Translation and Meaning of: 数 - kazu

The Japanese word 数[かず] is a fundamental term for those learning the language or interested in Japanese culture. Its main meaning is "number" or "quantity," but it appears in various contexts, from mathematics to everyday expressions. In this article, we will explore what this word represents, its origin, how it is used by the Japanese, and some curiosities that help to understand its importance in the vocabulary.

Meaning and usage of 数 [かず]

数[かず] is a word that refers to numbers, counts, or quantities. It can be used for both concrete things, such as objects, and abstract concepts, such as statistics. For example, when saying "この本の数は多い" (kono hon no kazu wa ooi), it means "the number of these books is large".

Moreover, 数 appears in common expressions, such as 数える (kazoeru, "to count") and 数々 (kazukazu, "various"). Its versatility makes it a word frequently found in everyday conversations, academic texts, and even in animes and mangas. If you have ever watched a Japanese program about sports or competitions, you probably heard something like "勝ち数" (kachikazu), which means "number of victories."

Origin and writing of the kanji 数

The kanji 数 is composed of the radicals 攵 (which indicates action related to hitting or touching) and 娄 (which suggests the idea of accumulation). This combination reinforces the meaning of "counting" or "grouping quantities." According to the Kangorin dictionary, this character was incorporated into Japanese from ancient Chinese, maintaining a meaning quite close to the original.

It is important to note that 数 has two main readings: the kun'yomi かず (kazu) and the on'yomi スウ (sū). The first is more commonly used in purely Japanese words, while the second appears in of Chinese origin, such as 数学 (sūgaku, "mathematics"). Understanding this difference helps to understand why some words use one pronunciation and others use another.

Tips for memorizing and using 数 [かず]

An effective way to memorize this word is to associate it with practical situations. If you enjoy games, for example, you can think of scoreboards or point counts. Another tip is to create flashcards with sentences like "数を数える" (kazu o kazoeru, "to count numbers") to practice its use in context.

Additionally, it's worth paying attention to how 数 appears in different combinations. Words like 少数 (shōsū, "minority") and 多数 (tasū, "majority") are common in discussions and news. The more you familiarize yourself with these , the more natural it will be to the meaning and pronunciation of 数.

For those who use Suki Nihongo, our dictionary offers real examples of sentences with 数, helping to better understand its usage in modern Japanese. This practical approach facilitates learning and avoids confusion with similar words.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 量 (ryou) - The amount
• 数量 (suuryou) - Quantity; number of items
• 分量 (bunryou) - Portion; measure of quantity
• 数値 (suuchi) - Numeric value
• 数字 (suuji) - Number (numerical symbol)
• 算数 (sansuu) - arithmetic
• 算出 (sanshutsu) - Calculation; derivation of results
• 計算 (keisan) - Calculation; mathematical operation
• 計量 (keiryou) - Measurement; to weigh
• 計数 (keisuu) - Counting; number calculation
• 計算量 (keisanryou) - Amount of calculation
• 計量単位 (keiryou tan'i) - unit of measurement
• 計数単位 (keisuu tan'i) - Counting unit
• 量数 (ryousuu) - Number of quantities
• 数える (kazoeru) - tell
• 数う (kazu) - Count; total number (less common form)
• 数え上げる (kazoeeageru) - Count (upwards); enumerate
• 数え切る (kazoekiru) - Count to the end
• 数える (kazoeru) - Count (repeated)
• 数え上げる (kazoeeageru) - Count (up; repeated)
• 数え切る (kazoekiru) - Count to the end (repeated)
• 数え落とす (kazoootosu) - Stop counting; lose a count
• 数え出す (kazoedasu) - Start counting
• 数え取る (kazoetoru) - Count and grab; count actively
• 数え分ける (kazoewakeru) - Count separately; distinguish in the count.
• 数え上がる (kazoearu) - Count to; reach a high number
• 数え上げる (kazoeeageru) - Count (up; repeated)
• 数え切る (kazoekiru) - Count to the end (repeated)
• 数え落とす (kazoootosu) - Stop counting; lose a count (repeated)
• 数え出す (kazoedasu) - Start counting (repeated)
• 数え取る (kazoetoru) - Count and grab (repeated)
• 数え分ける (kazoewakeru) - Count separately (repeated)
• 数え上がる (kazoearu) - Count to (repeated)
• 数え上げる (kazoeeageru) - Count (up; repeated)
• 数え切る (kazoekiru) - Count to the end (repeated)
• 数え落とす (kazoootosu) - Stop counting (repeated)
• 数え出す (kazoedasu) - Start counting (repeated)
• 数 (suu) - Number; amount