Lesson article
Spot the signal, compare it, then read it in context
Read all 3 sections in order. Notice the target form, compare it with the nearby alternative, then use the reading and practice below to check the meaning in context.
Section 1 of 3
Core Numbers
Japanese learners need fast recognition of common numbers used in shopping, introductions, and schedules. Focus first on 1–10, then on the tens such as 20, 30, and 40.
Target signal
りんごを 三つ ください。
Three apples, please.
Notice how Numbers and Basic Counting shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- ください
- please give; please do
- りんご
- apple
- 三つ
- three things
Compare in context
わたしは 二十さいです。
I am twenty years old.
Notice how Numbers and Basic Counting shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- 二十さい
- twenty years old
- わたし
- I; me
- です
- to be (polite); is; am; are
Compare in context
この ほんは 千二百円です。
This book is 1,200 yen.
Notice how Numbers and Basic Counting shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- 千二百円
- 1,200 yen
- この
- this
- です
- to be (polite); is; am; are
Section 2 of 3
Practical Counting
Some counters are special and will be studied in more detail later, but early fluency comes from reading prices, ages, floors, and simple quantities without stopping.
Target signal
二人で いきます。
Two people will go.
Notice how Numbers and Basic Counting shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- いきます
- go
- ます
- polite verb ending
- 二人
- two people
Preview
水を 一つ おねがいします。
One water, please.
Notice how Numbers and Basic Counting shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- おねがいします
- please; I request
- します
- do
- しま
- stripe; striped pattern
Preview
七階に あります。
It is on the seventh floor.
Notice how Numbers and Basic Counting shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- あります
- there is; there are
- ます
- polite verb ending
- 七階
- seventh floor
Section 3 of 3
Reading in Context
Numbers appear in menus, receipts, train platforms, and introductions. Train yourself to connect the written number directly to meaning instead of translating one digit at a time.
Target signal
A: いくらですか。 B: 五百円です。
A: How much is it? B: It is 500 yen.
Notice how Numbers and Basic Counting shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- いくらですか
- how much is it?
- 五百円
- 500 yen
- いく
- to go
Preview
会議は 十一時からです。
The meeting is from eleven o'clock.
Notice how Numbers and Basic Counting shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- 十一時
- eleven o'clock
- から
- from; because
- です
- to be (polite); is; am; are