Basic Meaning
The kanji 五 means "five" and is one of the first numbers learned in Japanese. It is used both as a standalone number and as part of compound words.
Usage in Counting
When counting objects, 五 is often read as "ご" in compound counters (e.g., 五人 for five people) or "いつつ" when counting general objects.
Time Expressions
五 is commonly used in telling time, pronounced "ご" as in 五時 (five o'clock).
Common Collocations
- 五つ (いつつ): five (general objects)
- 五人 (ごにん): five people
- 五時 (ごじ): five o'clock
Tips
Be careful not to confuse 五 (five) with 四 (four) or 六 (six). Also, note the different readings depending on context: "ご" in compounds and "いつつ" when counting standalone objects.