When counting small, round things in Japanese, you often use the counter ~個 (ko). Think of items like apples, eggs, or even erasers. It's a very common and versatile counter, so it's good to learn early!
You attach ~個 to the end of a number to specify how many of that item you have. For example, if you have one apple, you'd say りんご一個 (ringo ikko). For two eggs, you'd say 卵二個 (tamago niko).
When counting small, roundish objects in Japanese, such as apples, eggs, or even abstract items like ideas, you use the counter 〜個 (~ko). This counter is very versatile and frequently used. While there are more specific counters for certain items, 〜個 is a good general-purpose counter to know.
For example, if you want to say 'three apples,' you would say 'りんご三個 (ringo san ko).' Or 'one egg' is '卵一個 (tamago ik-ko).' Pay attention to the pronunciation changes that occur with some numbers when combined with this counter.
When counting items in Japanese, you'll often need to use a counter word. Think of it like saying "a pair of shoes" or "a slice of pizza" in English. For small, roundish objects like apples, oranges, or eggs, the counter you'll use is ~個 (ko).
It's important to remember that this counter is specifically for items that are generally spherical or cube-shaped. If you're counting flat objects like sheets of paper or long, thin objects like pens, you'll need different counters. Mastering these counters is a key step in speaking natural Japanese, so pay close attention to which counter to use for which type of item.
When counting items in Japanese, you'll often need to use a specific counter word depending on the shape or type of object. For small, round items, like apples, oranges, or eggs, the counter you'll want to use is ~個 (ko). So, for example, if you have three apples, you would say りんご三個 (ringo san ko).
It's important to remember that the pronunciation of the number before ~個 can sometimes change. For instance, for one item, it's 一個 (ikko), not ichi ko. For six items, it's 六個 (rokko), not roku ko.
While ~個 is primarily for small, round objects, you might also hear it used for some larger, less defined items, or even abstract concepts like 'issues' or 'problems,' though other counters might be more common in those cases. However, if you're ever in doubt and the item doesn't clearly fit another counter category, ~個 is a safe general-purpose counter to use, especially in informal situations.
When counting items in Japanese, you'll often need to use a counter word. Think of it like saying "a sheet of paper" or "a pair of shoes" in English. Instead of just a number, you combine the number with a specific counter word that matches the type of item you're counting.
For example, if you want to say "three apples," you wouldn't just say san ringo (三りんご). You'd say san ko ringo (三個りんご), using the counter ko (個) because apples are small, roundish items.
It might seem tricky at first because there are many different counter words in Japanese, and each is used for a particular category of items. However, learning them is essential for speaking naturally and correctly. Many counters also have irregular pronunciations when combined with numbers, so pay close attention to those details.
The good news is that with practice, you'll start to recognize patterns and get a feel for which counter to use. Don't worry if you don't get them all right away; even native speakers sometimes pause to think about the correct counter for less common items.
~個 en 30 secondes
- Japanese counter word
- Used for small, round items
- CEFR B1 level vocabulary
§ What 個 (ko) means and when to use it
The Japanese word 個, pronounced 'ko', is a counter. Think of it like how in English you might say 'a piece of cake' or 'a head of lettuce'. We use specific words to count different types of things. In Japanese, these are called counters, and 個 is one of the most common ones you'll encounter.
- Definition
- Counter for small, round items (e.g., eggs, fruits).
Specifically, 個 is used for counting small, generally round or cubic items. While the dictionary definition often focuses on 'small, round items' like eggs and fruits, its usage is actually broader. You'll hear it used for things like:
- Small fruits (apples, oranges, peaches)
- Eggs
- Onigiri (rice balls)
- Small cakes or pastries
- Ice cubes
- Small, individual items of candy
- Even abstract concepts like 'points' in a game or 'items' in a list.
The key is that the item is a distinct, individual unit, and often has a somewhat compact or three-dimensional shape. It's considered a general-purpose counter, especially when you're not sure which specific counter to use. If you're in doubt, 個 is often a safe bet, though it's always best to learn the specific counter if one exists.
Let's look at some examples to get a better feel for its usage:
りんごを３個ください。
Translation hint: "Please give me 3 apples." (Here, りんご means apple, and ３ means three.)
卵はいくつ個いりますか？
Translation hint: "How many eggs do you need?" (卵 means egg, いくつ means how many.)
ケーキを１個食べました。
Translation hint: "I ate one cake." (ケーキ means cake, 食べました is past tense of to eat.)
The versatility of 個 makes it an extremely valuable counter to learn early on. While there are many other specific counters for books, animals, long thin objects, and so on, 個 acts as a good fallback or general counter when the item doesn't fit neatly into another category, or if you simply haven't learned the more specific counter yet. It's often used in stores or when ordering food, making it highly practical for everyday conversation in Japan.
Remember, Japanese counting isn't just about saying the number. It's about saying the number *with the correct counter*. Mastering counters like 個 is a significant step towards sounding more natural and fluent in Japanese. Pay attention to how native speakers use it, and try to incorporate it into your own sentences. You'll find it incredibly useful in a wide variety of situations, from buying groceries to talking about daily items.
§ Where you hear this word: Work, School, News
The counter ~個 (ko) is incredibly versatile and you'll encounter it frequently in various everyday situations in Japan. It's used for counting a wide range of small, generally roundish or cuboid items. Think of it as a general-purpose counter when you're not sure which specific counter to use, especially for inanimate objects.
Let's look at some common scenarios:
§ In Daily Shopping and Restaurants
When you're at a grocery store, a convenience store, or even ordering food, ~個 (ko) is your go-to counter for many items. For example, if you're buying individual fruits or pastries, this counter will often be used.
りんごを３個ください。
Translation hint: "Please give me three apples."
パンを１個お願いします。
Translation hint: "One bread, please."
§ In an Office or School Setting
Even in professional or academic environments, ~個 (ko) comes in handy for counting office supplies, test questions, or even abstract concepts like 'points'.
消しゴムを２個貸してください。
Translation hint: "Please lend me two erasers."
試験問題は全部で１０個あります。
Translation hint: "There are a total of 10 test questions."
§ In General Conversation and News
You'll also hear ~個 (ko) in more general conversations or even in news reports when discussing quantities of various items, especially when the specific shape or nature of the object isn't the primary focus, but rather its discreteness as an individual unit.
この箱にはお菓子が５個入っています。
Translation hint: "This box contains five pieces of candy."
- Remember:
- While there are many specific Japanese counters, ~個 (ko) is a very useful general counter for many small, discrete, and often somewhat round or block-like items. If you're ever unsure, using ~個 (ko) is often understood and acceptable in casual conversation.
- It's used for fruits like apples (りんご), oranges (みかん), and eggs (たまご).
- It can be used for small objects like erasers (消しゴム), batteries (電池), or even small candies (飴).
- In a broader sense, it can also count abstract units like points in a game or questions on a test.
How Formal Is It?
"卵をいくつかお願いします。 (Tamago o ikutsu ka onegai shimasu.) - Could I please have a few eggs?"
"りんごを３個ください。 (Ringo o san ko kudasai.) - Please give me three apples."
"みかん、いくついる？ (Mikan, ikutsu iru?) - How many mandarins do you need?"
"キャンディ、いっこちょーだい！ (Kyandi, ikko chōdai!) - Give me one candy!"
"ボール何個持ってんの？ (Bōru nan ko motten no?) - How many balls do you have?"
Le savais-tu ?
The character 個 is also used in Chinese and Korean with similar counting functions.
Grammaire à connaître
Use ~個 for counting general small, round, or cubic objects. It's one of the most versatile counters.
りんごを三つください。 (Please give me three apples.)
When counting with ~個, the number comes before the counter. For example, 'one item' is 一個 (ikko).
ケーキが一個あります。 (There is one cake.)
The pronunciation of numbers can change slightly when combined with ~個. For example, 一 (ichi) becomes いっ (it-) when combined with こ.
みかんを五個買いました。 (I bought five mandarins.)
When asking 'how many items,' use 何個 (nan-ko).
卵は何個ありますか？ (How many eggs are there?)
~個 is often used when the specific counter for an item isn't known or when speaking generally. For example, instead of using the counter for books (冊), you could use 個 if you're just talking about 'items.'
箱の中に何個入っていますか？ (How many items are in the box?)
Exemples par niveau
卵を３個ください。
Please give me three eggs.
みかんを５個買いました。
I bought five mandarins.
りんごが２個あります。
There are two apples.
ケーキを１個食べました。
I ate one cake.
キャンディをいくつか持っていますか？
Do you have a few candies?
パンを１個追加してください。
Please add one bread.
ボールが４個あります。
There are four balls.
おにぎりを２個作りました。
I made two rice balls.
ここにリンゴが3個あります。
There are 3 apples here.
個 (ko) is used for counting small, round objects like apples. The number comes before the counter.
卵を6個買いました。
I bought 6 eggs.
卵 (tamago - egg) is a common item counted with 個 (ko). The structure is item + number + counter.
みかんを2個ください。
Please give me 2 mandarins.
ください (kudasai) is a polite request. The particle を (o) marks the direct object.
ケーキを一切れと、クッキーを4個食べました。
I ate one slice of cake and four cookies.
一切れ (hitokire) is a counter for slices. クッキー (cookie) is also counted with 個 (ko).
スーパーでトマトを5個買ってきたよ。
I bought 5 tomatoes at the supermarket.
買ってきた (katte kita) means 'bought and brought back'. トマト (tomato) is another item counted with 個 (ko).
この箱にはチョコレートが10個入っています。
There are 10 chocolates in this box.
入っています (haitte imasu) means 'are in' or 'are contained'. チョコレート (chocolate) can be counted with 個 (ko) when they are small pieces.
お皿にいちごがいくつかあります。
There are several strawberries on the plate.
いくつか (ikutsu ka) means 'several' or 'some number of'. When the exact number is unknown or not specified, this can be used.
彼はボールを3個持っています。
He has 3 balls.
ボール (booru - ball) is a classic example of a round item counted with 個 (ko).
昨日、スーパーで卵を10個買いました。
I bought 10 eggs at the supermarket yesterday.
この箱にはリンゴが3個入っています。
There are 3 apples in this box.
パンを2個お願いします。
Could I have two pieces of bread, please?
みかんを5個食べました。
I ate 5 mandarins.
あと何個残っていますか？
How many are left?
ケーキを一切れずつ、全部で6個用意しました。
I prepared 6 pieces of cake in total, one slice each.
このお菓子は1個100円です。
This snack is 100 yen per piece.
風船をたくさん買いました。何個か数えてみましょう。
I bought many balloons. Let's count how many there are.
冷蔵庫に卵が３個しか残っていません。
There are only 3 eggs left in the refrigerator.
この箱にはリンゴが５個入っています。
This box contains 5 apples.
ミカンを１個ください。
Please give me one mandarin orange.
ケーキを２個買いました。
I bought two cakes.
公園で石をいくつか拾いました。
I picked up several stones in the park.
彼にクッキーを３個あげました。
I gave him three cookies.
このお店ではドーナツが１個１００円です。
Donuts are 100 yen each at this shop.
プレゼント用にチョコレートを４個選びました。
I chose four chocolates for the present.
Collocations courantes
Phrases Courantes
これ一個ください。
Please give me one of these.
卵はいくつ要りますか？
How many eggs do you need?
三個ください。
Please give me three.
りんご一個100円です。
One apple is 100 yen.
みかんを二個食べました。
I ate two mandarins.
パンを一個買いました。
I bought one bread roll.
ケーキは残り三個です。
There are three cakes left.
おにぎりを一個作ります。
I will make one rice ball.
そのボール、三個ありますか？
Do you have three of those balls?
消しゴム一個貸してください。
Please lend me one eraser.
Modèles grammaticaux
Expressions idiomatiques
"卵を個で数える"
To count eggs using ~個
冷蔵庫に卵が３個あります。
neutral"みかんを個で数える"
To count oranges using ~個
みかんを５個買いました。
neutral"りんごを個で数える"
To count apples using ~個
りんごが１個だけ残っています。
neutral"ケーキを個で数える"
To count cakes (individual servings) using ~個
誕生日にケーキをたくさん個食べました。
neutral"パンを個で数える"
To count bread (individual rolls/buns) using ~個
朝食にパンを２個食べました。
neutral"飴玉を個で数える"
To count candies using ~個
子供が飴玉を１個ずつもらいました。
neutral"おにぎりを個で数える"
To count rice balls using ~個
おにぎりを３個作りました。
neutral"ボールを個で数える"
To count balls using ~個
サッカーボールが２個あります。
neutral"クッキーを個で数える"
To count cookies using ~個
おやつにクッキーを数個食べました。
neutral"じゃがいもを個で数える"
To count potatoes using ~個
カレーにじゃがいもを４個入れます。
neutralStructures de phrases
XをY個ください。
りんごを３個ください。 (Please give me 3 apples.)
XがY個あります。
卵が10個あります。 (There are 10 eggs.)
Xは全部でY個あります。
みかんは全部で5個あります。 (There are 5 mandarins in total.)
XをY個買いました。
パンを2個買いました。 (I bought 2 loaves of bread.)
X個入りです。
この箱はクッキーが12個入りです。 (This box contains 12 cookies.)
XがY個残っています。
ケーキがまだ3個残っています。 (There are still 3 pieces of cake left.)
X個ずつ。
皆でチョコレートを2個ずつ食べました。 (Everyone ate 2 chocolates each.)
X個ぐらい。
ここにぶどうが20個ぐらいあります。 (There are about 20 grapes here.)
Famille de mots
Noms
Adjectifs
Comment l'utiliser
When counting small, round items like eggs (卵 - tamago) or apples (りんご - ringo), you use the counter ～個 (ko). For example, to say 'three apples', you would say りんご三個 (ringo san ko). It’s a very versatile counter and can be used for many different small, roughly spherical objects.
A common mistake is using ～つ (tsu) for these items instead of ～個 (ko). While ～つ is a general counter, ～個 is more specific and natural for small, round objects. For instance, saying 卵三つ (tamago mittsu) is understandable but 卵三個 (tamago san ko) sounds more natural and precise to native speakers. Also, remember the pronunciation changes for some numbers: for one, it's 一個 (ikko), and for six, it's 六個 (rokko).
Astuces
Basic use of ~個
Use ~個 when counting small, somewhat round objects. Think of it for things like apples, eggs, or even sweets.
Common items for ~個
You'll frequently hear ~個 with items like みかん (mikan - tangerines), りんご (ringo - apples), ケーキ (keeki - cakes), and たまご (tamago - eggs).
Numbers and ~個
The numbers combine with ~個. For example, 1個 (ikko - one item), 2個 (niko - two items), 3個 (sanko - three items). Watch out for irregular pronunciations like 1個.
Don't use for people or animals
While versatile, ~個 is never used for counting people (use ~人, ~nin) or animals (use ~匹, ~hiki, or ~頭, ~tou, depending on size).
Asking 'how many?' with ~個
To ask 'how many items?', you use いくつ (ikutsu) or 何個 (nanko). For example, みかんはいくつありますか？ (Mikan wa ikutsu arimasu ka? - How many tangerines are there?) or ケーキは何個買いましたか？ (Keeki wa nanko kaimashita ka? - How many cakes did you buy?)
General purpose counter
If you're unsure which counter to use, ~個 is often a safe default for inanimate objects, especially if they are small or somewhat abstract (e.g., questions, problems). However, it's always better to learn the specific counter when possible.
Practice with examples
Try saying these:
りんごを2個ください。(Ringo o niko kudasai. - Please give me two apples.)
たまごが3個あります。(Tamago ga sanko arimasu. - There are three eggs.)
Beyond physical objects
Sometimes ~個 can be used for abstract concepts like 問題 (mondai - problems) or 質問 (shitsumon - questions). For example, 質問が5個あります。(Shitsumon ga goko arimasu. - I have five questions.)
Don't confuse with ~こ
While ~個 is pronounced 'ko', be careful not to confuse it with other counters or words that also end in 'ko' but have different meanings or uses.
Listen for it
Pay attention to how native speakers use ~個 in daily conversations, especially in shops or when talking about food. This will help you get a natural feel for its usage.
Origine du mot
From Middle Chinese 個 (kwo)
Sens originel : individual, item
Sino-TibetanContexte culturel
When counting small, round objects in Japan, ~個 is the go-to counter. It's a fundamental part of everyday Japanese, used for things like counting apples at the market or specifying how many pieces of mochi you want. While other counters exist for specific round items (e.g., ~玉 for balls), ~個 is widely applicable and generally understood.
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYou use ~個 to count small, round, or cubic items. Think of things like apples, eggs, erasers, or even ice cubes. It's a very versatile counter.
Not all small items. For instance, you wouldn't use it for small, flat things like sheets of paper (you'd use ~枚) or small, long things like pencils (you'd use ~本). It's primarily for items that are somewhat spherical or blocky.
Yes, absolutely! While it's often introduced as a counter for 'round' items, it's broadly used for many small, discrete objects. An eraser (消しゴム - keshigomu) isn't round, but you'd count it with ~個.
~つ is a general counter that can be used for many things, especially when you're unsure which specific counter to use. However, ~個 is more specific to small, round/cubic items and often sounds more natural in those contexts. For example, while you could say りんごを三つ (ringo o mittsu - three apples), りんごを三個 (ringo o sanko - three apples) is also common and perhaps a bit more precise when counting apples.
Use ~個 when counting objects that fit the description of being small and somewhat three-dimensional, like fruits, candies, or small packages. If it's flat, long, animal, or person, you'll need a different counter.
Yes, it does! This is a common feature of Japanese counters. For example:
1: 一個 (ikko)
2: 二個 (niko)
3: 三個 (sanko)
4: 四個 (yonko)
6: 六個 (rokko)
8: 八個 (hakko)
10: 十個 (jukko or jikko)
Pay attention to these sound changes, especially the geminated consonants (small っ).
A common mistake is using it for things that have more specific counters, like people (人 - nin), animals (匹 - hiki), or books (冊 - satsu). Always try to learn the most appropriate counter for an item, but if you're really stuck, ~つ can sometimes be a fallback.
No, ~個 is used for physical, tangible items. You wouldn't use it for concepts, ideas, or events.
~個 itself is neutral in terms of politeness. The politeness of your sentence will depend on the verbs and other grammatical structures you use around it.
You would use 何個 (nanko). For example, りんごを何個買いますか？ (Ringo o nanko kaimasu ka?) - 'How many apples will you buy?'
Teste-toi 144 questions
りんごを三 ___ ください。(Please give me three apples.)
個 (ko) is the counter for small, round items like apples.
たまごを二 ___ 買いました。(I bought two eggs.)
個 (ko) is used for counting eggs.
みかんが五 ___ あります。(There are five mandarins.)
個 (ko) is the correct counter for mandarins, which are small and round.
ケーキを一つ ___ 食べました。(I ate one piece of cake.)
Even though cake is not perfectly round, individual pieces are often counted with 個 (ko).
パンを三 ___ ください。(Please give me three bread rolls.)
Small bread rolls or individual pieces of bread are counted with 個 (ko).
おにぎりを二 ___ 食べました。(I ate two rice balls.)
おにぎり (rice balls) are small and round, so 個 (ko) is the appropriate counter.
Choose the correct counter for counting apples.
個 (ko) is used for small, round items like apples.
How do you say 'three eggs' using the correct counter?
三個 (sanko) is the correct way to count three small, round items like eggs.
Which sentence correctly uses the counter 個 (ko)?
パン (pan - bread) is often counted using 個 (ko) because it can be seen as a small, roundish item (e.g., a bun or a loaf). The other options use incorrect counters for dogs, books, and T-shirts.
個 (ko) can be used to count cars.
個 (ko) is for small, round items. Cars use a different counter (台 - dai).
You can use 個 (ko) to count oranges.
Oranges are small, round fruits, so 個 (ko) is the correct counter.
To say 'one apple', you would say 'りんご一つ' (ringo hitotsu).
While 一つ (hitotsu) is a general counter for one item, for apples, it's more common and specific to use りんご一個 (ringo ikko).
Listen for the number of apples requested.
Listen for the item being counted.
Listen for the number of mandarins eaten.
Read this aloud:
ケーキを一個ください。
Focus: いっこ (ikko)
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
パンは何個買いましたか。
Focus: なんこ (nanko)
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
ボールが五個あります。
Focus: ごこ (goko)
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
This means 'Please give me one apple.' The counter '一つ' (hitotsu) is used for a single item.
This means 'There are five eggs.' '五個' (goko) is used to count five small, round items.
This means 'I ate three tangerines.' '三個' (sanko) is used to count three small, round items.
りんごを３___買いました。(I bought 3 apples.)
〜こ is used for counting small, round items like apples.
たまごはいくつありますか？ (How many eggs are there?) ３___あります。 (There are 3 eggs.)
〜こ is the correct counter for eggs.
みかんを５___ください。(Please give me 5 mandarins.)
〜こ is used for counting small, round fruits like mandarins.
このケーキを２___食べたいです。(I want to eat 2 pieces of this cake.)
〜こ can also be used for pieces of cake if they are somewhat round or small portions.
おにぎりを４___作りました。(I made 4 rice balls.)
〜こ is the appropriate counter for rice balls.
チョコレートを１___だけください。(Please give me only one chocolate.)
〜こ is used for counting individual pieces of chocolate.
Choose the correct counter for 'two apples': りんごを ___ ください。
~個 is used for small, round items like apples. 二本 is for long, cylindrical items. 二枚 is for flat, thin items. 二人 is for people.
You want to buy three oranges. Which is correct? みかんを ___ 買いたいです。
~個 is used for small, round items such as oranges. 三匹 is for small animals. 三冊 is for books. 三杯 is for cups/bowls of liquids.
How do you say 'one egg' using the correct counter? たまご ___
~個 is the counter for small, round items like eggs. 一台 is for machines/vehicles. 一着 is for clothes. 一軒 is for houses.
You can use ~個 to count slices of pizza.
~個 is for small, round items. For slices of pizza, you would typically use 切れ (kire) or 枚 (mai).
When counting tomatoes, you should use the counter ~個.
Tomatoes are small and round, so ~個 is the correct counter to use.
If you want to say 'four cookies', you would say クッキーを四個.
Cookies are typically small and round, making ~個 an appropriate counter.
Listen for the number of apples.
Listen for how many eggs were bought.
Listen for the number of mandarins eaten.
Read this aloud:
みかんを２つください。
Focus: みかん
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
りんごを１個買いました。
Focus: １個 (いっこ)
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
ケーキを４つ食べました。
Focus: ４つ (よっつ)
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
You are at a fruit stand. You want to buy three apples. Write a sentence in Japanese telling the vendor you want three apples. Use the counter 個.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
りんごを三個ください。
Your friend asks how many oranges you bought. You bought five. Write a sentence in Japanese to tell them you bought five oranges. Use the counter 個.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
みかんを五個買いました。
You are making a recipe that requires two eggs. Write a sentence in Japanese saying you need two eggs. Use the counter 個.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
卵が二個必要です。
この人はパンをいくつ買いましたか？
Read this passage:
私はパンを三個買いました。そして、牛乳を一本買いました。卵はまだあります。
この人はパンをいくつ買いましたか？
パッセージに「パンを三個買いました」とあります。
パッセージに「パンを三個買いました」とあります。
Bさんはみかんをいくつ欲しがっていますか？
Read this passage:
A: すみません、みかんをいくつほしいですか？ B: みかんを四個ください。
Bさんはみかんをいくつ欲しがっていますか？
Bさんの返答に「みかんを四個ください」とあります。
Bさんの返答に「みかんを四個ください」とあります。
今、冷蔵庫に卵はいくつ残っていますか？
Read this passage:
冷蔵庫に卵が六個あります。今日の朝食に二個使いました。
今、冷蔵庫に卵はいくつ残っていますか？
最初は六個あり、二個使ったので、6-2=4個残っています。
最初は六個あり、二個使ったので、6-2=4個残っています。
The order is 'item' + 'を' + 'number + counter' + 'ください'.
The order is 'item' + 'を' + 'number + counter' + 'verb'.
The order is 'item' + 'が' + 'number + counter' + 'あります'.
りんごを３___ください。 (Please give me three apples.)
個 (ko) is the counter for small, round items like apples.
卵を６___買いました。 (I bought six eggs.)
個 (ko) is the counter for small, round items like eggs.
みかんが５___あります。 (There are five mandarins.)
個 (ko) is the counter for small, round items like mandarins.
ケーキを２___食べました。 (I ate two cakes.)
While cakes can also use 'slice' (切れ - kire) or 'whole' (ホール - hooru), 個 (ko) is a common general counter for individual cakes.
パンを１___買います。 (I will buy one bread roll.)
個 (ko) is used for small, individual bread items like rolls.
ここに３___のチョコレートがあります。 (There are three chocolates here.)
個 (ko) is suitable for counting individual chocolates.
You need to buy three apples. How would you ask for this in Japanese, using the correct counter for apples?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
りんごを三個ください。
You are at a bakery and want to buy two bagels. Write the Japanese phrase you would use.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
ベーグルを二個お願いします。
Your friend asks how many eggs you need. You need four. Write your response in Japanese.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
卵が四個必要です。
この状況で、みかんを五個買うためにどのように答えますか？
Read this passage:
お店で「みかんはいくつかご用意できますか？」と聞かれました。あなたはみかんを五個買いたいです。
この状況で、みかんを五個買うためにどのように答えますか？
「個」は小さい、丸いものを数えるのに使います。
「個」は小さい、丸いものを数えるのに使います。
あなたの返答として最も適切なのはどれですか？
Read this passage:
友達が「チョコレートをいくつ持っていますか？」と尋ねています。あなたは三つのチョコレートを持っています。
あなたの返答として最も適切なのはどれですか？
チョコレートは小さくて丸いものとして「個」で数えられます。
チョコレートは小さくて丸いものとして「個」で数えられます。
正しい返答を選んでください。
Read this passage:
スーパーでパンを選んでいます。店員に「このパンはいくつ要りますか？」と聞かれました。一つだけ買いたい場合、どう答えますか？
正しい返答を選んでください。
パンは形にもよりますが、ここでは「個」が適切です。
パンは形にもよりますが、ここでは「個」が適切です。
This sentence means 'Please give me 3 apples.' The counter 『個』 is used after the number when counting small, round items.
This means 'How many eggs are there?' 『いくつ』 is used to ask 'how many' for general items, but when replying, you'd use 『〜個』 for eggs.
This sentence means 'I ate 2 oranges.' Again, 『個』 is used to count the oranges.
このかごにりんごが三___あります。 (This basket has three apples.)
個 (ko) is the correct counter for small, round items like apples.
ケーキをあと二___ください。 (Please give me two more pieces of cake.)
個 (ko) can also be used for servings or pieces of food, like slices of cake.
ここに卵が何___ありますか。 (How many eggs are there here?)
個 (ko) is the standard counter for eggs, which are small and round.
その箱にみかんがいくつ___いますか。 (How many tangerines are in that box?)
個 (ko) is used for small, round fruits like tangerines.
ジェラートを一つ___お願いします。 (One scoop of gelato, please.)
個 (ko) can be used for scoops or individual servings of items like gelato.
お菓子を五___買いました。 (I bought five pieces of candy.)
個 (ko) is a versatile counter often used for small, individual items like pieces of candy.
Choose the correct counter for 'three apples'.
個 (ko) is used for small, round items like apples. 本 (hon) is for long, cylindrical items. 枚 (mai) is for thin, flat items. 匹 (hiki) is for small animals.
Which sentence correctly uses the counter for 'five eggs'?
個 (ko) is the appropriate counter for eggs. 五つ (itsutsu) is a general counter for five, but 五個 (goko) is more specific for round items. 台 (dai) is for machines/vehicles. 羽 (wa) is for birds.
If you buy 'two oranges', which phrase is correct?
個 (ko) is used for oranges as they are small, round items. 冊 (satsu) is for books. 足 (soku) is for pairs of footwear. 軒 (ken) is for houses.
You can use ~個 (ko) to count slices of cake.
No, ~個 (ko) is for small, round items. For slices of cake, you would typically use ~切れ (kire) meaning 'slice'.
When counting 'four small stones', you can use 四個 (yon ko).
Yes, small stones are typically round or irregularly shaped, making ~個 (ko) an appropriate counter for them.
You can use ~個 (ko) to count pencils.
No, pencils are long and thin. For pencils, you would use ~本 (hon).
Listen for the number of apples.
How many eggs were bought?
Count the oranges.
Read this aloud:
ケーキを１個食べました。
Focus: いっこ
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
この箱にボールが何個入っていますか？
Focus: なんこ
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
パンを３個お願いします。
Focus: さんこ
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
You are at a fruit stand. Write a short dialogue asking for three apples using the correct counter word. Include how you would say 'How much is it?'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
客: すみません、りんごを三つください。 店員: はい、かしこまりました。 客: いくらですか？
Imagine you are describing your breakfast. Write two sentences. One sentence should state you ate two eggs, and the other should mention you ate one orange. Use the appropriate counter word.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
朝食に卵を二個食べました。そして、オレンジを一つ食べました。
You are planning a small party and need to buy some items. Write a list of three different small, round items you need to buy and specify the quantity for each using the correct counter. For example: チョコレート (chocolate) を5個。
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
パーティーの準備で、トマトを六個、みかんを十個、そして小さいボールを三個買う必要があります。
佐藤さんは合計でいくつ果物を買いましたか？
Read this passage:
佐藤さんはスーパーで買い物をしています。かごには、りんごが四個と、オレンジが三個入っています。レジで「全部でいくらですか？」と尋ねました。
佐藤さんは合計でいくつ果物を買いましたか？
りんごが四個とオレンジが三個なので、合計で七個です。
りんごが四個とオレンジが三個なので、合計で七個です。
田中さんは週末に何をいくつ買いますか？
Read this passage:
田中さんは毎朝、ゆで卵を二個食べます。週末には、ケーキ屋で小さなシュークリームを三個買って家族と分けます。彼の食生活は健康的です。
田中さんは週末に何をいくつ買いますか？
週末に、ケーキ屋で小さなシュークリームを三個買って家族と分けると書かれています。
週末に、ケーキ屋で小さなシュークリームを三個買って家族と分けると書かれています。
「これ全部で三個です」は何を指していますか？
Read this passage:
友達の誕生日パーティーに招待されました。プレゼントとして、かわいい小さなぬいぐるみを三個買うことにしました。ラッピングをお願いするときに「これ全部で三個です」と伝えました。
「これ全部で三個です」は何を指していますか？
プレゼントとしてかわいい小さなぬいぐるみを三個買うことにし、ラッピングの際にその数を伝えています。
プレゼントとしてかわいい小さなぬいぐるみを三個買うことにし、ラッピングの際にその数を伝えています。
This sentence means 'Please give me 3 cakes.' The word '個' is used as a counter for small, round items.
This sentence means 'How many eggs are there?' '個' is the appropriate counter for eggs.
This sentence means 'I ate 2 apples.' '個' is the correct counter for apples.
パーティーのためにビールを六___買っておいたよ。 (I bought six ___ of beer for the party.)
ビール缶のような小さな丸いものを数える時は「個」を使います。
このケーキを五___に切り分けてください。 (Please cut this cake into five ___.)
ケーキを切り分けた小さな部分を数える時は「個」が適切です。
お土産にクッキーを三___もらいました。 (I received three ___ of cookies as a souvenir.)
クッキーのような比較的小さな塊を数えるのに「個」を使います。
ガチャポンで欲しかったキャラクターのキーホルダーを二___手に入れた。 (I got two ___ of the character keychains I wanted from the gashapon machine.)
キーホルダーのような小さくて立体的な物を数えるのに「個」が使われます。
冷蔵庫にプリンがまだあと四___残っているよ。 (There are still four ___ of pudding left in the fridge.)
プリンのように容器に入った小さな固形物を数えるのに「個」が適切です。
このパズルは全部で千___のピースでできている。 (This puzzle is made up of a total of one thousand ___ pieces.)
パズルのピースのような小さな形状のものを数えるのに「個」が使われます。
Choose the correct counter for 'How many apples do you want?'
個 (ko) is used for counting small, round objects like apples. いくつ is generally for counting objects up to around ten, and '何個' is more precise for an unknown quantity.
Select the most appropriate sentence when asking for two tickets to a movie.
Tickets are flat objects, so 枚 (mai) is the appropriate counter. While 個 (ko) can sometimes be used more generally, 枚 is more specific and natural here.
Which sentence correctly asks for 'three pieces of candy'?
個 (ko) is the correct counter for small, round items like individual pieces of candy.
You can use ~個 to count the number of books.
No, 冊 (satsu) is the counter for books.
If you are counting small, round stones, ~個 is a suitable counter.
~個 is specifically for small, round items, which includes small stones.
When asking for 'How many people?', you can use ~個.
No, for counting people, you would use 人 (nin) or, more casually, 人 (ri/futari) for one or two people.
この部屋には絵画が何___か飾られている。
絵画のような平面的なものには「枚」を使います。「個」は球形や立方体などの立体的なものに使われます。
冷蔵庫にケーキがまだ２___残っています。
ホールケーキのように塊になっているものや、切り分けられていない状態のケーキには「個」を使います。
お土産にクッキーを１０___買いました。
クッキーは通常、個々に包装されたり、数えられる単位として「個」が用いられます。
このパズルは全部で５００___のピースからできている。
パズルのピースは小さい立体的な断片と見なされ、「個」で数えるのが適切です。
彼はコレクションとして珍しい切手を何___も持っている。
切手は平面的な紙なので、「枚」を使って数えます。「個」は立体的なものを数える際に使われます。
あの店では、色々なデザインのピンバッジが１___から購入できる。
ピンバッジは小さいながらも立体的な形状を持つため、「個」で数えるのが適切です。
Choose the most appropriate counter for oranges.
個 is used for small, round items like oranges.
How would you count two apples in Japanese?
個 is the correct counter for apples.
Which of the following items would NOT typically be counted using 〜個?
鉛筆 (pencil) is long and thin, so it would use the counter 〜本 (hon). The others are small and round.
You can use 〜個 to count sheets of paper.
〜枚 (mai) is used for flat, thin items like sheets of paper.
〜個 is a versatile counter that can be used for many general items, not just small, round ones.
While specifically for small, round items, 個 is also a general counter that can be used for a wide variety of things when a more specific counter isn't known or necessary.
When counting human beings, 〜個 is the appropriate counter.
〜人 (nin) is the counter for people.
The bag contains three apples.
How many more eggs should I buy?
There were five small stones on the table.
Read this aloud:
ケーキを一切れください。
Focus: いっこ
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
みかんが何個かあります。
Focus: なんこ
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
ボールを二個持ってきてください。
Focus: にこ
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
You are at a fruit stand and want to buy five apples. Write a short dialogue (2-3 sentences) with the vendor.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
客: すみません、りんごを五個ください。 店員: はい、かしこまりました。
Describe a situation where you would need to use the counter '~個' for something other than fruit or eggs. Write two sentences.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
ビー玉をいくつか買いました。あの箱にはチョコレートが十個入っています。
Imagine you're baking a cake. Write a short note to a friend (2-3 sentences) asking them to buy specific ingredients that would use the counter '~個'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
ねえ、ケーキを焼きたいんだけど、卵を六個とレモンを二個買ってきてくれる？
この人は卵をいくつ買いましたか？
Read this passage:
先日、スーパーで特売の卵を見つけました。一パックに十個入っていて、とてもお得でした。家に帰ってから、それを使って美味しいオムライスを作りました。
この人は卵をいくつ買いましたか？
文章に「一パックに十個入っていて」とあります。
文章に「一パックに十個入っていて」とあります。
この文章から、彼が鞄に入れている物の数を数えるのに最も適切な助数詞は何ですか？
Read this passage:
彼はいつも鞄の中に飴をいくつか入れている。仕事中、疲れたときに一つずつ食べるのが習慣だ。その飴は小さな丸い形をしている。
この文章から、彼が鞄に入れている物の数を数えるのに最も適切な助数詞は何ですか？
飴は小さく丸い形をしているため、'~個'が最も適切です。
飴は小さく丸い形をしているため、'~個'が最も適切です。
この状況で「~個」を使って数えられているものは何と何ですか？
Read this passage:
子供たちが公園で遊んでいます。一人が持っている袋には、色とりどりのスーパーボールが八個入っています。もう一人は、自分で作った粘土の作品を三個見せてくれました。
この状況で「~個」を使って数えられているものは何と何ですか？
文章中に「スーパーボールが八個」と「粘土の作品を三個」と明記されています。
文章中に「スーパーボールが八個」と「粘土の作品を三個」と明記されています。
This sentence means 'There are 3 eggs left in the refrigerator.' The order follows a typical Japanese sentence structure: location, subject, quantity, verb.
This sentence means 'They took a few apples from the box.' The structure moves from the source ('from the box'), to the object ('apples'), to the quantity ('a few'), then the action ('took').
This sentence means 'I bought two cakes at that store.' The typical order is location, object, quantity, then the action.
/ 144 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
「〜個」is a fundamental counter for many common, individual items in Japanese.
- Japanese counter word
- Used for small, round items
- CEFR B1 level vocabulary
Basic use of ~個
Use ~個 when counting small, somewhat round objects. Think of it for things like apples, eggs, or even sweets.
Common items for ~個
You'll frequently hear ~個 with items like みかん (mikan - tangerines), りんご (ringo - apples), ケーキ (keeki - cakes), and たまご (tamago - eggs).
Numbers and ~個
The numbers combine with ~個. For example, 1個 (ikko - one item), 2個 (niko - two items), 3個 (sanko - three items). Watch out for irregular pronunciations like 1個.
Don't use for people or animals
While versatile, ~個 is never used for counting people (use ~人, ~nin) or animals (use ~匹, ~hiki, or ~頭, ~tou, depending on size).
Exemple
リンゴを三個買いました。
Contenu associé
Plus de mots sur food
少々
B1A little; a few.
〜ほど
B1About; approximately; degree.
~ほど
B1About, approximately; to the extent of ~.
豊富な
B1Abundant, rich in.
ふんだんに
B1Lavishly; abundantly; generously (e.g., using ingredients).
足す
B1To add (e.g., to a sum, to ingredients).
添加物
B1Additive.
〜てから
B1After doing ~.
~てから
B1After doing (an action).
熟成させる
B1To age; to mature (food).
