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Counters (助数詞)

Learn how to count objects and animals in Japanese using specific counters (josushi) like 冊, 個, 本, and 匹, combined with existentials.

In Japanese, you count different types of objects using specific suffixes called counters (助数詞 - josūshi). You cannot use numbers alone to count things:

  • 冊 (satsu) for bound objects like books.
  • 個 (ko) for small, round, or general objects like cups.
  • 本 (hon) for long, cylindrical objects like pens.
  • 匹 (hiki) for small animals like cats.
本が一冊

one book

These counters are combined with existential structures (あります for inanimate items, います for animate beings) to state the quantity of objects in a location:

机の上に本が一冊あります。

There is one book on the desk.

Practice

Follow along with these examples to strengthen your understanding.

Assistant
Stage 1

机の上に本が何冊ありますか？

How many books are on the desk?

机の上に本が一冊あります。

There is one book on the desk.

Assistant
Stage 2

机の上にカップが何個ありますか？

How many cups are on the desk?

机の上にカップが二個あります。

There are two cups on the desk.

Assistant
Stage 3

箱の中にペンが何本ありますか？

How many pens are in the box?

箱の中にペンが三本あります。

There are three pens in the box.

Assistant
Stage 4

部屋の中に猫が何匹いますか？

How many cats are in the room?

部屋の中に猫が四匹います。

There are four cats in the room.

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Counters (助数詞) | Ringoo