A2 · Élémentaire Chapitre 3

Counting Everything

7 Règles totales
72 exemples
5 min
Règles dans ce chapitre Pratique rapide

Chapter in 30 Seconds

Unlock the Japanese logic of counting objects by their shape and size.

  • Distinguish between counting shapes like 'long' vs 'flat'.
  • Select the correct counter for animals based on size.
  • Quantify daily activities and drinks with precision.
Count everything with confidence and native-like precision!

Ce que tu vas apprendre

Hey smart learner! You've already made amazing progress with the Japanese basics, and now it's time to take another huge leap towards speaking like a native! Did you know that in Japanese, counting isn't just saying one, two, three? It actually depends on *what* you're counting! In this exciting chapter, you'll master how to count long, slender things like pencils using ~hon (本), flat objects like sheets of paper with ~mai (枚), and even differentiate between small animals (～匹, hiki) and large beasts (～頭, tou). We'll also dive into counting machines and gadgets with ~dai (台) and books with ~satsu (冊). Imagine confidently ordering exactly two cups of tea at a cafe using ~hai (杯), or telling your friend how many times (～回, kai) you practice Japanese each week. These counters might seem a little unusual at first, but I promise that once you master them, your conversations will become much more natural and precise. By the end of this chapter, you'll never make a counting mistake again and will be able to accurately quantify anything and everything, just like a true Japanese speaker. Ready for this fun challenge? Let's go!

Learning Objectives

By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:

  1. 1
    By the end you will be able to order specific quantities of drinks and food at a restaurant using ~hai and ~mai.
  2. 2
    By the end you will be able to describe the number of pets or zoo animals using ~hiki and ~tou.
  3. 3
    By the end you will be able to quantify technical possessions like phones and cars using ~dai.

Guide du chapitre

Overview

Hey smart learner! You've already made amazing progress with the Japanese basics, and now it's time to take another huge leap towards speaking like a native! Did you know that in Japanese, counting isn't just saying one, two, three?
It actually depends on *what* you're counting! This Japanese grammar A2 chapter introduces you to the fascinating world of Japanese counters, a crucial element for natural and precise communication.
Mastering these counters is a hallmark of moving beyond beginner Japanese. Instead of just knowing numbers, you'll learn to quantify objects like a native speaker. We'll explore how to count long, slender things with ~hon (本), flat objects with ~mai (枚), differentiate between small animals using ~hiki (匹) and large ones with ~tou (頭), and count machines with ~dai (台) and books with ~satsu (冊).
You'll also learn to order drinks using ~hai (杯) and express frequency with ~kai (回). This skill is vital for achieving fluency at the A2 level and beyond.

How This Grammar Works

In Japanese grammar, counters are suffixes attached to numbers to specify the type of object being counted. The general structure is [number] + [counter]. This system adds precision and context to your speech. Let's dive into the core Japanese counters you'll master in this chapter:
For long, cylindrical objects like pens, bottles, or trees, we use ~hon (本). For example, ペン 一本 (pen ippon - one pen) or ビール 二本 (biiru nihon - two beers). Notice how ichi (one) changes to ip before hon.
Flat, thin items such as paper, plates, shirts, or tickets are counted with ~mai (枚). So, you'd say 紙 一枚 (kami ichimai - one sheet of paper) or シャツ 三枚 (shatsu sanmai - three shirts).
When counting animals, size matters! For small animals like dogs, cats, fish, or insects, use ~hiki (匹). For instance, 犬 一匹 (inu ippiki - one dog). For large animals such as cows, horses, or elephants, you'll use ~tou (頭): 象 一頭 (zou ittou - one elephant).
Machines and vehicles, including cars, computers, TVs, and bicycles, are counted with ~dai (台). So, 車 一台 (kuruma ichidai - one car) and パソコン 二台 (pasokon nidai - two computers).
Books and magazines use the counter ~satsu (冊). You'd say 本 一冊 (hon issatsu - one book) or 雑誌 三冊 (zasshi sansatsu - three magazines).
For cups, glasses, or bowls of liquid (like drinks or soup), and sometimes even squid or octopus, we use ~hai (杯). Examples include コーヒー 一杯 (koohii ippai - one cup of coffee) and ビール 二杯 (biiru nihai - two glasses of beer). Pay attention to pronunciation changes like ippai, nihai, and sanbai.
Finally, to count frequency or occurrences, use ~kai (回). This means times, as in 一回 (ikkai - once) or 三回 (sankai - three times). Mastering these specific Japanese counters will significantly enhance your A2 Japanese proficiency.

Common Mistakes

  1. 1✗ Wrong: ペン二つ (Pen futatsu)
✓ Correct: ペン 二本 (Pen nihon)
*Explanation:* While ~tsu (一つ, 二つ) is a generic counter, using the specific counter ~hon for long, cylindrical objects like pens is much more natural and correct. Always try to use the most appropriate counter.
  1. 1✗ Wrong: 象一匹 (Zou ippiki)
✓ Correct: 象 一頭 (Zou ittou)
*Explanation:* The counter for animals depends on their size. ~hiki is for small animals, while ~tou is reserved for larger beasts like elephants, cows, and horses.
  1. 1✗ Wrong: コーヒー三杯 (Koohii sanhai)
✓ Correct: コーヒー 三杯 (Koohii sanbai)
*Explanation:* Many Japanese counters, including ~hai, have irregular pronunciation changes depending on the number. For three cups, san + hai becomes sanbai, not sanhai. Practice these variations!

Real Conversations

A

A

コーヒー、二杯 お願いします。(Koohii, nihai onegaishimasu. - Two coffees, please.)
B

B

はい、二杯 ですね。(Hai, nihai desu ne. - Yes, two cups, right?)
A

A

あなたの家に車が何台ありますか。(Anata no ie ni kuruma ga nandai arimasu ka? - How many cars do you have at your house?)
B

B

車は一台だけです。(Kuruma wa ichidai dake desu. - I only have one car.)
A

A

週に何回日本語を勉強しますか。(Shuu ni nankai Nihongo o benkyou shimasu ka? - How many times a week do you study Japanese?)
B

B

週に三回勉強します。(Shuu ni sankai benkyou shimasu. - I study three times a week.)

Quick FAQ

Q

What's the most common Japanese counter if I forget the specific one?

While it's always best to use specific counters, ~tsu (一つ, 二つ, 三つ, etc.) is a generic counter for many small, non-specific items up to ten. However, using the correct specific counter sounds much more natural and advanced.

Q

Do all Japanese numbers have special pronunciations with counters?

Many counters have specific pronunciation changes, especially for numbers 1, 3, 6, 8, and 10, and also for how many (nan). It's crucial to learn these alongside the counter itself for accurate Japanese grammar.

Q

Can I use the same counter for both living and non-living things?

Generally, no. Counters are highly specific. For instance, ~hiki is for small animals, while ~hon is for long, inanimate objects. Each counter has its own category of items, making Japanese counting unique.

Cultural Context

The intricate system of Japanese counters is more than just a grammatical rule; it reflects a cultural emphasis on precision and categorisation. Using the correct counter demonstrates not only your linguistic proficiency but also a deeper understanding of Japanese grammar and its nuances. While even native speakers might occasionally pause for a very obscure counter, mastering the common ones covered here is essential for respectful and natural communication.
This specificity is deeply ingrained, making your speech much more refined.

Exemples clés (4)

1

本を一冊買いました。

J'ai acheté un livre.

Compter les livres en japonais (～冊 satsu)
2

図書館で三冊借りた。

J'en ai emprunté trois à la bibliothèque.

Compter les livres en japonais (～冊 satsu)
3

{一日|いちにち}に{一回|いっかい}サプリを{飲|の}みます。

Je prends des compléments une fois par jour.

Compter la fréquence et les occurrences (～回)
4

このピザを{三回|さんかい}{注文|ちゅうもん}しました。

J'ai commandé cette pizza trois fois.

Compter la fréquence et les occurrences (～回)

Conseils et astuces (4)

⚠️

Le piège du mot 'Livre'

Même si le kanji 本 veut dire livre, on ne l'utilise jamais pour les compter ! Utilise «~冊» (satsu) à la place : «本を二冊読みました。»
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Compter les objets longs (~本 hon)
💡

Même plié, ça compte !

Même si un T-shirt est plié et semble épais, on utilise «枚» car c'est une couche plate une fois dépliée. «新しいTシャツを三枚買った。»
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Compter les objets plats (~枚 mai)
🎯

La règle du chien d'assistance

Si tu vois un chien guide ou un chien de sauvetage, utilise 'tou' au lieu de 'hiki'. C'est beaucoup plus pro et respectueux ! «盲導犬が一頭います。»
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Compter les animaux (hiki vs. tou)
🎯

La règle du 'mécanique'

Si l'objet a un moteur ou fonctionne à l'électricité, utilise direct «~台». Même si tu te trompes, on te comprendra car c'est logique ! Par exemple : «電子レンジが一台あります。»
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Compter les machines et gadgets : Le compteur ~台 (~dai)

Vocabulaire clé (7)

鉛筆(えんぴつ) pencil 切手(きって) stamp 猫(ねこ) cat 車(くるま) car 雑誌(ざっし) magazine お茶(おちゃ) tea 一回(いっかい) once

Real-World Preview

shopping-cart

At a Stationery Store

coffee

Ordering at a Cafe

Review Summary

  • Number + 本 (ほん/ぽん/ぼん)
  • Number + 杯 (はい/ぱい/ばい)

Erreurs courantes

Because the kanji for 'book' is 本, beginners often use the ~hon counter. However, books are bound and use ~satsu.

Wrong: 本(ほん)を三本(さんぼん)買(か)いました。
Correct: 本(ほん)を三冊(さんさつ)買(か)いました。

While ~tsu is a general counter, it sounds less natural for drinks in a formal cafe setting where ~hai is expected.

Wrong: コーヒーを二つ(ふたつ)ください。
Correct: コーヒーを二杯(にはい)ください。

Elephants are large animals and require ~tou instead of the small animal counter ~hiki.

Wrong: 象(ぞう)が一匹(いっぴき)います。
Correct: 象(ぞう)が一頭(いっとう)います。

Règles dans ce chapitre (7)

1

Compter les objets longs (~本 hon)

A2
Utilise «~本» pour tout ce qui est long et fin, en retenant bien les sons pon et bon.
ペンを二本持っています。
10 exemples
2

Compter les objets plats (~枚 mai)

A2
Utilise «枚» (mai) pour tout ce qui est fin et plat, des cartes de visite aux T-shirts pliés.
コピーを十枚お願いします。
10 exemples
3

Compter les animaux (hiki vs. tou)

A2
Utilise «匹» (hiki) pour les petits et moyens animaux (chiens, chats, insectes) et «頭» (tou) pour les grosses bêtes ou les animaux de travail.
猫を三匹飼っています。
10 exemples
4

Compter les machines et gadgets : Le compteur ~台 (~dai)

A2
Utilise «~台» (dai) pour tout ce qui a un moteur, un écran, une prise, ou les meubles encombrants.
Ie ni terebi ga san-dai arimasu.
10 exemples
5

Compter les livres en japonais (～冊 satsu)

A2
Compte tout ce qui a une reliure avec «～冊», en retenant bien le petit 'tsu' pour «一冊», «八冊» et «十冊».
本を一冊買いました。
11 exemples
6

Compter les tasses et boissons : ～杯 (hai)

A2
Utilise ～杯 («{杯|はい}») pour tout ce qui se boit ou se mange dans un verre, une tasse ou un bol, en faisant attention aux petits changements de sons pour «1, 3, 6, 8 et 10».
Biiru o ippai kudasai.
10 exemples
7

Compter la fréquence et les occurrences (～回)

A2
Ajoute simplement «～回» au chiffre pour compter les répétitions, mais retiens bien les formes spéciales «一回», «六回», «八回» et «十回».
{一日|いちにち}に{一回|いっかい}サプリを{飲|の}み...
11 exemples

Next Steps

You've just conquered one of the most unique parts of the Japanese language. Keep practicing and soon these counters will feel like second nature!

Go through your room and name 5 objects with their correct counters.

Write a grocery list using counters for every item.

Continue to: Talking About Time and Sequences

Pratique rapide (6)

Complète avec la bonne lecture pour 'une tasse'.

すみません、コーヒーを___ (1 cup) ください。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ippai
Pour 1 tasse, on ne dit pas 'ichi-hai' mais on fait un changement de son : «{一杯|いっぱい}» (ippai).

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Compter les tasses et boissons : ～杯 (hai)

Trouve et corrige l'erreur dans le compte irrégulier.

Find and fix the mistake:

昨日、おにぎりを{六回|ろくかい}食べました。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ろっかい
6 fois est irrégulier : on dit 'rokkai', pas 'rokukai'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Compter la fréquence et les occurrences (～回)

Complète avec la bonne lecture pour '1 fois'.

{一週間|いっしゅうかん}に___、パーティーをします house.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: いっかい
1 fois se dit 'ikkai' avec un petit 'tsu', jamais 'ichikai'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Compter la fréquence et les occurrences (～回)

Quelle phrase dit correctement 'deux fois par mois' ?

Choisis la phrase correcte :

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {月|つき}に{二回|にかい}テニスをします。
Utilise 'ni' après la période de temps et 'kai' pour le nombre de fois.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Compter la fréquence et les occurrences (～回)

Trouve l'erreur de prononciation.

Find and fix the mistake:

水、六杯 (rokuhai) ください。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 水、六杯 (roppai) ください。
Pour 6, on utilise le son 'P'. 'Roku-hai' devient {roppai}.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Compter les tasses et boissons : ～杯 (hai)

Quelle phrase compte correctement trois bols ?

Choisis la bonne option :

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ラーメンを三杯 (sanbai) 食べました。
Pour 3, le 'h' devient un 'b'. On dit donc 'sanbai'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Compter les tasses et boissons : ～杯 (hai)

Score: /6

Questions fréquentes (6)

C'est juste pour que ce soit plus facile à prononcer ! Dire 'Ichi-hon' est plus lent que de dire «一本».
Oui ! Comme les carottes sont longues et cylindriques, on dit «人参を三本買いました».
C'est pour compter des feuilles de papier ou des documents. Par exemple, «三枚の紙» signifie 'trois feuilles de papier'.
Oui, pour les articles comme les chemises, pulls et vestes. Tu diras «シャツを二枚» pour 'deux chemises'.
On te comprendra, mais ça sonne un peu enfantin. C'est comme dire 'trois petits chats' pour parler de trois énormes vaches : «牛が三匹います。»
La plupart sont énormes, donc 'tou' est le meilleur choix. Un Velociraptor pourrait être 'hiki' selon sa taille ! «恐竜が二頭。»
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Talking About Time and Sequences
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