In Japanese, numbers aren’t only used for counting—they also appear in countless idiomatic expressions. These phrases are easy to remember because the numbers create a rhythm, and they often reflect Japanese culture and ways of thinking. Let’s explore some of the most common (and most colorful) ones!

---

一石二鳥いっせきにちょう

Literal meaning: “One stone, two birds.”
English equivalent: “Kill two birds with one stone.”
Used when one action achieves two benefits.

• 「運動うんどうのために歩あるいて買かい物ものに行いくと、一石二鳥いっせきにちょうだ。」
  (If I walk to go shopping, it’s exercise and I get errands done—two birds with one stone!)

---

三日坊主みっかぼうず

Literal meaning: “A monk for three days.”
Describes someone who starts something with enthusiasm but quits quickly.

• 「ダイエットを始はじめても、三日坊主みっかぼうずで終おわってしまう。」
  (I start dieting, but I give up after just a few days.)

---

四苦八苦しくはっく

Literal meaning: “Four sufferings, eight sufferings.”
Originally a Buddhist phrase meaning all of life’s hardships. Now it simply means to struggle greatly.

• 「新あたらしいスマホの設定せっていに四苦八苦しくはっくした。」
  (I had a tough time setting up my new smartphone.)

---

五里霧中ごりむちゅう

Literal meaning: “Five leagues in a fog.”
Refers to being lost in the fog, both literally and figuratively. It’s used when you feel totally confused.

• 「説明せつめいが難むずかしくて、五里霧中ごりむちゅうの気分きぶんだ。」
  (The explanation was so hard, I felt completely lost.)

---

七転八起しちてんはっき

Literal meaning: “Fall seven times, get up eight.”
This famous phrase emphasizes perseverance: no matter how many times you fail, keep getting up.

• 「失敗しっぱいしても七転八起しちてんはっきで頑張がんばろう。」
  (Even if you fail, keep trying—fall down seven times, get up eight.)

---

十人十色じゅうにんといろ

Literal meaning: “Ten people, ten colors.”
English equivalent: “To each their own.”
Highlights the idea that everyone has different tastes and personalities.

• 「旅行りょこうの楽たのしみ方かたは十人十色じゅうにんといろだ。」
  (Everyone enjoys traveling in their own way.)

---

Why Learn These?

Japanese number expressions are fun, memorable, and useful. They often come up in everyday conversations, literature, and media. They also reveal cultural values: endurance (七転八起しちてんはっき), individuality (十人十色じゅうにんといろ), and even humor (三日坊主みっかぼうず).

The next time you hear one, you’ll recognize not just the number, but the wisdom and imagery behind it.

If you want to learn Japanese, improve your skills, or connect with native speakers and other learners, we can help. We offer one-on-one lessons, a supportive community, and on demand courses.

Website: nihongonana.com
Email: support@nihongonana.com

✅Book 1-on-1 lessons: https://nihongonana.com/lessons/
✅Join our Speaking Club: https://nihongonana.com/community/
✅Join our Course Waitlist: https://nihongonana.com/courses/