Quadruple VS
Synonym Boundary: "番号", "数字", "一番", "数"
All represent the core concept "number", but require precise selection.
Japanese Option A
番号
ばんごう (bangou)
N5 / CEFR
Japanese Option B
数字
すうじ (sūji)
N3 / CEFR
Japanese Option C
一番
いちばん (ichiban)
N3 / CEFR
Japanese Option D
数
かず (kazu)
N3 / CEFR
Quadruple VS Nuance Contrast & Social Differences
When expressing "number" in Japanese, you must carefully distinguish between "番号", "数字", "一番", "数" based on context.
- 番号 (ばんごう (bangou) - Level: N5): Maps to "number" and is used when A general term for 'number'. Often combined with other nouns, e.g., 電話番号.
- 数字 (すうじ (sūji) - Level: N3): Maps to "number, numeral" and is used when A character or symbol representing a number.
- 一番 (いちばん (ichiban) - Level: N3): Maps to "number one; first; best; most" and is used when Can mean 'first' in order, 'number one' in rank, or 'most' when used with an adjective or adverb to form a superlative expression..
- 数 (かず (kazu) - Level: N3): Maps to "number, amount" and is used when Can refer to a specific number or a general quantity/amount. Often used in contexts like 'the number of people,' 'a large number.'.
Context for "番号"
私の電話番号は123-4567です。
My phone number is 123-4567.
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.
Context for "一番"
日本で一番高い山は富士山です。
The highest mountain in Japan is Mt. Fuji.
Context for "数"
クラスの生徒の数が多いです。
The number of students in the class is large.
Synonym Mastery Challenge
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" is correct here because it represents "number" in the context: "My phone number is 123-4567.".