Usage of ～号
The suffix ～号 (ごう) is commonly used to indicate numbers for issues, rooms, cars, or other numbered items. It is often attached to magazines, newspapers, apartment rooms, train cars, and similar contexts.
Common contexts
- Magazine or newspaper issues: 「５号」 means "issue number 5".
- Apartment or room numbers: 「１２号室」 means "room number 12".
- Train cars: 「１０号車」 means "car number 10".
Collocations and patterns
- ～号室 (ごうしつ): room number, used for apartments or offices.
- ～号車 (ごうしゃ): car number, used for trains or buses.
- ～号機 (ごうき): machine number, used for equipment or vehicles.
Register and usage notes
This suffix is neutral and commonly used in both formal and informal contexts. It is a straightforward way to specify a numbered item.
Common learner mistake
Do not confuse ～号 with ～号 (ごう) used in other contexts like "number" in addresses or "signal" in technical terms. Focus on the context to understand the meaning.