Japanese numbers and counters are essential for daily conversation and comprehension in Japan. Learning how to use numbers in Japanese and when to apply specific counters not only improves one’s language skills but also makes communication smoother. Unlike English, where simply counting objects doesn’t change based on the type of item, Japanese employs specific counters for different categories.
Let’s explore Japanese numbers and how to navigate the world of counters to build a solid foundation for your Japanese language journey.

Japanese Numbers

The Japanese numbering system is relatively straightforward, based on a simple base-10 structure showed above. The Japanese system combines these to form larger numbers, like じゅういち (juu-ichi, 11), じゅうに (juu-ni, 12), and so on. Multiples of ten are straightforward: 20 is にじゅう (ni-juu), 30 is さんじゅう (san-juu), and so forth.
For hundreds, you use ひゃく (hyaku), and for thousands, せん (sen). The pronunciation changes slightly due to sound shifts, especially for numbers like さんびゃく (san-byaku, 300), ろっぴゃく (roppyaku, 600), and はっぴゃく (happyaku, 800). Mastering these core numbers is essential since they form the base of all numerical expressions in Japanese.

Counters

In Japanese, counters are specific words or suffixes that accompany numbers when counting different types of items, people, or animals. They are essential in Japanese because the language differentiates items by characteristics, such as shape, purpose, or type. For example, different counters apply to flat objects, animals, and people. Let’s break down some of the most common counters.

What Are Counters?

Counters are a unique grammatical feature in Japanese, used to specify the type of item being counted. You can think of counters as small categories or classifiers that match the nature of the item you’re counting. While they may seem intimidating at first, getting familiar with the most common counters can significantly enhance your understanding of Japanese and improve fluency.

Common Counters and Their Uses

～つ / ～こ (General Counter)

The counters ～つ (tsu) and ～こ (ko) are general-purpose counters that can be used for various inanimate objects.
This counter つ (tsu) is commonly used for smaller quantities, typically from one to ten, especially for things that don’t fall into other specific categories. For example, ひとつ (hitotsu, 1つ, one thing), ふたつ (futatsu, 2つ, two things), and so forth.
こ (ko) is used as a counter for small, often roundish objects, such as pieces of candy, stones, or apples. For example, いっこ (ikko, one piece), にこ (niko, two pieces), and so on.

Example Sentences

みかんをみっつください。 (Mikan wo mittsu kudasai.) – "Please give me three oranges."
リンゴをごこかいました。 (Ringo wo go-ko kaimashita.) – "I bought five apples."

～にん (Counting People)

Counting people in Japanese uses the counter ～にん (nin). However, there are a few irregularities, specifically with one and two people. One person is ひとり (hitori) and two people is ふたり (futari). Three or more people follow a standard pattern: three people is さんにん (san-nin), four people is よにん (yonin) and etc.

Example Sentences

かぞくはよにんです。 (Kazoku wa yo-nin desu.) – "There are four people in my family."
パーティーにろくにんきます。 (Paatii ni roku-nin kimasu.) – "Six people are coming to the party."

～ひき / ～とう (Counting Animals)

The counters ～ひき (hiki) and ～とう (tou) are used for animals. Typically, ひき (hiki) is used for small animals, like cats, dogs, and fish, while とう (tou) applies to larger animals, such as cows and elephants. One small animal is いっぴき (ip-piki), two small animals is にひき (nihiki) and etc. One large animal is いっとう (it-tou), にとう (ni-tou) and etc.

Example Sentences

いぬがさんびきいます。 (Inu ga san-biki imasu.) – "There are three dogs."
うまがにとういます。 (Uma ga ni-tou imasu.) – "There are two horses."

～ほん (Counting Long, Thin Objects)

The counter ～ほん (hon) is used for long, cylindrical objects such as pencils, bottles, or trees. This counter follows a slight pronunciation change depending on the number. On item is いっぽん (ip-pon), two item is (ni-hon), three items is さんぼん (san-bon) and etc.

Example Sentences

ペンをにほんください。 (Pen wo ni-hon kudasai.) – "Please give me two pens."
きがじゅっぽんあります。 (Ki ga juppon arimasu.) – "There are ten trees."

～まい (Counting Flat Objects)

～まい (mai) is the counter for flat, thin objects such as paper, plates, and clothing items like shirts. The numbering is straightforward. One flat object is いちまい (ichi-mai), two flat objects is にまい (ni-mai), and so forth.

Example Sentences

かみをごまいください。 (Kami wo go-mai kudasai.) – "Please give me five sheets of paper."
さらがななまいあります。 (Sara ga nana-mai arimasu.) – "There are seven plates."

～さつ (Counting Bound Objects)

The counter ～さつ (satsu) is used specifically for bound items, mainly books and notebooks. It’s unique because it’s typically associated with anything that has pages bound together. One book is いっさつ (is-satsu), two books are にさつ (ni-satsu), three books is さんさつ (san-satsu), and so forth.

Example Sentences

ほんをさんさつよみました。 (Hon wo san-satsu yomimashita.) – "I read three books."
ノートをにさつください。 (Nooto wo ni-satsu kudasai.) – "Please give me two notebooks."

Conclusion

Japanese numbers and counters are a unique aspect of the language that takes practice but is essential for effective communication. By understanding how and when to use counters, learners can quickly improve their ability to converse in Japanese and better relate to native speakers. Remembering the type of object and applying the right counter will go a long way toward achieving fluency.
Don’t worry if it takes a bit of time to learn; with practice, these counters will become second nature! Happy counting!