Translation and Meaning of: 四つ - yotsu
The word 「四つ」 (yotsu) belongs to the category of counters in Japanese, used to count items in a generic way. In this case, "yotsu" is used to refer to four objects. In Japanese, it is common to use specific counters depending on the type of item being counted: for example, 「冊」 (satsu) for books or 「匹」 (hiki) for small animals. Thus, 「四つ」 is a generic and versatile term, common in everyday conversations.
Etymologically, the word 「四つ」 derives from the numeral 「四」 (shi/yon), which represents the number four in Japanese, combined with the suffix 「つ」 (tsu), used in counting generally inanimate objects or unspecified items. The use of counters like 「つ」 has ancient roots in the Japanese language, dating back to when Japanese began to incorporate counting systems of Chinese origin.
The use of 「四つ」 is part of a broader pattern of phonetic and written counting in Japanese, which has "hitotsu" for one, "futatsu" for two, "mittsu" for three, up to "tou" for ten. This counting system with the suffix 「つ」 is widely taught in schools and is one of the first lessons for students learning the Japanese language, due to its universal application and relative simplicity.
Interestingly, the general pronunciation "yon" is used more frequently than "shi," as the latter can have negative connotations since the same reading also means "death" in Japanese. This homophony culturally impacts word choices and pronunciations in everyday life. Therefore, while 「四」 can be pronounced as "shi" or "yon," most people prefer "yon" to avoid negative associations.
Understanding the use and origin of like 「四つ」 offers a fascinating insight into the linguistic structure of Japanese, and it is essential for anyone looking to delve into the Japanese language and culture. This word serves as an excellent example of how counting and numerals are intrinsically linked to the way the Japanese categorically distinguish and identify the world around them.
Vocabulary
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Synonyms and similar words
- 四個 (Yonnko) - Four items
- 四つの (Yottsu no) - Four (adjectival form)
- 4つ (Yottsu) - Four (countable number)
- 4個 (Yonkai) - Four items
Related words
Romaji: yotsu
Kana: よっつ
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n5
Translation / Meaning: four
Meaning in English: four
Definition: A unit used in counting numbers. Represents the number 4.
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How to Write in Japanese - (四つ) yotsu
See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese. (四つ) yotsu:
Example Sentences - (四つ) yotsu
See below some example sentences:
Yottsumi kado wa chokkaku o motsu kado desu
A square has right angles.
The four horns are a corner with a right angle.
- 四つ角 (yotsu kado) - It means "four corners" or "four angles".
- は (wa) - Grammatical particle indicating the topic of the sentence, in this case, "quatro cantos".
- 直角 (chokkaku) - It means "right angle".
- を (wo) - Direct object pronoun that indicates the direct object of the sentence, in this case, "right angle".
- 持つ (motsu) - Verb that means "to have" or "to possess".
- 角 (kado) - It means "angle".
- です (desu) - Verb "to be" in polite form.
Yottsu no ha ga aru kurōbā wa kōun o motarasu to iwarete imasu
Clover with four leaves is said to bring good luck.
- 四つの葉があるクローバー - a four-leaf clover
- は - Topic particle
- 幸運をもたらす - bring luck
- と - Quote particle
- 言われています - it is said
Nihon no ryōdo wa yottsu no shuyōna shima to ōku no chīsana shimatō kara narimatte imasu
The territory of Japan consists of four main islands and many small islands.
- 日本の領土 - "territory of Japan"
- 四つの主要な島 - "four main islands"
- と - "and"
- 多くの小さな島々 - "many small islands"
- から成り立っています - "consists of"
Other Words of this Type: noun
See other words from our dictionary that are also: noun
