みます。明確に伝えるために「よん」と発音するのが標準的です。
Test Yourself
私の家は___番地です。
番地などの番号には「よん」を使います。
Score: /1
Summary
The word 'yon' is the standard, neutral way to say the number four in Japanese.
- Used to represent the number four.
- Commonly used in daily counting and time.
- Preferred over 'shi' to avoid negative associations.
Use 'yon' for daily counting
Always use 'yon' instead of 'shi' when counting objects or numbers in casual conversation. It sounds more natural and avoids superstition.
Watch out for time readings
Remember that 4 o'clock is 'yoji', not 'yonji'. Mixing these up is a common beginner mistake.
The superstition of four
In Japan, the number four is considered unlucky because it sounds like the word for death. You will rarely see the fourth floor in some older buildings.
Examples
4 of 4私はりんごをよんこ持っています。
I have four apples.
会議はよん時に始まります。
The meeting starts at four o'clock.
よん番目の人を選んでください。
Please choose the fourth person.
第よん章を読んでください。
Please read chapter four.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
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.
