Meaning

Primary

Seven Things

Word Type

numeral

Explanation

This word follows the "number of things" pattern where there's a kanji for a number plus on the end. Whenever you see this, you know the word means "____ things." Knowing that, as long as you know the kanji (which you do) you can figure out what number of things it is. For this one, it's the kanji for seven plus . So, this one is seven things.

Reading

ななつ
  • Kyoko
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)

Explanation

Since all of the "number of things" words all follow the same pattern (number plus ), you really just have to remember the part before the (and then remember that the is in all of these). All of the readings are the kun'yomi reading, which means we'll have to use a mnemonic to remember them (you know the on'yomi reading of the kanji portion).

What thing do you have seven of? The seven things that you have are seven Nanas (なな). These are your grandmas, cloned. Just think, "It's lucky to have seven nanas. They can all cook my favorite foods for me!" What's more, you have one nana for every day of the week, so you'll get your favorite food every day.

Context

Pattern of Use

Common Word Combinations

  • 七つのカテゴリー

    seven categories

    七つの山

    seven mountains

    七つのルール

    seven rules

Context Sentences

そのクッキー、七つ下さい。

Seven of those cookies, please.

テイクアウトで、うどんを七つオーダーしました。

I ordered seven udon to-go.

ドラゴンボールは七つある。

There are seven Dragon Balls.

Kanji Composition