Meaning

Primary

Nine 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 nine plus . So, this one is nine things.

Reading

ここのつ
  • 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 nine of? The nine things that you have are nine coconuts (ここの). Imagine yourself juggling nine coconuts in the air. Try counting them while you're doing this, arriving at nine things. Once you've finished juggling with them, arrange them into a square on the ground. Three coconuts by three coconuts. Now you should remember how to read nine things.

Context

Patterns of Use

Common Word Combinations

  • 九つくらい

    nine or so

    九つ上

    nine years older

    九つ下

    nine years younger

Context Sentences

このエリアに九つの山がある。

There are nine mountains in this area.

ドーナツを九つもらった。

I got nine donuts.

三人しかいないのに、大きいベッドを九つもオーダーしてしまった。

There are only three of us, but I accidentally ordered nine large beds.

Kanji Composition