日
学
夢
本
語
心
Seven
七
Seven
Kun-yomi 🇯🇵:
なな (nana)
/
ななつ (nanatsu)
(Japanese reading)
On-yomi 🇨🇳:
シチ (shichi)
(Chinese-derived reading)
Seven
Seven

Pronunciation rules

  • ななつ (nanatsu) is the kun-yomi when counting things.
  • シチ (shichi) is the on-yomi reading. シチ is used in compounds like 七月 (しちがつ, shichigatsu: July).
  • As part of proper names and set phrases, readings may vary; learn common expressions like 七日 (なのか, nanoka: the 7th day of a month).

Examples

Kun-yomiNative Japanese Readings
七 つ ください。
Seven, please.
Uses kun-yomi ななつ (nanatsu) when counting things
七 つ あります。
There are seven.
Uses kun-yomi ななつ (nanatsu) when counting things
七 つ だけ です。
Only seven.
Uses kun-yomi ななつ (nanatsu) when counting things
On-yomiSino-Japanese Readings
七月
July
Uses on-yomi シチ (shichi) in compound for months
七 月 に いきます。
I will go in July.
Uses on-yomi シチ (shichi) in compound 七月
ExceptionIrregular Readings
七日
the 7th day of a month
Exception: 七日 reads as なのか for the seventh day of the month

Quick facts

  • Radical: 一 (one)
  • Strokes: 2
  • Common compounds: 七月 (しちがつ, shichigatsu), 七日 (なのか, nanoka)
  • ⚠️ Exceptions:
    • 七日 reads as なのか when meaning "the 7th day of a month".
    • 七月 reads as しちがつ (uses on-yomi シチ in compound).
    • Counting: ななつ (seven things).

Key Words

七 - seven
七つ - seven (things)
七月 - july
七日 - the 7th day of a month