Japanese numbers have different pronunciations and variations — and that flexibility creates one of the most playful parts of the language: 語呂合ごろあわせ, number wordplay.

Because numbers can be read in multiple ways (on’yomi, kun’yomi, native readings, even English-inspired sounds), they can “spell” real words. Once you notice it, you’ll start seeing hidden messages everywhere in Japan — in names, on license plates, in advertisements, and especially in business phone numbers.

Let’s explore some examples and dive into this fascinating world of number wordplay!

😊 Everyday Cute & Popular Number Wordplay

Some combinations are so common that almost everyone recognizes them.

2525 → ニコニコ
2 = に, 5 = こ
Meaning “smiling.”

4649 → よろしく
4 = よ, 6 = ろ, 4 = し, 9 = く
A casual, friendly “please treat me well.” / “please.”

39 → サンキュー
3 = さん, 9 = きゅう
Sounds like “thank you.”

5963 → ごくろうさん
5 = ご, 9 = く, 6 = ろう, 3 = さん
“Thanks for your hard work.”

3150 → 最高さいこう
Meaning “the best!”

💕 Romantic & Sweet Numbers

Numbers are also used to express love and relationships.

1122 → いい夫婦ふうふ
1 = い, 1 = い, 2 = ふ, 2 = ふ
November 22 is known as “Good Couple Day.”

1188 → いいパパ
1 = い, 1 = い, 8 = パ, 8 = パ
“Good dad.”

8739 → 花咲はなさく
8 = は, 7 = な, 3 = さ, 9 = く
“Flowers bloom,” often used for celebrations.

These combinations feel positive and memorable — perfect for gifts, anniversaries, and branding.

🦷 Business & Shop Number Wordplay

Businesses in Japan love using 語呂合わせ in their phone numbers because it makes them easy to remember.

118 → いい歯は
1 = い, 1 = い, 8 = は
Used by many dental clinics. “Good teeth.”

1129 → いい肉にく
1 = い, 1 = い, 2 = に, 9 = く
Popular with yakiniku restaurants and butcher shops.

819 → バイク
8 = バ, 1 = イ, 9 = ク
Motorcycle-related businesses love this one.

Many toll-free numbers also follow this pattern, like:
0120-39-xxxx → サンキュー

If customers can say it like a word, they won’t forget it.

🚗 License Plates & Regional Pride

Custom license plates often include meaningful numbers.

758 → 名古屋なごや
7 = な, 5 = ご, 8 = や
Associated with Nagoya.

78 → 那覇なは
7 = な, 8 = は
For Naha in Okinawa.

People choose numbers based on:

• Their hometown
• Birthdays
• Lucky numbers
• Personal meanings

It’s subtle self-expression through digits.

👶 Names

Because numbers have traditional Japanese readings (ひ・ふ・み・よ・な etc.), they sometimes appear in names — either written in kanji or represented with digits online.

123 → 一二三ひふみ
1 = ひ, 2 = ふ, 3 = み

A very old-style and poetic name using traditional number readings.

373 → みなみ
3 = み, 7 = な, 3 = み

Often seen in SNS usernames or custom number plates.

These names feel poetic and slightly mysterious — like a hidden code you can only understand if you know how numbers “speak” in Japanese.

It’s subtle, creative, and very uniquely Japanese.

😨 Unlucky Numbers

Not all numbers carry positive meaning.

4 (し) sounds like 死し (death).
9 (く) sounds like 苦く (suffering).

Because of this, hospitals and apartments sometimes avoid room numbers containing 4 or 9 — similar to avoiding 13 in Western countries.

🍀 Lucky Numbers & Angel Numbers

On the other hand, some numbers are considered lucky.

7 is traditionally lucky in Japan.
8 is also lucky because its shape widens at the bottom, symbolizing growth and prosperity.

Repeated numbers like 777 or 8888 feel powerful and fortunate.

Why Japanese Number Wordplay Is So Unique

Japanese numbers allow multiple readings:

4 → し / よん
7 → しち / なな
9 → きゅう / く

That variation creates endless possibilities for creativity.

Numbers can be:

• Cute
• Romantic
• Lucky
• Superstitious
• Playful
• Even slightly dark

They are not just mathematical symbols — they carry sound, emotion, and cultural meaning.

So next time you see a number in Japan — on a car plate, a clinic sign, or a phone number — take a closer look.

It might be saying something. 😉

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/