The Japanese number 10 is 十, read じゅう (jū or juu). It is the basic number for ten and appears in larger numbers such as 十一 (11) and 二十 (20).
10 = 十 (じゅう, jū)
Meaning and Pronunciation of 十
十 is pronounced jū, with a long “oo” sound. In hiragana it is written じゅう. You may also see it romanized as juu. The kanji 十 represents the number ten.
Meaning: ten
Numbers with Jū
Japanese builds many numbers by combining 十 with another number. For 11 through 19, say 十 first, then the unit; 12 in Japanese illustrates this pattern. For multiples of ten, say the multiplier before 十.
| Japanese | Pronunciation | Number |
|---|---|---|
| 十 | じゅう (jū) | 10 |
| 十一 | じゅういち (jūichi) | 11 |
| 十五 | じゅうご (jūgo) | 15 |
| 二十 | にじゅう (nijū) | 20 |
| 三十 | さんじゅう (sanjū) | 30 |
Counting with Ten
For a general count of items, Japanese often combines the number with the counter 個 (こ): 十個 (じゅっこ or じっこ) means “ten items.” The appropriate counter depends on what is being counted, so 十 alone is the plain number “ten.”
Different Ways to Use 10 (ten)
Core Meaning and Context
The central translation introduced above is the best place to start, but always read the surrounding sentence before choosing a word. A dictionary entry gives a useful equivalent; context shows which sense the speaker intends. Notice the subject, the action, and the words immediately before and after 10 (ten). These clues help distinguish a literal meaning from a familiar phrase, and they prevent a translation from sounding awkward. When a word has more than one sense, compare the full examples rather than memorizing a single English gloss.
Common Sentence Patterns
Learn 10 (ten) as part of a short phrase instead of memorizing it alone. Pay attention to word order, articles, particles, verb forms, or grammatical endings in the examples. A form that works before one kind of word may need to change in another sentence. When you make your own example, keep the pattern simple and replace only one detail at a time; this makes it easier to see how the expression behaves. Reusing a complete pattern is usually more reliable than translating each word independently.
Choosing the Right Tone
Language choices also depend on who is speaking and the situation. A phrase used with friends may feel too casual in a work email, while a formal expression can sound stiff in relaxed conversation. The examples on this page show practical usage, but local habits vary by region and community. If you are unsure, choose a neutral expression and listen to how fluent speakers use it in comparable situations. The relationship between speakers can matter as much as the dictionary definition.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
A common mistake is translating each English word separately and keeping English word order. Instead, identify the whole idea first, then use the natural construction in japanese. Also check spelling marks, capitalization, gender, number, and pronunciation where relevant. Read the complete sentence aloud once you have chosen a form. If it does not fit the context or sounds unlike the examples, revisit the meaning rather than forcing a direct one-to-one match. Keep a note of the phrase and its context so you can recognize when it applies again.
10 (ten) in japanese: Quick Comparison
Use this quick guide to select the expression that fits the situation. The central translation is a useful starting point, while grammar and context determine the natural form.
| Situation | Check | Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Basic meaning | The sense described above | Start with the direct equivalent. |
| Full phrase | Grammar and surrounding words | Match the complete construction. |
| Conversation | Relationship and formality | Choose a natural tone. |
| Writing | Spelling and standard form | Use the conventional written version. |
How to Pronounce 10 (ten)
Use the pronunciation guide and audio button near the top of the article. First listen without speaking, then repeat the word slowly and at a natural speed. Finally, practice it inside one of the example sentences. This last step matters because speech rhythm and neighboring sounds can change how a word feels when it is spoken naturally. Focus on the syllables and vowel sounds shown in the guide instead of relying only on English spelling.
For a short practice routine, say the word once by itself, repeat the complete phrase, and then use it in a new sentence. Keep the rhythm smooth; stressing every syllable equally can make a phrase sound unnatural. Listening and repeating the full example helps connect pronunciation with meaning and grammar.
Examples
- りんごを十個ください。 — Ten apples, please.
- 今は十時です。 — It is ten o’clock now.
- この本は千円です。 — This book costs 1,000 yen.
Frequently Asked Questions About 10 in Japanese
Tap a question below to see the answer.
How do you write ten in Japanese?
Write it as the kanji 十 or the hiragana じゅう.
How do you say eleven?
Say 十一 (じゅういち, jūichi).
Is the vowel in jū long?
Yes. The final vowel is held longer, which is shown by the macron in jū.
Summary: 10 in Japanese
十 is the Japanese number 10, pronounced じゅう (jū). It combines with other numbers to form values such as 11 (jūichi) and 20 (nijū).
