Consejos
Basic use of 羽
羽 (wa) is a counter specifically for birds, rabbits, and sometimes even flying insects. It's crucial to use the correct counter when talking about these animals in Japanese.
Pronunciation changes
The pronunciation of 羽 changes depending on the preceding number. For example, 一羽 (ichiwa - one bird), 二羽 (niwa - two birds), and 三羽 (sanba - three birds). Pay attention to these sound changes.
Rabbits and 羽
It might seem strange, but rabbits are counted with 羽. This is believed to be because in the past, rabbits were sometimes counted as birds for religious reasons, or because their ears look like wings. So, remember that for rabbits, you use 羽.
Example for birds
庭に鳥が三羽います。 (Niwa ni tori ga sanba imasu.) = There are three birds in the garden.
Example for rabbits
うさぎが一羽います。 (Usagi ga ichiwa imasu.) = There is one rabbit.
Focus on common usage
While 羽 can technically be used for flying insects, in everyday conversation, you'll most commonly hear it for birds and rabbits. Master those first.
Review numbers with counters
Counters are always paired with numbers. Make sure you're comfortable with Japanese numbers 1-10, as these are the most frequently used with counters like 羽. Practice counting various items.
Don't confuse with other counters
Japanese has many counters. Don't confuse 羽 with other counters like 匹 (hiki) for small animals, or 頭 (tō) for large animals. Each counter has a specific purpose.
Historical context for rabbits
The reason rabbits are counted with 羽 is often attributed to historical dietary restrictions in Japan, where rabbits were sometimes considered birds to circumvent bans on eating four-legged animals.
When to use 匹 for birds
While 羽 is the standard for birds, sometimes 匹 (hiki) can be used for small, general birds, especially if you're not focusing on them as 'flying creatures.' However, stick to 羽 for proper and polite usage, especially for larger birds or when the act of flying is implied.
Ponte a prueba 18 preguntas
How do you count one bird in Japanese? Write the word and the counter.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
一羽 (いちわ)
Write the Japanese phrase for 'two birds'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
二羽 (にわ)
Write 'three birds' in Japanese.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
三羽 (さんば)
How many birds are there?
Read this passage:
鳥が三羽います。
How many birds are there?
三羽 (さんば) means three birds.
三羽 (さんば) means three birds.
Where are the birds?
Read this passage:
公園に鳥が二羽います。
Where are the birds?
公園 (こうえん) means park.
公園 (こうえん) means park.
How many birds are over there?
Read this passage:
あそこに鳥が一羽います。
How many birds are over there?
一羽 (いちわ) means one bird.
一羽 (いちわ) means one bird.
空に白い鳥が三___飛んでいます。
鳥を数えるときは「〜羽」を使います。空に三つの白い鳥が飛んでいる様子を表しています。
公園で可愛い鳩を二___見かけました。
鳩は鳥なので「〜羽」を使って数えます。公園で二羽の可愛い鳩を見たことを示しています。
飼っているインコは全部で五___います。
インコも鳥の一種なので、「〜羽」で数えます。全部で五羽のインコを飼っている状況です。
昨日の夕方、カラスが何___か家の周りを飛んでいました。
カラスは鳥なので「〜羽」で数えます。昨日の夕方、数羽のカラスが家の周りを飛んでいたことを表現しています。
この絵には美しい鳳凰が一___描かれています。
鳳凰は伝説上の鳥なので、他の鳥と同様に「〜羽」で数えます。絵に一羽の美しい鳳凰が描かれている状況です。
動物園で珍しい鳥をたくさん見ましたが、特にあのクジャクが印象的で、三___ほどいました。
クジャクも鳥なので「〜羽」で数えます。動物園で見た珍しい鳥の中で、三羽ほどのクジャクが特に印象的だったことを示しています。
Listen for how many seagulls are flying.
Listen for how many birds are being kept as pets.
Listen for how many pigeons might be in the park today.
Read this aloud:
あの木にとまっている鳥は全部で五羽です。
Focus: ごわ (gowa)
Dijiste:
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Read this aloud:
一羽の鳥が空を高く舞っています。
Focus: いちわ (ichiwa)
Dijiste:
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Read this aloud:
何羽のペンギンが氷の上にいますか？
Focus: なんわ (nanwa)
Dijiste:
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/ 18 correct
Perfect score!
Basic use of 羽
羽 (wa) is a counter specifically for birds, rabbits, and sometimes even flying insects. It's crucial to use the correct counter when talking about these animals in Japanese.
Pronunciation changes
The pronunciation of 羽 changes depending on the preceding number. For example, 一羽 (ichiwa - one bird), 二羽 (niwa - two birds), and 三羽 (sanba - three birds). Pay attention to these sound changes.
Rabbits and 羽
It might seem strange, but rabbits are counted with 羽. This is believed to be because in the past, rabbits were sometimes counted as birds for religious reasons, or because their ears look like wings. So, remember that for rabbits, you use 羽.
Example for birds
庭に鳥が三羽います。 (Niwa ni tori ga sanba imasu.) = There are three birds in the garden.
Contenido relacionado
Esta palabra en otros idiomas
Más palabras de general
いくつか
B1An unspecified small number of things; some, a few.
ちょっと
A2A little; a moment; a bit. Small amount or short time.
すこし
A2A little; a few.
さっき
A2A little while ago; a short time past.
能力
A1Nouryoku refers to the mental or physical power, skill, or capacity required to perform a specific task or function. It can describe both innate talent and skills acquired through learning and practice.
異常
A1A word used to describe something that deviates from the normal state, standard, or expected pattern. It often implies a problem, malfunction, or an extraordinary occurrence that requires attention or investigation.
～について
A2About, concerning; indicates topic.
〜について
B1About, concerning; on the subject of.
～ぐらい
A2about, approximately
ぐらい
A2About; approximately; to the extent of.
