八

• Reading: はち
• Romaji: hachi
• Kanji breakdown: 八 (hachi/ya) — eight
• Pronunciation: /ha.tɕi/

Meaning

Eight; 8. A lucky number symbolising prosperity in Japan.

Read as はち in the Sino-Japanese system and や or やっ in the native system. The kanji's shape widens at the bottom, symbolising expanding fortune, making eight a very auspicious number. Common words include 八月 (hachigatsu, August), 八百屋 (yaoya, greengrocer), and 八日 (youka, the eighth day). The reading shifts to はっ before certain sounds, as in はっぴゃく (800).

Examples

1. 八月はとても暑いです。 August is very hot.
2. 朝八時に学校へ行きます。 I go to school at eight in the morning.
3. 八百屋で野菜を買います。 I buy vegetables at the greengrocer.

Usage Guide

Context: counting, time, dates

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

The kanji 八 depicts two lines diverging outward, representing division or spreading. Its expanding shape is associated with growth and prosperity.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal