1. Using Sino-Japanese Numerals: This is the most common method for simple fractions. Sino-Japanese numerals are numbers borrowed from Chinese.
* Numerator first, then 分の (bun no) meaning "out of," then denominator.
* ½: 二分の一 (nibun no ichi) - two out of one
* ⅓: 三分の一 (sanbun no ichi) - three out of one
* ⅔: 三分之二 (sanbun no ni) - three out of two
* ⁴⁄₅: 五分之四 (gobun no shi) - five out of four
* 10/7: 七分之十 (shichibun no jū) - seven out of ten
2. Using Hiragana for small numbers: For fractions with very small numerators and denominators, you can sometimes use hiragana instead of Sino-Japanese numerals for a more casual feel. This is less common and primarily used in informal settings.
* ½: 二分の一 (nibun no ichi) is far more common than using ふぶんのいち (fubun no ichi)
3. Decimal representation: For more complex fractions or for precision, decimal representation is preferred. This uses Arabic numerals.
* ½: 0.5
* ⅓: 0.333... (often rounded)
4. Percentage: Percentages are also widely used.
* ½: 50% (ごじゅうパーセント - gojū pāsento)
In summary: The most common and versatile way to write Japanese fractions is using Sino-Japanese numerals with 分の (bun no) to separate the numerator and the denominator. The other methods are used less frequently or for specific situations.