seven

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 七 represents the number seven and has two strokes.
• Basic usage: Its readings include the しち and なな families, with forms depending on what is counted.
  • 七つ counts seven objects or groups.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Counting and date readings
  • 七つ is ななつ, while 七日 is なのか.
  • The ななつ reading of 七つ is not carried over into 七日.
• The seventh and seven days
  • 七日 can mean either the seventh day of a month or a period of seven days.
  • 来月の七日 means the seventh of next month; 七日かかる means to take seven days.