How to say "eight" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 八はちnumeralThe basic numeral for the number eight, read はち. Used in counting, prices, dates, phone numbers, and other contexts where the number itself is stated. This is the default choice when you simply need to say or write "eight."
- nounA katakana loanword meaning eight. It is not the usual way to state the number in ordinary counting; it appears mainly in set names and loanword contexts, such as billiards or rowing, where English "eight" is borrowed directly.
- 八本はちほんnounCounts eight of something long and cylindrical, such as sticks or bottles, using the counter 本. Use this form only when counting such objects; for the bare number eight, 八 is the word to use.
- 八つやっつnumeralThe native Japanese numeral, read やっつ. Used for counting objects without a specific counter, and for the age of eight in children. Common in everyday counting of things, as in eight apples or eight chairs.
Use 八 for the numeral in most contexts, 「八つ」 for counting objects or a child's age, 八本 for eight long cylindrical things, and 「エイト」 mainly in loanword contexts such as games and sports.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
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