Counting In Japanese

The language of the dojo will often include some Japanese. One of the most frequent times that Japanese will likely be spoken is when the Sensei or one of the senior students is counting out loud. In fact learning to count in Japanese is really quite simple, and since these commands are used often, and repeated over and over again, at least up to the number ten, you are bound to catch on quickly.

Now if you are ever asked to count during the course of a class try to do so in Japanese, and be sure to speak in a steady, loud and firm voice so that all those present in the dojo can hear you, but be sure not to shout in a disrespectful manner. If you are counting to keep the rhythm to standing punches for example, always remember to count before you punch, not during, or after your technique is finished, this will help to keep both you and the class at a synchronized pace.

Here are the numbers one to ten:

English	Japanese	Sounds Like
One	ichi	each-ee
Two	ni	knee
Three	san	son
Four	shi	chee
Five	go	go
Six	roku	roke-you
Seven	shichi	see-chee
Eight	hachi	ha-chee
Nine	kyu	coo
Ten	ju	jew