Learn Japanese Floor Counting System in English

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Master Japanese Floor Counting with Our Free Online Tool 🇯🇵

Have you ever found yourself in a Japanese elevator, confused about which button to press? Counting floors in Japanese isn’t as simple as just adding a suffix to a number. It uses a specific system, and the pronunciation can even change depending on the number. But don’t worry—this guide, along with our new Japanese Floor Counting Practice Tool, will help you master it in no time.

Why is Japanese Floor Counting Different?

In Japanese, counting isn’t a one-size-fits-all process. The word you use depends on the type of object, shape, or concept being counted. For floors, the counter word is 階 (kai).

But here’s the twist: not every number + 階 follows the same pattern. For example, 一 (ichi) + 階 (kai) doesn’t become “ichikai.” Instead, it transforms into いっかい (ikkai) because of phonetic changes. This small but important shift makes Japanese more natural and smooth to pronounce.

That’s why understanding floor counters is essential for clear communication—whether you’re navigating a shopping mall, office tower, or apartment in Japan.

The Complete Japanese Floor Counting System

Here’s a quick reference table for the essential floors:

  • なんがい (nan gai): Which floor?

  • いっかい (ikkai): 1st floor

  • にかい (ni kai): 2nd floor

  • さんがい (san gai): 3rd floor

  • よんかい (yon kai): 4th floor

  • ごかい (go kai): 5th floor

  • ろっかい (rokkai): 6th floor

  • ななかい (nana kai): 7th floor

  • はっかい (hakkai): 8th floor

  • きゅうかい (kyuu kai): 9th floor

  • じゅっかい (jukkai): 10th floor

Beyond 10, the pattern continues:

  • じゅういっかい (juu ikkai): 11th floor

  • じゅうにかい (juu ni kai): 12th floor

  • にじゅっかい (ni jukkai): 20th floor

  • さんじゅっかい (san jukkai): 30th floor

👉 Just remember: numbers ending in 1, 6, 8, and 10 often undergo pronunciation changes.

Practice Makes Perfect: Try Our Free Tool 🎌

We know memorizing counters can feel tricky. That’s why we built a Japanese Floor Counting Practice Tool to make learning simple and fun.

It includes:
✅ Flashcard Mode – See floor numbers, pronunciation, and meaning.
✅ Study Guide – A full chart of all floor numbers (1–99).
✅ Quiz Mode – Challenge yourself after study sessions.

💡 Pro Tip: To unlock Quiz Mode, practice in Flashcard or Study Guide for at least one hour—this builds stronger memory retention.

Learn Japanese the Smart Way at Gogaku 🎓

At Gogaku Language & Training Center, Pokhara, we believe learning Japanese should be practical, interactive, and enjoyable. That’s why we not only teach grammar and vocabulary but also focus on real-life situations—like counters, polite expressions, and cultural nuances.

🌸 Why Choose Gogaku?

  • Expert teachers with experience studying & working in Japan.

  • Specialized in JLPT, JFT-Basic, and SSW working visa preparation.

  • 1:1 guidance for student and working visa applications.

  • Friendly, motivating classroom environment in the heart of Pokhara (BP Chowk, Chipledhunga).

  • 100% support—from language learning to visa documentation.

📞 Contact Gogaku Today:

🚀 Whether you want to study in Japan, work under SSW, or simply master the Japanese language, Gogaku is here to guide you every step of the way.

Final Words

Don’t let Japanese counters confuse you! With our Floor Counting Practice Tool and professional classes at Gogaku Language & Training Center, you’ll be speaking with confidence in no time.

がんばってください！ (Ganbatte kudasai – Do your best!) 🌟

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