Translation guide
The number six in Japanese is 六 (ろく). It is used for counting, quantities, and in compound words. When counting objects, the counter suffix changes depending on the type of object.
six
Expressing the number six in isolation, such as in mathematics, phone numbers, or abstract counting.
The basic numeral for six. Used in counting, math, and when stating the number itself.
Six is an even number.
The last digit of the phone number is six.
Counting small, generic objects or when the counter is unknown.
The native Japanese counter for general objects. Used for items that don't have a specific counter, or when the counter is not known. Often used for small, inanimate objects.
Please give me six apples.
Counter for small, often round or compact objects. More specific than 六つ, but very common.
I bought six eggs.
Specifying six people.
The counter for people. Note the irregular reading.
There are six people in my family.
Six of us went to see a movie.
Counting animals like cats, dogs, fish, insects.
Counter for small to medium-sized animals. For larger animals, 六頭 (ろくとう) is used.
I have six cats.
Counting flat things like paper, tickets, plates.
Counting things like pencils, bottles, trees.
Counter for long, cylindrical objects.
I have six pens.
Expressing the sixth item in a sequence.
Stating someone is six years old.
Japanese uses counter words (助数詞) after numbers when counting objects. The counter changes based on the shape, size, or type of object. When in doubt, 六つ (むっつ) is a safe general counter for inanimate objects.
Many counters cause the pronunciation of 六 to change. For example, 六匹 is ろっぴき, not ろくひき. Pay attention to these sound changes.
There are six books on the desk.