Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Number" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "number", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
番号
ばんごう (bangou)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
数字
すうじ (sūji)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "number" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 番号 and 数字.
In Japanese, 番号 (ばんごう (bangou)) is typically associated with "number" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents A general term for 'number'. Often combined with other nouns, e.g., 電話番号.
On the other hand, 数字 (すうじ (sūji)) maps to "number, numeral" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents A character or symbol representing a number. A literal translation of "number" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "番号"
私の電話番号は123-4567です。
My phone number is 123-4567.
Bilingual Context for "数字"
電話番号の数字を教えてください。
Please tell me the numbers of your phone number.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "私の電話 ＿＿＿ は123-4567です。" (Meaning: "My phone number is 123-4567.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "番号" fits here because it means "number" in the context of: "My phone number is 123-4567.". "数字" represents "number, numeral".