1.
eight
The number eight. Considered a lucky number in Japanese culture because the kanji 八 widens at the bottom, symbolizing growing prosperity. Consistent in most counter combinations.
八 is the number eight. The native Japanese counting word is 八つ (yattsu).
Counting patterns
With counters starting with h- or p-sounds, はち often becomes はっ:
- 八本: eight long objects
- 八百: 800
- 八匹: eight animals
No change before most other counters: 八時 (eight o'clock), 八人 (eight people), 八月 (August).
The native forms are 八つ (eight things) and 八日 (the 8th of the month, eight days).
Cultural note
Eight is very auspicious in Japan - the kanji 八 widens at the bottom, symbolizing growing prosperity (末広がり).