日语量词
Master the Japanese counting system — learn common counters, special readings, and how to count everything from people to flat objects.
In Japanese, you must add a counter word after the number when counting things. Different types of objects use different counters.
When unsure which counter to use, 「つ」 always works (1–9).
本 for long things, 枚 for flat things, 個 for small objects.
1人→ひとり, 2人→ふたり — some counters have irregular readings.
| Counter | Used for | Examples | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| つ(つ) | General | anything | ひとつ | ふたつ | みっつ |
| 個(こ) | Small objects | apples, eggs | いっこ | にこ | さんこ |
| 本(ほん) | Long/thin | pens, bottles | いっぽん | にほん | さんぼん |
| 枚(まい) | Flat objects | paper, shirts | いちまい | にまい | さんまい |
| 人(にん) | People | people | ひとり | ふたり | さんにん |
| 匹(ひき) | Small animals | cats, dogs | いっぴき | にひき | さんびき |
| 台(だい) | Machines | cars, PCs | いちだい | にだい | さんだい |
| 冊(さつ) | Books | books, notebooks | いっさつ | にさつ | さんさつ |
| 杯(はい) | Cups/glasses | coffee, beer | いっぱい | にはい | さんばい |
| 階(かい) | Floors | 1F, 2F... | いっかい | にかい | さんがい |
Always attach the counter directly after the number: 三本 (さんぼん), not 三 本.
Four often reads よん (not し), seven reads なな (not しち), nine reads きゅう (not く) before counters.
Counters starting with h/f often change: いっぽん、さんばい、ろっぴき. Watch for っ and voiced sounds.