五つ
Meanings
1
The number five, used as a numeral. Often used in counting objects, especially in the traditional Japanese counting system.
There are five apples on the desk.
2
five years old
Used to indicate the age of five, especially for children. Common in phrases like 五つになる (turn five).
My daughter will be five this year.
3
eight o'clock (old time system)
In the old Japanese temporal hour system, 五つ corresponded to approximately 8 a.m. or 8 p.m. Rarely used in modern contexts except in historical or literary settings.
In the Edo period, 五つ referred to around 8 a.m. in the modern time system.
Usage patterns
- 〈物〉が五つあるthere are five of (something)
There are five apples on the table.
- 五つになるto turn five years old
My daughter is about to turn five.