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    ゾロ目ナンバー (zorome nanbaa) - matching digit license plate

    Grammar & Usage

    noun, fixed expression
    neutral

    How it works

    This phrase is a compound noun, combining ゾロ目 (zorome, meaning 'matching digits' or 'consecutive identical numbers, especially on dice or cards') and ナンバー (nanbaa, a Japanese loanword from 'number', specifically referring to a license plate number). It describes a vehicle license plate where some or all of the numerical digits are identical, such as '7777' or '11-22'.

    Sample sentences

    あの車、ゾロ目ナンバーでかっこいいですね。

    That car has a cool matching-digit license plate, doesn't it?

    彼はどうしても「7777」のゾロ目ナンバーが欲しくて、抽選に何度も応募しました。

    He really wanted the '7777' matching-digit license plate and applied to the lottery many times.

    ゾロ目ナンバーは縁起が良いとされ、特に人気があります。

    Matching-digit license plates are considered auspicious and are especially popular.

    Quick facts

    etymology:ゾロ目 (zorome) comes from ゾロゾロ (zorozoro, an onomatopoeia for things appearing in succession or large numbers) and 目 (me, 'eye', often used for the spots on dice). ナンバー (nanbaa) is a gairaigo (loanword) from English 'number'.
    cultural_context:In Japan, a system exists allowing car owners to request specific license plate numbers (希望ナンバー制度 - kibou nanbaa seido). 'Zorome nanbaa' are highly sought after due to their aesthetic appeal, perceived luck (e.g., '8888' for prosperity), or ease of remembrance. They often incur an additional fee through lotteries for popular combinations.

    Mnemonic

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    Example

    あの車、ゾロ目ナンバーでかっこいいですね。

    That car has a cool matching-digit license plate, doesn't it?

    彼はどうしても「7777」のゾロ目ナンバーが欲しくて、抽選に何度も応募しました。

    He really wanted the '7777' matching-digit license plate and applied to the lottery many times.

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