yattsu

Yattsu, pronounced yattsu, is the kun’yomi reading of the kanji 八つ and refers to a traditional Japanese counting word used for counting general, unspecified objects. It represents the number eight within the classic counting sequence hitotsu, futatsu, mittsu, yottsu, itsutsu, muttsu, nanatsu, yattsu, kokonotsu, tō, a system dating from earlier Japanese and still encountered in everyday speech and literature.

The series is a bare counting pattern that uses つ (tsu) as a general-purpose counter for small, miscellaneous items when no more specific counter is appropriate. In modern Japanese, 八つ is read yattsu when counting objects in casual contexts, as in 八つのリンゴ (eight apples) or リンゴを八つください (Please give me eight apples). The tsu-based counting is commonly taught to children and remains common in spoken language, but for many concrete items speakers typically choose a more precise counter (for example, 本 for long cylindrical objects, 枚 for flat objects, 個 for small discrete items).

Usage notes: In formal writing or established counting tasks, speakers often prefer the relevant counter noun rather than relying on the bare tsu pattern, especially for clarity or specificity. The eight-item form 八つ remains recognizable and is an example of the traditional, non-specific counting system that still appears in contemporary Japanese.

See also: hitotsu, futatsu, mittsu, yottsu, itsutsu, muttsu, nanatsu, kokonotsu, tō.