Counting in Japanese can be an intriguing yet challenging aspect of the language for learners. Unlike English, which generally uses a single counting system, Japanese employs a variety of counters to quantify different types of objects and actions. To effectively count in Japanese, it’s essential to understand both the basic number system and the concept of counters. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll introduce Japanese numbers, explain the use of counters, and provide examples of common counters for various objects and situations.
I. Japanese Numbers
Before diving into the world of counters, let’s first review the basic Japanese number system.
A. Numbers 1-10
The numbers from 1 to 10 form the foundation for counting in Japanese. These numbers are as follows:
一 (いち, ichi)
二 (に, ni)
三 (さん, san)
四 (し/よん, shi/yon)
五 (ご, go)
六 (ろく, roku)
七 (しち/なな, shichi/nana)
八 (はち, hachi)
九 (きゅう/く, kyū/ku)
十 (じゅう, jū)
Note that there are alternative readings for the numbers 4 (し or よん), 7 (しち or なな), and 9 (きゅう or く). These variations are used in different situations to avoid confusion or for euphonic purposes.
B. Numbers 11-99
To form numbers 11 through 99, combine the numbers for 10 and 1-9 as follows:
十一 (じゅういち, jūichi)
十二 (じゅうに, jūni)
…
二十一 (にじゅういち, nijūichi)
二十二 (にじゅうに, nijūni)
…
九十九 (きゅうじゅうきゅう, kyūjūkyū)
C. Numbers 100 and Beyond
For higher numbers, the Japanese number system follows a similar pattern:
百 (ひゃく, hyaku)
1,000. 千 (せん, sen)
10,000. 一万 (いちまん, ichiman)
100,000. 十万 (じゅうまん, jūman)
1,000,000. 百万 (ひゃくまん, hyakuman)
10,000,000. 千万 (せんまん, senman)
100,000,000. 一億 (いちおく, ichioku)
II. The Concept of Counters
In Japanese, counters (助数詞, josūshi) are used to quantify nouns, actions, or events. Counters are added after the number to indicate the type of object being counted or the type of action or event being described. The choice of counter depends on the shape, size, or category of the object, as well as the context in which it’s being counted.
It’s important to note that some counters may cause sound changes (called 連濁, rendaku) in the numbers that precede them. For example, the counter for small animals, 匹 (ひき, hiki), causes the numbers 1 and 6 to undergosound changes as follows:
1匹 (いっぴき, ippiki)
6匹 (ろっぴき, roppiki)
In addition, some counters have unique readings for certain numbers. One common example is the counter for people, 人 (にん, nin), which has special readings for 1, 2, and 4 people:
1人 (ひとり, hitori)
2人 (ふたり, futari)
4人 (よにん, yonin)
Now that we’ve introduced the concept of counters, let’s explore some common counters and their usage.
III. Common Counters and Their Usage
A. Counters for General Objects
つ (tsu): This counter is used for general, unspecified objects, usually small or medium-sized. It’s particularly useful when you’re unsure of the correct counter to use.
3つ (みっつ, mittsu)
5つ (いつつ, itsutsu)
個 (こ, ko): Another general counter for objects, 個 (こ) is typically used for small items or objects that don’t have a specific counter.
3個 (さんこ, sanko)
6個 (ろっこ, rokko)
B. Counters for Specific Objects
人 (にん, nin): As mentioned earlier, this counter is used for people.
3人 (さんにん, sannin)
7人 (しちにん, shichinin)
匹 (ひき, hiki): This counter is used for small animals, such as cats, dogs, and fish.
3匹 (さんびき, sanbiki)
8匹 (はっぴき, happpiki)
台 (だい, dai): This counter is used for machinery, vehicles, and household appliances, such as cars, bicycles, and computers.
4台 (よんだい, yondai)
9台 (きゅうだい, kyūdai)
冊 (さつ, satsu): This counter is used for books, magazines, and other bound publications.
2冊 (にさつ, nisatsu)
10冊 (じゅっさつ, jussatsu)
本 (ほん, hon): This counter is used for long, cylindrical objects, such as bottles, pens, and trees.
2本 (にほん, nihon)
5本 (ごほん, gohon)
C. Counters for Time and Events
時間 (じかん, jikan): This counter is used for hours.
2時間 (にじかん, nijikan)
7時間 (しちじかん, shichijikan)
分 (ふん/ぷん, fun/pun): This counter is used for minutes.
3分 (さんぷん, sanpun)
10分 (じっぷん, jippun)
秒 (びょう, byō): This counter is used for seconds.
4秒 (よんびょう, yonbyō)
9秒 (きゅうびょう, kyūbyō)
回 (かい, kai): This counter is used for counting occurrences, events, or repetitions.
3回 (さんかい, sankai)
8回 (はっかい, hakkaai)
Conclusion
Counting in Japanese involves not only mastering the basic number system but also understanding the concept of counters and their usage in various situations. By familiarizing yourself with common counters and practicing their use, you’ll become more adept at quantifying objects, actions, and events in Japanese, leading to more natural and accurate communication.
As you continue to learn and practice counting in Japanese, remember to pay attention to the specific counters required for different objects and situations, as well as any sound changes that may occur. To improve your proficiency, try incorporating counters into your daily conversations, practice exercises, or even while you’re shopping or organizing items.
Moreover, don’t hesitate to explore more specialized counters, as they can help you accurately describe quantities in specific contexts. There are hundreds of counters in the Japanese language, each with its own nuances and applications. As you encounter new counters, make an effort to learn their usage and add them to your growing vocabulary.
Learning to count in Japanese may seem daunting at first, but with persistence and practice, you’ll soon become comfortable with the number system and the concept of counters. Keep challenging yourself, and remember that learning a language is a journey filled with progress and discovery. 頑張ってください (Ganbatte kudasai) – Good luck on your Japanese language journey!