Translation guide
In Japanese, counting people requires a specific counter word. The most common and versatile counter for people is 人 (にん), but there are important irregular readings for one and two people. In formal or polite contexts, 名 (めい) is often used instead.
The learner wants to count people in everyday situations, such as stating how many people are in a group, ordering at a restaurant, or asking how many people are present.
The standard counter for people. Attach to a number. Note the irregular readings for 1 person (ひとり) and 2 people (ふたり). From 3 onward, use the regular number + にん pattern, but 4 people is often よにん (not よんにん).
A more formal counter for people, often used in business, customer service, or written contexts. It is considered more polite than 人. The readings are regular: number + めい.
The learner needs to refer to people politely, such as customers, guests, or in official documents.
Use 名 instead of 人 to show respect. Often combined with honorific suffixes like 様 (さま).
ご予約は2名様ですね。
Your reservation is for two people, correct?
本日は10名のお客様がいらっしゃいました。
Today we had ten guests.
The learner wants to ask 'how many people?' in a natural way.
The standard question word for 'how many people?'. Note the reading なんにん, not なににん.
何人ですか？
How many people?
パーティーには何人くらい来ますか？
About how many people are coming to the party?
Polite way to ask 'how many people?', used by staff in restaurants, hotels, etc.
何名様ですか？
How many in your party?
Do not say いちにん or ににん. The correct forms are ひとり (1人) and ふたり (2人). These are exceptions and must be memorized.
While 4 is usually よん, 4人 is commonly read as よにん, not よんにん. Both may be heard, but よにん is standard.
人 is neutral and used in daily conversation. 名 is formal and polite, often used when referring to customers, guests, or in official counts. Using 名 in casual speech can sound stiff.