Translation guide
In Japanese, counting is highly dependent on what is being counted. Numbers combine with counter suffixes (助数詞) that classify objects by shape, type, or nature. The basic number system has native Japanese and Sino-Japanese readings, and counters often trigger sound changes. This guide covers the most common counters and patterns.
I have two children.
三人で映画を見た。
Three of us watched a movie.
How to count flat things like paper, tickets, plates
How to count small, often round items like eggs, apples, balls
The counter 個 (こ) is a general counter for small, often round or three-dimensional objects. It's very common and can be used when no specific counter is known. Note the sound change for 1 (いっこ) and 6 (ろっこ), 8 (はっこ), 10 (じゅっこ).
卵を三個買ってきて。
Buy three eggs.
りんごを一個食べた。
I ate one apple.
How to count long, thin items like pens, bottles, umbrellas
Use the counter 本 (ほん) for long, cylindrical objects. Sound changes occur: 1 (いっぽん), 3 (さんぼん), 6 (ろっぽん), 8 (はっぽん), 10 (じゅっぽん).
ペンを一本貸してください。
Please lend me one pen.
ビールを二本飲んだ。
I drank two bottles of beer.
How to count small animals like cats, dogs, fish, insects
Use 匹 (ひき) for small animals. Sound changes: 1 (いっぴき), 3 (さんびき), 6 (ろっぴき), 8 (はっぴき), 10 (じゅっぴき).
猫を二匹飼っています。
I have two cats.
金魚が三匹いる。
There are three goldfish.
How to count large animals like horses, cows, elephants
How to count cars, computers, appliances
Use 台 (だい) for machines, vehicles, and appliances. No irregular sound changes.
車を二台持っている。
I have two cars.
パソコンを一台買った。
I bought one computer.
How to count books, magazines, notebooks
Use 冊 (さつ) for bound volumes like books, magazines, notebooks. Sound changes: 1 (いっさつ), 8 (はっさつ), 10 (じゅっさつ).
本を三冊借りた。
I borrowed three books.
ノートを一冊ください。
Please give me one notebook.
For native Japanese numbers 1–10, you can use the generic counter つ (e.g., ひとつ、ふたつ、みっつ). This is often used for abstract things or when a specific counter is unknown, but it's limited to 10 and sounds more casual or childlike beyond small numbers.
りんごを三つください。
Please give me three apples.
In English, you can say 'three apples' with just the number. In Japanese, you must use a counter: りんごを三個 (さんこ) or りんごを三つ (みっつ). Saying りんごを三 (さん) is ungrammatical.
りんごを三つ食べた。
I ate three apples.