番号

• Reading: ばんごう
• Romaji: bangou
• Kanji breakdown: 番 (ban) — turn, number, order. 号 (gou) — number, designation
• Pronunciation: /baɴ.ɡoː/

Meaning

Number; series of digits. Used for identification numbers, phone numbers, and sequential numbering.

Specifically refers to assigned or sequential numbers (not mathematical quantities, which use 数 or 数字). Common compounds include 電話番号 (phone number), 部屋番号 (room number), and 番号札 (numbered ticket). Essential for navigating daily life in Japan.

Examples

1. 電話番号を教えてください。 Please tell me your phone number.
2. 部屋の番号は305です。 The room number is 305.
3. 番号を呼ばれたら来てください。 Please come when your number is called.

Usage Guide

Context: phone, addresses, forms

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 番 (ban, turn/number/order) and 号 (gou, number/designation). Together they mean 'ordered designation' — a number assigned for identification.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal