四つ

• Reading: よっつ
• Romaji: yottsu
• Kanji breakdown: 四 (yo) — four; つ is a native counter suffix
• Pronunciation: /jot.tsɯ/

Meaning

Four (things). The native Japanese counter for four, used for general objects.

Part of the native Japanese counting system. Uses the よ reading of 四 rather than し, avoiding the association with 死 (death). The よっ form with gemination is standard. Common in everyday counting, ordering, and describing quantities.

Examples

1. いすが四つ必要です。 We need four chairs.
2. 四つの季節があります。 There are four seasons.
3. みかんを四つもらいました。 I received four tangerines.

Usage Guide

Context: counting objects, daily life, describing quantities

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From the native Japanese よ (four) plus the counter suffix つ. The よ reading is preferred over し in this counting system, likely to avoid the homophone 死 (death).

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal