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ゾロ目ナンバー (zorome nanbaa - matching car plate numbers)

Grammar & Usage

noun phrase

neutral

How it works

This phrase is a compound noun. It combines 'ゾロ目' (zorome), which refers to consecutive identical digits (e.g., 11, 777), with 'ナンバー' (nanbaa), a loanword from 'number' specifically meaning 'number plate' in this context. The full phrase denotes a car license plate where the main digits (usually the last four) are all the same.

Sample sentences

友人の車は88-88のゾロ目ナンバーだ。

My friend's car has a 'zorome' license plate number 88-88.

ゾロ目ナンバーは抽選になることが多いです。

Matching car plate numbers often have to be won by lottery.

彼はゾロ目ナンバーにこだわりがあるらしい。

He seems to be particular about having a matching car plate number.

Quick facts

cultural_significance:In Japan, certain 'zorome' numbers are considered lucky (e.g., 77-77, 88-88) or are popular for personal reasons. Owners often pay extra to specifically request these 'lucky' or aesthetically pleasing number plates, a system known as '希望ナンバー' (kibou nanbaa - desired number plate).

Often used with

希望ナンバー (kibou nanbaa - desired license plate number)

縁起が良い (engi ga ii - auspicious/lucky)

ゾロ目 (zorome - consecutive identical digits)

Mnemonic

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Example

友人の車は88-88のゾロ目ナンバーだ。

My friend's car has a 'zorome' license plate number 88-88.

ゾロ目ナンバーは抽選になることが多いです。

Matching car plate numbers often have to be won by lottery.