1.
eight (things)
The number eight when counting things using native Japanese numbers.
八つに切る。
To cut into eight pieces.
八つ残っています。
Eight are remaining.
みかんを八つ買いました。
I bought eight mandarin oranges.
問題が八つあったが、全部答えられた。
There were eight questions, but I could answer all of them.
子供が八つになったので、自転車を買ってあげた。
My child turned eight, so I bought them a bicycle.
八つ is the native Japanese number for counting eight general items.
NATIVE COUNTING SYSTEM (1-10):
- 一つ (1), 二つ (2), 三つ (3), 四つ (4), 五つ (5)
- 六つ (6), 七つ (7), 八つ (8), 九つ (9), 十 (10)
WHEN TO USE:
- General objects without specific counters
- Age up to 9: 八つ = 8 years old
- Abstract things: 問題が八つ (eight problems)
CHINESE VS. NATIVE:
- 八: Sino-Japanese (used with counters)
- 八つ: Native Japanese (standalone counting)
EXAMPLE CONTRAST:
- みかんを八つ: eight oranges (native)
- みかんを八個: eight oranges (Sino-Japanese)