七

• Reading: しち
• Romaji: shichi
• Kanji breakdown: 七 (shichi/nana) — seven
• Pronunciation: /ɕi.tɕi/

Meaning

Seven; 7. A culturally significant number in Japan.

Has two readings: しち (Sino-Japanese) and なな (native Japanese). なな is more commonly used in everyday speech to avoid confusion with いち (one) and し (four). However, しち appears in fixed words like 七月 (shichigatsu, July). The number seven is lucky in Japanese culture, as seen in 七福神 (shichifukujin, Seven Lucky Gods).

Examples

1. 七月に夏休みが始まります。 Summer vacation starts in July.
2. 毎日七時間寝ます。 I sleep seven hours every day.
3. 七つの星が見えます。 I can see seven stars.

Usage Guide

Context: counting, time, cultural references

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

The kanji 七 is said to depict a line being cut, suggesting division. Seven has deep cultural roots in both Buddhist and Shinto traditions.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal