五
JLPT N5
Five
Readings
On’yomi: ゴ (go)
Kun’yomi: いつ（つ） (itsu(tsu))
いつ（つ） – used when counting things
Detailed Explanation
Vocabulary
五
ご
five
五つ
いつつ
five things
五人
ごにん
five people
五日
いつか
fifth day
五回
ごかい
five times
Example Sentences
五人います。
ごにん います。
There are five people.
五日待ちます。
いつか まちます。
I wait five days.
五回行きました。
ごかい いきました。
I went five times.
Cultural Note
The number five (五) holds deep significance in Japanese culture — it symbolizes balance, harmony, and completeness.
1. Five Elements (五行 ごぎょう):
o Traditional philosophy teaches five natural elements — 木 (wood), 火 (fire), 土 (earth), 金 (metal), 水 (water) — that form the universe’s balance.
2. Five Senses (五感 ごかん):
o The Japanese often emphasize living fully through 五感 — sight, hearing, taste, smell, and touch — a philosophy seen in food culture and Zen.
3. Martial Arts & Buddhism:
o The 五輪塔 (ごりんとう) or “five-ringed pagoda” represents earth, water, fire, wind, and sky — the five levels of existence.
o 五段 (ごだん) ranks in martial arts represent skill progression — the fifth rank is a milestone of mastery.
4. Language & Expressions:
o 五人組 (ごにんぐみ) – literally “group of five,” referring to old Edo-era community units.
o 五大陸 (ごたいりく) – “five continents.”
1. Five Elements (五行 ごぎょう):
o Traditional philosophy teaches five natural elements — 木 (wood), 火 (fire), 土 (earth), 金 (metal), 水 (water) — that form the universe’s balance.
2. Five Senses (五感 ごかん):
o The Japanese often emphasize living fully through 五感 — sight, hearing, taste, smell, and touch — a philosophy seen in food culture and Zen.
3. Martial Arts & Buddhism:
o The 五輪塔 (ごりんとう) or “five-ringed pagoda” represents earth, water, fire, wind, and sky — the five levels of existence.
o 五段 (ごだん) ranks in martial arts represent skill progression — the fifth rank is a milestone of mastery.
4. Language & Expressions:
o 五人組 (ごにんぐみ) – literally “group of five,” referring to old Edo-era community units.
o 五大陸 (ごたいりく) – “five continents.”