Japanese Pitch Accent Dictionary: How to Read Accent Numbers
A Japanese pitch accent dictionary usually marks each word with an accent number such as 0, 1, 2, or 3. The number shows where the pitch drops. Zero usually means the word stays high through the end of the word, while one means the drop happens immediately after the first mora. If you searched for a Japanese dictionary with pitch accent, the most useful thing to learn first is how these numbers translate into actual pronunciation behavior with a following particle.
Example: 雨【あめ】[1] and 飴【あめ】[0] share the same kana but have different pitch patterns.
Written by YoruLearn Editorial Team · Last reviewed:
Rises and stays high inside the word; no drop before a following particle.
1
頭高 (atamadaka)
Starts high and drops right after the first mora.
2
中高 (nakadaka)
Rises, then drops after the second mora.
3
中高 (nakadaka)
Rises, stays high a bit longer, then drops after the third mora.
Common Same-Reading Word Pairs
Pitch notation is useful when two words have the same kana spelling. These examples use common Tokyo-style dictionary notation; regional patterns and dictionary conventions can differ.
Word
Meaning
Common accent notation
What to notice
雨（あめ）
rain
1
The drop comes immediately after the first mora.
飴（あめ）
candy
0
No drop inside the word; a following particle shows the contrast.
箸（はし）
chopsticks
1
Read the number together with the dictionary's pitch diagram.
橋（はし）
bridge
2
The drop appears after the second mora in common Tokyo notation.
Use a pitch-accent dictionary to compare a word in isolation and with a following particle. That makes the number useful instead of something to memorize by itself.
Why 0 and Final-Drop Words Confuse Learners
Heiban and 尾高 (odaka) can sound similar if you say the word alone. The difference becomes clear when a particle follows.
Heiban: no drop before the particle
Odaka: drop happens on the particle
This is why the best pitch-accent dictionaries show more than one bare word in isolation.
What to Look for in a Japanese Dictionary with Pitch Accent
Accent numbers or pattern labels
Kana reading next to the kanji
Minimal-pair clarity when two words share the same kana
Examples with a particle when possible
A good entry helps you understand not just the number, but how the word behaves in a real sentence.
Use It: Three Dictionary Reading Checks
Pitch-accent numbers are useful only when you turn them into a pitch movement. Check the dictionary entry, then test whether you can describe what it says.
A Tokyo-style dictionary shows 0 for a word. Does that mean the entry is missing accent information?
No. In the common numbered notation, 0 marks a heiban pattern: there is no pitch drop within the word itself. It is a real pattern, not a blank or an error.
A three-mora word has the number 2. Where does the drop occur?
After the second mora. The number identifies the mora after which the pitch falls. Count morae carefully rather than treating the number as an arbitrary label.
When comparing two possible patterns, why should you also check a form with が or は?
Particles can reveal the continuation after a word. Looking at the word with a particle helps you see whether the pitch drop has already happened or continues into the following phrase.
5 Common Mistakes with Pitch Accent Dictionaries
Memorizing the number without understanding the drop. The number matters only because it predicts the pitch movement.
Ignoring particles. Many important differences show up only when a word is followed by が, は, or another particle.
Assuming one visual notation style is universal. Some dictionaries use numbers, others use labels or bars.
Trying to learn pitch for every beginner word at once. High-value words and minimal pairs are a better starting point.
Forgetting that pitch accent is system knowledge, not trivia. Once you understand the system, dictionary entries become much easier to read.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do pitch accent numbers mean in Japanese?
They show where the pitch drops. Zero means no drop inside the word; one means a drop after the first mora; two after the second; and so on.
What does 0 mean in a Japanese pitch accent dictionary?
Zero usually marks a 平板 (heiban) pattern, where the word rises and stays high before a following particle.
Why do some dictionaries use pattern names instead of numbers?
Some resources prefer names like 平板 (heiban), 頭高 (atamadaka), 中高 (nakadaka), and 尾高 (odaka). They describe the same pitch system from a different angle.
What is the difference between 平板 (heiban) and 尾高 (odaka)?
Both can sound similar alone, but 尾高 (odaka) drops on the following particle while 平板 (heiban) does not.
What should I look for in a Japanese dictionary with pitch accent?
Look for accent numbers or labels, clear kana readings, and examples that show the word with a particle if possible.
Should beginners memorize pitch accent for every word?
No. It is usually better to understand the system first and focus on high-value words and minimal pairs.
The YoruLearn app helps you turn reference knowledge into repeated review through spaced repetition flashcards, reading practice, and adaptive study sessions.
This guide explains common Tokyo-style dictionary notation. Pitch patterns can vary by region, so confirm a specific word in a reliable dictionary before treating a number as universal.
