itsutsu

Itsutsu is a native Japanese numeral that represents the number five. It is part of a traditional series of general counting forms known as the tsu-counter group, which also includes hitotsu, futatsu, mittsu, yottsu, itsutsu, muttsu, nanatsu, yattsu, kokonotsu, and tō. These forms originate from Old Japanese and are still recognized in contemporary speech, especially in language-learning contexts and casual conversation.

Usage and context: the tsu-based numbers are used for counting generic, individual items when a specific counter is not being applied. In modern Japanese, native numbers like itsutsu are often used in informal speech or when the object type is not stated. For many concrete nouns, however, a dedicated counter is preferred (for example, five books is 五冊の本 go-satsu no hon, rather than 五つの本).

Examples:

- りんごを五つください (Ringo o itsutsu kudasai) – Please give me five apples.

- 五つの箱が並んでいる (Itsutsu no hako ga narande iru) – Five boxes are lined up. Note that for certain categories, such as books, a specific counter is usually used (五冊の本, go-satsu no hon).

In modern usage, the tsu-based forms appear mainly in casual speech, child-directed language, or fixed expressions, while formal writing and most documentation employ numerals with appropriate counters.