When you want to say "two" of something in Japanese, you'll often use ふたつ (futatsu). This is a very common way to count two items, especially when you don't need a specific counter. Imagine you're at a store and want two apples, or you're asking for two pieces of paper. You can simply use ふたつ.
It's a general counter, meaning it can be used for a wide variety of objects without needing to know a specific counter word for that item. For example, you can say りんごをふたつ (ringo o futatsu) for "two apples."
When counting general objects in Japanese, you often use specific counter words. For the number two, the counter word is 「ふたつ」 (futatsu). This is a versatile counter that you can use for many different types of items when you don't need a more specific counter. For example, if you're talking about two apples or two books, 「ふたつ」 works perfectly. It's an important word to know for everyday conversations.
§ Mistakes people make with ふたつ
§ Mistake 1: Using ふたつ for everything that's 'two'
- WRONG
- ふたつ人 (futatsu hito) - This is incorrect for 'two people'.
- CORRECT
- 二人 (futari) - This is the correct counter for 'two people'.
§ Mistake 2: Confusing ふたつ with 二つ (niko/futatsu)
- COMMON USAGE
- りんごをふたつください。(ringo o futatsu kudasai.) - Please give me two apples.
§ Mistake 3: Incorrect placement in a sentence
- WRONG
- くださいりんごをふたつ (kudasai ringo o futatsu)
- CORRECT
- りんごをふたつください。
ケーキをふたつ食べました。(Keeki o futatsu tabemashita.) - I ate two cakes.
§ Mistake 4: Not using ふたつ when a specific counter isn't needed
みかんがふたつあります。(Mikan ga futatsu arimasu.) - There are two mandarins.
§ Summary of avoiding mistakes
Understand that it's a general counter, not for everything that's 'two'. Be aware of specific counters for different categories (e.g., people, long objects). Place it correctly in your sentences, usually after the noun and before the verb (if applicable). Don't be afraid to use it for general objects when no specific counter applies.
Collocations courantes
Phrases Courantes
りんごをふたつください。
Please give me two apples.
この箱にはふたつ入っています。
There are two in this box.
ケーキをふたつ食べました。
I ate two cakes.
チケットはふたつ買いました。
I bought two tickets.
ふたつの選択肢があります。
There are two options.
コップをふたつ持ってきてください。
Please bring two glasses.
この部屋には椅子がふたつあります。
There are two chairs in this room.
ふたつとも美味しかったです。
Both were delicious.
質問がふたつあります。
I have two questions.
ふたつの言語を話せます。
I can speak two languages.
Comment l'utiliser
When counting two items that don't have a specific counter word, use ふたつ (futatsu). This is a versatile way to count two of many different things. For example, when you want to say “two apples”, you would say りんごふたつ (ringo futatsu).
A common mistake is trying to use the number に (ni) for counting objects without an appropriate counter. While に means 'two', it's usually paired with a counter word (e.g., にひき - nihiki for two small animals). ふたつ stands alone as the general counter for two items.
Mémorise-le
Moyen mnémotechnique
Think of a 'FUT'ball with 'ATSU' (like 'atsui' meaning hot) players, and there are TWO of them battling for the ball.
Association visuelle
Imagine two 'futons' (Japanese bedding) laid out on the floor. The word 'futatsu' sounds a bit like 'futon,' and you're seeing two of them.
Word Web
Défi
Go around your house and pick out two of various objects (e.g., two pens, two books, two cups). Say 'ふたつ' out loud each time you identify two of something. Try to use it in a simple sentence like 'ペンをふたつ。' (Two pens.)
Teste-toi 72 questions
Which of these means 'two' when counting general objects?
ふたつ (futatsu) is the general counter for two objects.
You want to buy two apples. Which word would you use?
ふたつ (futatsu) is used to count two general objects like apples.
Which sentence correctly uses ふたつ (futatsu)?
ふたつ (futatsu) is used with 'arimasu' for inanimate objects to say 'there are two'.
ふたつ (futatsu) is used to count two people.
ふたつ (futatsu) is for general objects, not people. For people, you would typically use ふたり (futari).
If you want to say 'two books', you can use ほんがふたつ (hon ga futatsu).
Books are general objects, so ふたつ (futatsu) can be used to count them.
ふたつ (futatsu) means 'four'.
ふたつ (futatsu) means 'two'. よっつ (yottsu) means 'four'.
This sentence means 'There are two apples.' In Japanese, the counter 'futatsu' (ふたつ) comes after the noun and particle 'ga' (が) and before the verb 'arimasu' (あります).
This sentence means 'I have two pens.' 'Watashi wa' (わたしは) means 'I' (topic particle). 'Pen o' (ペンを) means 'pen' (direct object particle). 'Futatsu' (ふたつ) means 'two'. 'Motteimasu' (もっています) means 'have'.
This sentence means 'Please give me two cakes.' 'Kēki o' (ケーキを) means 'cake' (direct object particle). 'Futatsu' (ふたつ) means 'two'. 'Kudasai' (ください) means 'please give'.
鉛筆が___あります。(There are two pencils.)
ふたつ is the general counter for two objects.
りんごを___ください。(Please give me two apples.)
ふたつ is used to count two individual items.
猫が___います。(There are two cats.)
ふたつ is used for counting two animals as well, though more specific counters exist.
パンを___買いました。(I bought two loaves of bread.)
ふたつ is a versatile counter for two objects.
駅まで___のバスに乗ります。(I'll take the second bus to the station.)
ふたつめ means 'the second one'.
ケーキを___に分けました。(I divided the cake into two.)
ふたつ is used to indicate 'into two parts'.
Listen for 'two apples, please.'
Listen for 'there are two of these.'
Listen for 'I ate two cakes.'
Read this aloud:
みかんをふたつください。
Focus: ふたつ (futatsu)
Tu as dit :
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Read this aloud:
卵がふたつあります。
Focus: ふたつ (futatsu)
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
プレゼントをふたつ買いました。
Focus: ふたつ (futatsu)
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
You need two apples. How would you ask for them in Japanese?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
りんごをふたつください。
Imagine you are counting objects. How would you say 'two' using the general counter?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
ふたつ。
You want two tickets. Write the Japanese phrase.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
チケットをふたつ。
What is person A asking for?
Read this passage:
A: すみません、パンをふたつください。 B: はい、ふたつですね。
What is person A asking for?
Person A uses 'ふたつ' (futatsu) with 'パン' (pan - bread) to ask for two breads. Person B confirms 'ふたつですね' (futatsu desu ne - two, right?).
Person A uses 'ふたつ' (futatsu) with 'パン' (pan - bread) to ask for two breads. Person B confirms 'ふたつですね' (futatsu desu ne - two, right?).
How many eggs did the speaker buy?
Read this passage:
私は卵をふたつ買いました。
How many eggs did the speaker buy?
The sentence '私は卵をふたつ買いました' translates to 'I bought two eggs.' 'ふたつ' means two.
The sentence '私は卵をふたつ買いました' translates to 'I bought two eggs.' 'ふたつ' means two.
How many pens are in the box?
Read this passage:
この箱にはペンがふたつあります。
How many pens are in the box?
'ペンがふたつあります' means 'there are two pens'.
'ペンがふたつあります' means 'there are two pens'.
Choose the correct way to say 'two apples'.
「ふたつ」is a general counter. When stating existence, you usually add 「あります」.
Which sentence correctly uses 'ふたつ'?
「ふたつ」is used for counting general objects. 「部屋」is a general object. The other options use counters for specific items or don't fit the context.
You want to order two cups of coffee. How would you say it?
「を」is the object particle. 「ふたつ」is the general counter. This phrase means 'Please give me two coffees.'
You can use 'ふたつ' to count two people.
「ふたり」is used to count two people. 「ふたつ」is for general objects.
The sentence 'ふたつ質問があります' (I have two questions) is grammatically correct.
「質問」is considered a general object, so 「ふたつ」is appropriate here.
If you are counting two long, cylindrical objects like pencils, 'ふたつ' is the most natural counter to use.
For long, cylindrical objects, 「二本（にほん）」is the appropriate counter.
You are at a stationery store. You want to buy two notebooks. Write a simple sentence asking for two notebooks in Japanese.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
ノートをふたつください。
Imagine you are describing your family. You have two brothers. Write a sentence stating this in Japanese.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
私は兄弟がふたりいます。
You are ordering food at a restaurant. You want two servings of tempura. Write a sentence to order this in Japanese.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
天ぷらをふたつお願いします。
この人は何をふたつ買いましたか？
Read this passage:
お店で買い物をしています。りんごをふたつ買いました。それから、パンもふたつ買いました。全部でいくらですか。
この人は何をふたつ買いましたか？
パッセージに「りんごをふたつ買いました。それから、パンもふたつ買いました。」と書かれています。
パッセージに「りんごをふたつ買いました。それから、パンもふたつ買いました。」と書かれています。
この人が今日する用事はいくつありますか？
Read this passage:
友達と話しています。今日、ふたつ用事があります。一つは銀行に行くこと、もう一つは友達の誕生日プレゼントを買うことです。忙しい一日になりそうです。
この人が今日する用事はいくつありますか？
パッセージに「今日、ふたつ用事があります。」と書かれています。
パッセージに「今日、ふたつ用事があります。」と書かれています。
この人たちは電車でどこまで行きましたか？
Read this passage:
週末、家族と旅行に行きました。電車でふたつ隣の駅まで行きました。そこからバスに乗って、きれいな海を見に行きました。
この人たちは電車でどこまで行きましたか？
パッセージに「電車でふたつ隣の駅まで行きました。」と書かれています。
パッセージに「電車でふたつ隣の駅まで行きました。」と書かれています。
Choose the correct way to say 'two apples'.
「ふたつ」is the general counter for objects. 「にこ」is for small, round objects, 「にひき」is for small animals, and 「にほん」is for long, cylindrical objects.
Which sentence correctly uses 'ふたつ' to count items?
「ふたつ」is used for counting general objects. While other options might seem plausible, 'パン' (bread) is a common item counted with 「ふたつ」when referring to individual loaves or pieces. For pens, '本' (ほん) is typically used. For dogs, '匹' (ひき) is used. For books, '冊' (さつ) is used.
You want to order two coffees. What is the most natural way to say it?
「ふたつ」is the most general and common counter for ordering items like coffee. 「にこ」is for small, round items. 「にほん」is for long, cylindrical items. 「にまい」is for thin, flat items.
It is always appropriate to use 'ふたつ' when counting any two items, regardless of their shape or type.
While 「ふたつ」is a general counter, Japanese has many specific counters for different types of objects (e.g., for long items, flat items, animals, etc.). Using the correct specific counter is often more natural and accurate.
When referring to a pair of shoes, you can use 'ふたつ'.
「ふたつ」can be used to refer to a pair of items, such as a pair of shoes, as it functions as a general counter for two units.
If you are counting two people, you can use 'ふたつ'.
「ふたつ」is for counting objects. For people, the counter 「二人」(ふたり) is used.
この部屋には窓が___あります。 (Kono heya ni wa mado ga ___ arimasu.)
The sentence means 'There are ___ windows in this room.' 'ふたつ' is the correct counter for two general objects.
___ペンを持っていますか？ (___ pen o motte imasu ka?)
The sentence asks 'Do you have ___ pens?' 'ふたつ' correctly means two.
テーブルの上にリンゴが___あります。 (Tēburu no ue ni ringo ga ___ arimasu.)
The sentence means 'There are ___ apples on the table.' 'ふたつ' is the appropriate counter for two apples.
彼は子どもが___います。 (Kare wa kodomo ga ___ imasu.)
The sentence means 'He has ___ children.' While 'ふたつ' means two for objects, 'ふたり' is used for two people. This question tests the distinction.
私はケーキを___食べました。 (Watashi wa kēki o ___ tabemashita.)
The sentence means 'I ate ___ cakes.' 'ふたつ' is the correct general counter for two cakes.
彼らは___意見を述べた。 (Karera wa ___ iken o nobeta.)
The sentence means 'They expressed ___ opinions.' 'ふたつ' can also be used for abstract concepts like opinions.
Imagine you're describing two unique traditional Japanese crafts you own. Write a short paragraph in Japanese, using 'ふたつ' (futatsu) at least once, detailing what they are and why they are special to you. Focus on clear and descriptive language.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
私は伝統工芸品をふたつ持っています。一つは美しい漆器の箱で、もう一つは繊細な組紐の飾りです。どちらも祖母からの贈り物で、私にとってとても特別です。
You are making plans for a small gathering. Write a short email in Japanese to a friend, explaining that you need 'ふたつ' (futatsu) specific items for the party. Clearly state what these two items are and briefly explain why they are needed.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
こんにちは、[友達の名前]さん。 来週のパーティーの件ですが、準備のためにふたつお願いしたいものがあります。一つは美味しいお菓子で、もう一つは飲み物です。みんなで楽しみたいので、協力してもらえると嬉しいです。
You are writing a review for a new Japanese restaurant. You want to highlight two specific dishes that were exceptional. Write a brief review in Japanese, using 'ふたつ' (futatsu) to refer to these two dishes, and describe what made them stand out.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
先日訪れた日本料理店では、特にふたつの料理が印象的でした。一つは新鮮な海の幸を使った握り寿司で、ネタの質と職人技が光っていました。もう一つは、上品な出汁の香りが素晴らしい茶碗蒸しで、心温まる味わいでした。
会議で出されたふたつの提案について、正しい説明はどれですか？
Read this passage:
先週の会議で、新しいプロジェクトについてふたつの重要な提案が出されました。一つはコスト削減のための抜本的な見直し案で、もう一つは市場拡大を目指すための革新的な戦略でした。どちらの提案も慎重に検討され、最終的には両方を組み合わせたハイブリッドなアプローチが採用されることになりました。
会議で出されたふたつの提案について、正しい説明はどれですか？
パッセージに「一つはコスト削減のための抜本的な見直し案で、もう一つは市場拡大を目指すための革新的な戦略でした」と明記されています。
パッセージに「一つはコスト削減のための抜本的な見直し案で、もう一つは市場拡大を目指すための革新的な戦略でした」と明記されています。
彼が旅行にふたつのリュックサックを持っていく理由は何ですか？
Read this passage:
彼はいつも旅行に行くとき、必ずふたつのリュックサックを持っていく。一つは衣類や日用品を入れるための大きなもので、もう一つはカメラや地図などの貴重品を入れるための小さなものだ。これにより、彼の旅はいつもスムーズで快適だ。
彼が旅行にふたつのリュックサックを持っていく理由は何ですか？
パッセージに「一つは衣類や日用品を入れるための大きなもので、もう一つはカメラや地図などの貴重品を入れるための小さなものだ。これにより、彼の旅はいつもスムーズで快適だ」と書かれています。
パッセージに「一つは衣類や日用品を入れるための大きなもので、もう一つはカメラや地図などの貴重品を入れるための小さなものだ。これにより、彼の旅はいつもスムーズで快適だ」と書かれています。
美術館に展示されているふたつの作品の共通点は何ですか？
Read this passage:
この美術館には、現代美術のふたつの重要な作品が展示されています。一つは、光と影のコントラストが印象的な抽象画で、もう一つは、廃棄物から作られた環境問題をテーマにした彫刻です。どちらの作品も来場者に強いメッセージを投げかけています。
美術館に展示されているふたつの作品の共通点は何ですか？
パッセージの最後に「どちらの作品も来場者に強いメッセージを投げかけています」とあります。
パッセージの最後に「どちらの作品も来場者に強いメッセージを投げかけています」とあります。
This sentence means 'They are considering two options.' 'ふたつ' (futatsu) functions as a general counter for two objects here.
This sentence means 'There were two agenda items at the meeting.' 'ふたつ' (futatsu) is used to count two items.
This sentence means 'She speaks two languages fluently.' 'ふたつ' (futatsu) is used to indicate two distinct languages.
Choose the correct way to say 'two apples' using ふたつ.
When counting general objects with ふたつ, the counter often follows the noun. が is a particle indicating the subject.
Which sentence correctly uses ふたつ to indicate having two of something?
が often marks the existence of something, and the counter ふたつ typically follows the noun it's counting. 'ペンをふたつ持っています' is also grammatically correct, meaning 'I have two pens,' but 'ペンがふたつあります' is a more direct statement of existence.
In which scenario would it be most appropriate to use ふたつ instead of a specific counter like 2個 (にこ)?
ふたつ is a general counter, suitable for when a specific counter isn't applicable or known, or for abstract items. For concrete items like small, round objects (個) or slices of bread (枚), specific counters are usually preferred. For people, 人 (にん) or 二人 (ふたり) is used.
ふたつ can be used to count two animals.
While specific counters for animals (匹/頭) exist, ふたつ can be used as a general counter for animals in a casual context, similar to how it's used for general objects.
When referring to 'two' in a sequence (e.g., 'the second one'), ふたつ is the most appropriate word to use.
For ordinal numbers like 'the second one,' 二番目 (にばんめ) is typically used. ふたつ refers to 'two items' rather than an order.
It is grammatically incorrect to use ふたつ without a particle following it when it modifies a noun directly.
While often used with particles, ふたつ can sometimes directly modify a noun in a more casual or specific construction, though other phrases like 'ふたつのX' are also common. However, the most common usage is for it to follow the noun as a counter phrase.
/ 72 correct
Perfect score!
Contenu associé
Ce mot dans d'autres langues
Grammaire lie
Plus de mots sur 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.
