JLPT · Level 16
75 words
Japanese word
ダース
Pronunciation
Romajidāsu
Meaning
- noundozen
Example
卵を一ダース買います。tamago o ichi dā su ka i ma su
I buy a dozen eggs.
More examples
この店では卵をダース単位で販売しています。ko no mise de wa tamago o dā su tan i de han bai shi te i ma su
This store sells eggs by the dozen.
Core concept
A dozen treats twelve items as one complete group rather than as separate items.
Common phrases
一ダースの卵ichi dā su no tamago
a dozen eggs
半ダースの鉛筆han dā su no en pitsu
half a dozen pencils
ダース単位でdā su tan i de
by the dozen
Similar words
打da: A counting unit for twelve items, especially in trade or business.
Definition in Japanese
十二個を一組として数える単位。jū ni ko o ichi kumi to shi te kazo e ru tan i
Word origin
ダース (dāsu) is a Japanese borrowing from English dozen, which comes through Old French dozaine from Latin duodecim, meaning twelve.
Usage tips
- English speakers often use dozen in fixed phrases such as a dozen eggs, while baker's dozen means thirteen.