Translation guide
The number 16 in Japanese is 十六 (じゅうろく). It is used for counting, ages, quantities, and in compound words.
十六
sixteen
Expressing the cardinal number sixteen
The standard way to say sixteen. Used in counting, mathematics, and everyday numbers.
十六個あります。
There are sixteen of them.
十六ページを開いてください。
Please open to page sixteen.
Talking about being sixteen years old
The standard way to say 'sixteen years old'. 歳 (さい) is the counter for age.
彼は十六歳です。
He is sixteen years old.
十六歳の誕生日おめでとう。
Happy sixteenth birthday.
An alternative, simpler way to write 'sixteen years old' using 才 instead of 歳. Common in informal writing.
十六才の時、日本に来ました。
I came to Japan when I was sixteen.
Expressing the sixteenth item in a sequence
Means 'sixteenth' in a numbered list or order. 番目 (ばんめ) attaches to the number.
十六番目の問題は難しい。
The sixteenth question is difficult.
Formal or written ordinal, often used in titles, chapters, or official sequences. 第 (だい) is a prefix for ordinals.
第十六章を読んでください。
Please read Chapter Sixteen.
Referring to the 16th day of a month or a period of sixteen days
Means either the 16th day of the month or a period of sixteen days. Context determines the meaning.
会議は十六日です。
The meeting is on the 16th.
十六日間旅行しました。
I traveled for sixteen days.
Counting objects, people, or other items using Japanese counters
Combine 十六 with the appropriate counter. Common counters: 個 (こ) for small objects, 人 (にん) for people, 冊 (さつ) for books, etc.
りんごを十六個買いました。
I bought sixteen apples.
クラスに十六人います。
There are sixteen people in the class.