日本語の数え方
In Japanese, the way you count changes depending on what you are counting.
〜つ
〜つ is a useful general counter for many everyday things. It is used from 1 to 10.
いくつ？
Use いくつ to ask “how many?” with the 〜つ counter.
個（こ）
個（こ） is commonly used for small objects and individual items. Unlike 〜つ, you can use it for numbers over 10.
For many everyday objects, both can be used.
人（にん）
人（にん） is used to count people. 1 person and 2 people have special readings.
How many people?
Four people.
枚（まい）
枚（まい） is used for flat or thin objects such as paper, tickets, plates, and shirts.
本（ほん）
本（ほん） is used for long or cylindrical objects such as pens, umbrellas, and bottles.
匹（ひき）
匹（ひき） is commonly used for small animals such as dogs, cats, and fish.
杯（はい）
杯（はい） is used to count cups, glasses, and bowls of drinks or food.
冊（さつ）
冊（さつ） is used to count books, magazines, notebooks, and similar bound items.
台（だい）
台（だい） is used for machines and vehicles such as cars, computers, and televisions.
回（かい）
回（かい） is used to count how many times something happens.
どの数え方を使う？
Choose the counter based on what you are counting.
数えてみよう
Choose the right counter and say the number in Japanese. Tap to check.
👤 👤
2 people
TAP TO CHECK
✏️ ✏️ ✏️
3 pens
TAP TO CHECK
🐈 🐈 🐈 🐈
4 cats
TAP TO CHECK
☕ ☕ ☕ ☕ ☕ ☕
6 cups
TAP TO CHECK
📖 📖 📖 📖 📖 📖 📖 📖
8 books
TAP TO CHECK
🚗 🚗 🚗
3 cars
TAP TO CHECK
ほかの数え方
Japanese has many more counters. You don’t need to memorize them all now. Here are some common ones you may see or hear.
age
5歳・20歳などfloors
2階・3階などclothes
シャツ・服などpairs of footwear
靴・靴下などlarge animals
牛・馬などbirds
鳥・鶏などhouses / shops
家・店などcases / matters
質問・仕事などsongs / music
歌・曲などpeople (polite)
予約・レストランなど