Counting Machines & Gadgets: The ~台 (~dai) Counter
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use the suffix ~台 (~dai) to count mechanical objects like computers, cars, and appliances.
- Attach ~台 directly to the number: 一台 (~ichidai).
- Use it for anything with a motor or complex mechanical parts.
- Ask 'how many' using 何台 (~nandai)?
Overview
Japanese, much like many languages, employs classifiers—often called counters—when quantifying nouns. Unlike English, where you might say "three cats" or "two cars" directly, Japanese typically requires a specific counter suffix to be attached to a number, varying based on the inherent qualities of the object being counted. This linguistic phenomenon is rooted in an ancient system of classification that reflects how speakers historically perceived and categorized the world around them.
Among the diverse array of Japanese counters, ~台 (~だい) stands out as a remarkably consistent and frequently used classifier, particularly in our modern, technologically advanced society. It primarily quantifies machines, vehicles, and larger pieces of equipment, often those with a distinct, standalone functional unit. The kanji 台 itself, meaning 'stand' or 'pedestal,' provides a crucial insight into its historical application: it was originally used for items that rested on a stand or were large, sturdy objects.
This core concept has naturally extended to encompass the substantial, functional devices we encounter daily. Understanding ~台 offers not only practical utility but also a deeper appreciation for the subtle logic embedded within the Japanese counting system.
How This Grammar Works
~台 (~だい) functions as a suffix appended directly to a Japanese numerical value, forming a compound that specifies both quantity and the nature of the items being counted. Its application is guided by the fundamental principle of counting objects perceived as functional units, machines, or vehicles. This categorisation is less about the item's size (though many ~台 items are large) and more about its purpose: Does it perform a specific, often mechanical or electronic, task?台 might have counted palanquins (輿 こし), indicating a significant, functional 'unit' of transport. Today, this logic extends seamlessly to count a car (車 くるま), a computer (コンピューター こんぴゅーたー), or even a washing machine (洗濯機 せんたくき).~本 (~ほん) or ~匹 (~ひき), makes ~台 comparatively straightforward for learners.~台 is about recognizing an object as an integral, self-contained apparatus. You're not counting individual parts, but the entire functional assembly. For instance, a smartphone (スマホ すまほ or スマートフォン すまーとふぉん) is counted with ~台 because it's a complete, operational electronic device.充電器 じゅうでんき) would typically be counted with ~個 (~こ) as a general small item, as it serves as an accessory rather than a primary, standalone machine. This distinction is crucial for accurate usage and reflects how Japanese speakers mentally categorize items for quantification.Formation Pattern
~台 (~だい) is exceptionally regular, making it one of the more learner-friendly counters. You simply take the native Japanese number (or the Sino-Japanese reading for higher numbers) and attach ~台 directly. The primary variations occur with numbers like 4, 7, and 9, where specific readings are strongly preferred to avoid homophonic clashes or for reasons of euphony. There are no common onbin (sound changes) like ~p- or ~b- associated with ~台, which simplifies memorization.
~台:
台 | Reading (Romaji) | Example Meaning | Notes |
ichi-dai | One machine | Pitch accent: いちだい |
ni-dai | Two machines | Pitch accent: にだい |
san-dai | Three machines | Pitch accent: さんだい |
yon-dai | Four machines | Prefer yon over shi to avoid association with death (死). Pitch accent: よんだい |
go-dai | Five machines | Pitch accent: ごだい |
roku-dai | Six machines | Pitch accent: ろくだい |
nana-dai | Seven machines | Prefer nana over shichi for clarity. Pitch accent: ななだい |
hachi-dai | Eight machines | Pitch accent: はちだい |
kyū-dai | Nine machines | Pitch accent: きゅうだい |
jū-dai | Ten machines | Pitch accent: じゅうだい |
nan-dai | How many machines?| Note the n sound; nani changes to nan before d (and t, s, h). Pitch accent: なんだい |
~台. For example, 12台 would be jūni-dai (十二台), and 100台 would be hyaku-dai (百台). The consistency of ~台 makes it an excellent counter to learn early, as its rules are highly predictable.
Kaisha ni wa pasokon ga san-dai arimasu.
Atarashii kuruma o ichi-dai kaimashita.
Nan-dai no jitensha ga hitsuyō desu ka?
When To Use It
~台 (~だい) counter is primarily employed for quantifying machines, vehicles, and equipment that function as distinct, self-contained units. The underlying principle is that the object is typically a manufactured item designed to perform a specific task or provide transportation, often possessing internal mechanisms or requiring power to operate. This definition casts a wide net over many items integral to modern life.~台 means developing an intuition for what constitutes a 'functional apparatus' in Japanese thought.~台 is almost universally applied:- Vehicles: Any mode of transport that is a self-propelled or distinct unit. This includes personal vehicles, public transport, and even human-powered cycles.
- 車 (
kuruma- cars, automobiles): 車が 二台あります。
Kuruma ga ni-dai arimasu. (I have two cars.)- 自転車 (
jitensha- bicycles): 自転車を 一台 借りました。
Jitensha o ichi-dai karimashita. (I borrowed one bicycle.)- バイク (
baiku- motorcycles): バイクを 三台 修理しました。
Baiki o san-dai shūri shimashita. (I repaired three motorcycles.)- バス (
basu- buses): バスが 五台 止まっています。
Basu ga go-dai tomatte imasu. (Five buses are stopped.)- Electronics & Home Appliances: Most electronic devices and household machines that perform a specific function.
- パソコン (
pasokon- personal computers): 彼は パソコンを 二台 持っています。
Kare wa pasokon o ni-dai motte imasu. (He owns two personal computers.)- テレビ (
terebi- televisions): 家に テレビが 一台あります。
Ie ni terebi ga ichi-dai arimasu. (There is one television at home.)- 冷蔵庫 (
reizōko- refrigerators): 新しい 冷蔵庫を 一台 買いたい。
Atarashii reizōko o ichi-dai kaitai. (I want to buy one new refrigerator.)- 洗濯機 (
sentakuki- washing machines): 洗濯機は 何台ありますか？
Sentakuki wa nan-dai arimasu ka? (How many washing machines are there?)- スマホ (
sumaho- smartphones): 彼女は スマホを 三台 使っています。
Kanojo wa sumaho o san-dai tsukatte imasu. (She uses three smartphones.)- ゲーム機 (
gēmu-ki- game consoles): 息子は ゲーム機を 二台 欲しがっています。
Musuko wa gēmu-ki o ni-dai hoshigatte imasu. (My son wants two game consoles.)- Industrial & Office Equipment: Larger, functional machines found in workplaces.
- コピー機 (
kopī-ki- photocopiers): この 事務所には コピー機が 三台あります。
Kono jimusho ni wa kopī-ki ga san-dai arimasu. (There are three photocopiers in this office.)- 自動販売機 (
jidōhanbaiki- vending machines): 駅前に 自動販売機が 何台かあります。
Ekimae ni jidōhanbaiki ga nan-dai ka arimasu. (There are several vending machines in front of the station.)- クレーン車 (
kurēn-sha- crane trucks): 工事現場に クレーン車が 一台 停まっていた。
Kōji-genba ni kurēn-sha ga ichi-dai tomatte ita. (One crane truck was parked at the construction site.)- Certain Large Musical Instruments: Those that are substantial, often standalone, and possess complex internal mechanisms.
- ピアノ (
piano- pianos): 彼の 家には ピアノが 一台あります。
Kare no ie ni wa piano ga ichi-dai arimasu. (He has one piano at his house.)- オルガン (
orugan- organs): 教会には 大きな オルガンが 一台 置いてある。
Kyōkai ni wa ōkina orugan ga ichi-dai oite aru. (There is one large organ placed in the church.)- Some Large Furniture Items: This is a more nuanced category, typically reserved for furniture that is bulky, immovable, or has a significant
台(stand/base) component, sometimes with mechanical parts. - ベッド (
beddo- beds): 客室には ベッドが 二台 用意されています。
Kyaku-shitsu ni wa beddo ga ni-dai yōi sarete imasu. (Two beds are prepared in the guest room.)- マッサージチェア (
massāji-chea- massage chairs): 彼は マッサージチェアを 一台 買った。
Kare wa massāji-chea o ichi-dai katta. (He bought one massage chair.)~台 is highly likely to be the correct counter. This conceptual framework will guide you through many counting dilemmas.Common Mistakes
~台 (~だい) is a highly versatile counter, learners frequently make errors by over-generalizing its use or failing to distinguish between a functional unit and its components or accessories. Understanding these common pitfalls and the reasoning behind them is crucial for accurate and natural Japanese communication.- Confusing Functional Units with Accessories or Components: This is perhaps the most frequent error.
~台counts the main device, not the smaller parts that support it. - Incorrect:
パソコンのキーボードが一台壊れた。 - Correct:
パソコンのキーボードが一個壊れた。
Pasokon no kībōdo ga ikko kowareta.- Explanation: A keyboard (
キーボードきーぼーど) is a peripheral, an input device, not a standalone machine. It's best counted with~個(~こ), the general counter for small, discrete objects. Similarly, a mouse (マウスまうす) or USB drive (USBメモリゆーえすびーめもり) would be~個, not~台.
- Applying
~台to Simple, Non-Mechanical Items: Learners sometimes extend~台to objects that are vehicles but lack complex mechanisms or are too simple. - Incorrect:
スケートボードが一台ある。 - Correct:
スケートボードが一枚ある。
Sukētobōdo ga ichi-mai aru. (I have one skateboard.)- Explanation: A skateboard (
スケートボードすけーとぼーど) is essentially a flat board. While it facilitates movement, it isn't considered a complex machine or vehicle in the same way a bicycle or car is.~枚(~まい), for flat objects, or~個(~こ), for general small items, are more appropriate. This highlights the nuance:~台implies a certain level of engineered complexity or substantiality.
- Using
~台for Linear or Cylindrical Objects: Objects that are long and thin often fall under the~本(~ほん) counter. - Incorrect:
ケーブルを一台買った。 - Correct:
ケーブルを一本買った。
Kēburu o ippon katta. (I bought one cable.)- Explanation: Cables (
ケーブルけーぶる) are long, flexible objects. They fit the~本counter, not~台, regardless of whether they're for a machine. Similarly, batteries (電池でんち), if cylindrical, are~本; if block-shaped,~個.
- Confusing the Device with a Service or Account: When discussing digital services, the counter applies to the physical devices, not the access itself.
- Ambiguous:
Netflixのアカウントは何台まで見れますか？ - Better:
Netflixのアカウントは何台のデバイスで視聴できますか？
Netflix no akaunto wa nan-dai no debaisu de shichō dekimasu ka?- Explanation: While the initial phrasing might be understood, explicitly stating
デバイス(debaisu- device) clarifies that you're counting the physical machines (~台) capable of accessing the service, not the conceptualアカウント(akaunto- account) itself. This shows a more precise application of~台to the hardware.
- Overlooking Context with Robotics: For humanoid robots, the line between
~台and~人(~にん- people) or~体(~たい- general body/object) can blur depending on how much they are personified. - A
Roomba(robot vacuum cleaner) is unequivocally~台because it's a mechanical device. - A humanoid robot like
Peppermight be counted as~台(ロボットが一台) if viewed purely as a machine, but sometimes~体(ロボットが一体) to emphasize its physical form, or even~人(ロボットが一人) if intentionally personified, especially in science fiction or specific contexts where its social interaction is paramount. For A2 learners,~台is the safest default for any robot.
~台 with greater accuracy and confidence. Always ask: Is it a standalone, functional machine or vehicle? If not, another counter is likely more appropriate.Real Conversations
Understanding ~台 (~だい) in isolation is one thing; observing its use in everyday Japanese conversations reveals its practical importance. Here, we'll explore examples that reflect natural, modern usage, from casual exchanges to slightly more formal contexts.
1. Discussing Household Items and Electronics (Casual/Polite)
- Scenario: Two friends are chatting about moving into a new apartment.
- A: 新しい 家、冷蔵庫は 何台 置ける？
Atarashii ie, reizōko wa nan-dai okeru?
(New house, how many refrigerators can you fit?)
- B: 多分 一台だけかな。そんなに 広くないし。
Tabun ichi-dai dake kana. Sonna ni hirokunai shi.
(Probably just one. It's not that big.)
- Scenario: A family member asks about a new purchase.
- A: 昨日 新しい ゲーム機を 買ったんだって？
Kinō atarashii gēmu-ki o katta n' datte?
(I heard you bought a new game console yesterday?)
- B: うん、これで うちの ゲーム機、二台になったよ。
Un, kore de uchi no gēmu-ki, ni-dai ni natta yo.
(Yeah, now we have two game consoles at home.)
2. Professional or Business Contexts (Polite)
- Scenario: An office manager is checking inventory.
- A: 現在、使用可能なコピー機は何台ございますか？
Genzai, shiyō kanō na kopī-ki wa nan-dai gozaimasu ka?
(Currently, how many photocopiers are available for use?)
- B: 確認します。三台はすぐに使用できます。
Kakunin shimasu. San-dai wa sugu ni shiyō dekimasu.
(I'll check. Three units are immediately usable.)
- Scenario: A car dealership discussing stock.
- 今月、新型モデルの車が十台入荷する予定です。
Kongetsu, shingata moderu no kuruma ga jū-dai nyūka suru yotei desu.
(Ten units of the new model car are scheduled to arrive this month.)
3. Social Media & Online Communication (Often Casual)
- Twitter/X Post: 最近、家のWiFiルーターが調子 悪い。新しいの一台 買わなきゃなー。
Saikin, ie no WiFi rūtaru ga chōshi warui. Atarashii no ichi-dai kawanaきゃ nā.
(Recently, my home WiFi router has been acting up. Gotta buy a new one.)
- Online Forum Question: 皆さん、車は何台持ってますか？ 僕は一台だけだけど、不便に感じることもある。
Minasan, kuruma wa nan-dai motte imasu ka? Boku wa ichi-dai dake dakedo, fuben ni kanjiru koto mo aru.
(Everyone, how many cars do you have? I only have one, but sometimes I feel it's inconvenient.)
These examples illustrate that ~台 is seamlessly integrated into various levels of formality and communication channels. Pay attention to how it always quantifies a distinct, functional object, reinforcing the core conceptual understanding.
Quick FAQ
~台 (~だい), clarifying nuances and distinctions that learners often encounter.- Q: Can I use
~台for a drone (ドローンどろーん)? - A: Yes, almost always. A
ドローンis a remote-controlled flying machine, a clear example of a functional, engineered device. You would sayドローンが一台(dorōn ga ichi-dai). However, if it's a very large, commercial drone used for professional aerial photography or delivery, you might also hear~機(~き) which is for aircraft, but~台is perfectly acceptable and common for most consumer and even prosumer drones.
- Q: What about an electric guitar (
エレキギターえれきぎたー) or a digital camera (デジタルカメラでじたるかめら)? - A: For a
デジタルカメラ, yes, definitely~台. It's an electronic device with internal mechanisms. For anエレキギター, typically~本(~ほん) is used, as guitars (both acoustic and electric) are often perceived as long, slender objects. While an electric guitar has electronic components, its primary form factor as a 'long object' tends to take precedence in Japanese counting. This illustrates that sometimes the physical form can override the 'machine' aspect if the form is strongly associated with another counter.
- Q: Is a stove (
コンロこんろ or ガスコンロ がすこんろ) counted with~台? - A: Yes. A
コンロorガスコンロis a standalone kitchen appliance, a machine designed for cooking. You would sayコンロが一台(konro ga ichi-dai). This aligns with other home appliances like refrigerators and washing machines.
- Q: How do you count robot vacuum cleaners (
ロボット掃除機ろぼっとそうじき) like a Roomba? - A: Absolutely
~台. Aロボット掃除機is a quintessential example of a self-operating machine.ロボット掃除機が一台(robotto sōjiki ga ichi-dai). Even if it moves autonomously, it's categorized as a machine. As discussed earlier, only highly personified humanoid robots might occasionally use other counters.
- Q: What if I'm talking about public phones (
公衆電話こうしゅうでんわ)? - A: Yes,
~台is appropriate. A公衆電話is a fixed telecommunications device, a public machine for communication.駅の前に公衆電話が二台ある。(Eki no mae ni kōshū denwa ga ni-dai aru.) (There are two public phones in front of the station.)
- Q: What about counting trains (
電車でんしゃ)? - A: This is a good example of contrast. While trains are vehicles, the counter
~台is not typically used for an entire train or train cars. For individual train cars (車両 しゃりょう),~両(~りょう) is the specific counter. For an entire train set (編成 へんせい), you might say~編成(~へんせい). So, you would say電車が七両編成で来た。(Densha ga nana-ryō hensei de kita.) (The train came in a seven-car formation.) You might use~台for a toy train or a single model train, emphasizing its status as a small, contained item, but not for real-world full-size trains.
- Q: Why is
~台sometimes used for beds (ベッドべっど) but not a regular chair? - A: This relates to the historical meaning of
台as a 'stand' or 'pedestal' and its association with larger, more substantial pieces of furniture. A bed, being a large, often heavy, and relatively stationary piece of furniture, is conceptually aligned with this older usage. A regular椅子(いす - chair) is generally smaller, more easily moved, and lacks the 'pedestal' feel, so it's usually counted with~脚(~きゃく) for furniture with legs, or~個(~こ) generally. This illustrates how historical usage can still influence modern counter applications, especially for large, static objects.
~台 with increasing proficiency. When in doubt, mentally categorize the object based on its primary function and form.Contrast With Similar Patterns
~台 (~だい) is enhanced by contrasting it with other counters that might seem applicable at first glance but serve distinct purposes. These comparisons help solidify the unique domain of ~台.~台 vs. ~個 (~こ)~個: This is the most versatile and general counter in Japanese, used for small, discrete, often non-specialized items. It functions as a default when no other specific counter seems appropriate.- Distinction: While both can count individual items,
~台specifically highlights the object as a functional unit, machine, or vehicle.~個lacks this emphasis on mechanical purpose or substantiality. - Example: You count a computer (
パソコン) with~台because it's a complex machine. But you count a computer mouse (マウス), a USB stick (USBメモリ), or a single apple (リンゴりんご) with~個. The mouse and USB stick are components or accessories to a machine, not machines themselves. パソコンが一台(One computer)マウスが一個(One mouse)
~台 vs. ~本 (~ほん)~本: This counter is used for long, thin, cylindrical objects like pens, bottles, trees, or sometimes even trains (cars).- Distinction:
~台focuses on the functional aspect of a machine/vehicle, whereas~本focuses on the physical form (length and thinness). There's minimal overlap. - Example: A cable (
ケーブル) is long and thin, soケーブルが一本. A bicycle (自転車) is a vehicle, so自転車が一台. Even though a bicycle has some long parts, its identity as a vehicle takes precedence for~台.
~台 vs. ~枚 (~まい)~枚: This counter is used for flat, thin objects like sheets of paper, plates, shirts, or tickets.- Distinction:
~台counts three-dimensional, often substantial machines.~枚is strictly for two-dimensional or very thin objects. - Example: A skateboard (
スケートボード) is often counted with~枚because its primary characteristic is its flatness, despite being used for transport. A tablet computer (タブレットたぶれっと) is counted with~台because it's a functional electronic device, even though it is thin and rectangular. The~台usage here emphasizes its machine status over its flat form.
~台 vs. ~両 (~りょう)~両: This counter is specifically for train cars or railway carriages.- Distinction: While trains are undeniably vehicles, Japanese has a dedicated counter for their constituent cars.
~台is generally not used for real trains or train cars but can be used for other types of public transport like buses. - Example:
電車が五両編成だ。(Densha ga go-ryō hensei da.) (The train is a five-car formation.) You would sayバスが二台来た。(Basu ga ni-dai kita.) (Two buses came.) This shows a clear functional specialization within the category of 'vehicles'.
~台 vs. ~機 (~き)~機: This counter also means 'machine' and is used for aircraft (planes, helicopters) and sometimes very large, complex industrial machinery or heavy equipment.- Distinction: This is the closest conceptual sibling to
~台, and sometimes they are interchangeable for certain items. However,~機often carries a connotation of larger scale, professional use, or aviation.~台is more common for general consumer-grade machines and vehicles. - Example: A passenger airplane (
飛行機ひこうき) is counted with飛行機が一機(hikōki ga ikki). A personal drone (ドローン) could beドローンが一台, but a military drone might beドローンが一機. A consumer camera (カメラかめら) isカメラが一台, but a massive printing press (印刷機いんさつき) might be印刷機が一機to emphasize its industrial scale. For A2 learners, using~台for most
Counting Machines (~dai)
| Number | Counter | Reading |
|---|---|---|
|
1
|
一台
|
ichidai
|
|
2
|
二台
|
nidai
|
|
3
|
三台
|
sandai
|
|
4
|
四台
|
yondai
|
|
5
|
五台
|
godai
|
|
6
|
六台
|
rokudai
|
|
7
|
七台
|
nanadai
|
|
8
|
八台
|
hachidai
|
|
9
|
九台
|
kyūdai
|
|
10
|
十台
|
jūdai
|
Meanings
The counter ~台 (~dai) is used for mechanical devices, vehicles, and large appliances.
Vehicles
Cars, bicycles, motorcycles, and trains.
“車が一台あります。 (~kuruma ga ichidai arimasu.)”
“自転車を三台買いました。 (~jitensha o sandai kaimashita.)”
Electronics
Computers, TVs, refrigerators, and washing machines.
“テレビが二台あります。 (~terebi ga nidai arimasu.)”
“冷蔵庫を一台注文しました。 (~reizōko o ichidai chūmon shimashita.)”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
Number + 台
|
一台あります
|
|
Negative
|
Number + 台 + はありません
|
二台はありません
|
|
Question
|
何台 + ですか
|
何台ですか？
|
|
Short Answer
|
Number + 台
|
三台です
|
|
Variation
|
何台か
|
何台かあります
|
|
Emphasis
|
何台も
|
何台も買いました
|
Formality Spectrum
コンピューターを二台所有しております。 (Talking about tech)
コンピューターを二台持っています。 (Talking about tech)
PC二台あるよ。 (Talking about tech)
PC二台持ち！ (Talking about tech)
When to use ~台
Vehicles
- 車 car
- 自転車 bicycle
Electronics
- パソコン computer
- テレビ TV
Examples by Level
パソコンが二台あります。
There are two computers.
車が一台です。
It is one car.
何台ですか？
How many machines?
テレビが三台。
Three TVs.
自転車を二台持っています。
I have two bicycles.
冷蔵庫は何台必要ですか？
How many refrigerators do you need?
バイクが四台あります。
There are four motorcycles.
洗濯機を一台買いました。
I bought one washing machine.
この会社にはコンピューターが五十台あります。
This company has 50 computers.
新しい車を一台注文しました。
I ordered one new car.
この工場では機械を何台使いますか？
How many machines do you use in this factory?
エアコンが六台壊れています。
Six air conditioners are broken.
最新のサーバーを十台導入する予定です。
We plan to install ten of the latest servers.
この駐車場には車が百台入ります。
This parking lot holds 100 cars.
何台のロボットが稼働していますか？
How many robots are operating?
電子レンジを二台処分しました。
I disposed of two microwaves.
この施設には医療機器が数百台設置されています。
Hundreds of medical devices are installed in this facility.
自動運転車を何台試験走行させますか？
How many self-driving cars will you test-drive?
このプロジェクトには高性能なPCが二十台必要です。
This project requires 20 high-performance PCs.
古い印刷機を何台か廃棄しました。
I discarded several old printing machines.
当該システムには、計千台のセンサーが統合されています。
A total of 1,000 sensors are integrated into the system.
何台の車両がこのトンネルを通過したか記録してください。
Please record how many vehicles passed through this tunnel.
この生産ラインには、ロボットアームが八台配置されています。
Eight robotic arms are positioned on this production line.
何台ものカメラが設置されており、監視体制は万全です。
Many cameras are installed, and the surveillance system is perfect.
Easily Confused
Both are used for objects, but ~台 is for machines and ~個 is for small/generic items.
Both can count things, but ~つ is generic and ~台 is specific.
Both are counters, but ~枚 is for flat things.
Common Mistakes
車を一つ
車を一台
パソコンが四つ
パソコンが四台
何つですか
何台ですか
一台車
車一台
八つ台
八台
四台 (shidai)
四台 (yondai)
一台の車
車一台
ロボットを一個
ロボットを一台
自転車を一人
自転車を一台
冷蔵庫を一枚
冷蔵庫を一台
機械を何個か
機械を何台か
Sentence Patterns
___が___台あります。
___を___台買いました。
何台の___がありますか？
___は___台だけです。
Real World Usage
冷蔵庫を二台運びます。
PCを何台使っていますか？
車を一台買いたいです。
洗濯機が五台あります。
プリンターを三台設置しました。
新しい車一台ゲット！
Check for a motor
Don't use ~つ
Remember 4 and 8
Be precise
Smart Tips
Always think 'motor or screen'.
Use 'nandai' for machines.
Bicycles count as machines.
Appliances are machines.
Pronunciation
Phonetic shifts
Numbers 1, 6, 8, and 10 have special sounds.
Question intonation
何台ですか↑
Rising pitch at the end for questions.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Dai sounds like 'die'—if your machine dies, you need to count how many 'dai' you have left!
Visual Association
Imagine a giant robot holding a number sign. Every time he picks up a machine, he shouts the number followed by 'DAI!'
Rhyme
For machines that you buy, always count them with DAI.
Story
Ken went to the store. He saw one car (ichidai). He saw two computers (nidai). He asked the clerk, 'How many (nandai) do you have?'
Word Web
Challenge
Look around your room and count every electronic device you see using ~台.
Cultural Notes
Japanese culture values precision in counting. Using the wrong counter can make you sound like a child.
The kanji 台 originally referred to a platform or stand, which evolved to represent the heavy objects placed on such stands.
Conversation Starters
家にテレビは何台ありますか？
車を何台持っていますか？
このオフィスにはPCが何台ありますか？
将来、何台のロボットが家に欲しいですか？
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
車が三___あります。
四台
Find and fix the mistake:
パソコンを二つ買いました。
Arrange the words in the correct order:
All words placed
Click words above to build the sentence
How many computers?
Answer starts with: 何台で...
A: 車は何台ありますか？ B: ___
I have two TVs.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercises車が三___あります。
四台
Find and fix the mistake:
パソコンを二つ買いました。
一台 / 車 / あります / が
How many computers?
A: 車は何台ありますか？ B: ___
I have two TVs.
Car
Score: /8
Practice Bank
12 exercisesPlease send one taxi. タクシーを ___ お願いします。 (Takushii o ___ onegaishimasu.)
How many TVs do you have? テレビが ___ ありますか？ (Terebi ga ___ arimasu ka?)
You want to count 4 mobile phones.
Which of these would you count with ~台 (dai)?
ベッドが二つあります。(Beddo ga futatsu arimasu.)
車が四台 (shi-dai) あります。
car / one / bought / I
I have five cameras.
バスが三台通りました (Basu ga san-dai toorimashita)
Match these items
七台
There isn't a single car. 車 ___ 一台 ___ ありません。 (Kuruma ___ ichi-dai ___ arimasen.)
Score: /12
FAQ (8)
Yes, smartphones are counted with ~台 because they are electronic devices.
If they are mechanical toys, yes. Otherwise, use ~個.
It is a phonetic rule to make it easier to say.
Yes, bicycles are considered mechanical.
Use ~つ as a last resort, but try to learn the specific one.
It is neutral and used in all registers.
Pianos are large and complex, so they use ~台.
Some very small electronic parts might use ~個, but ~台 is the standard.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
台 (tái)
Usage is almost identical.
units
Japanese requires a specific counter suffix.
Stück
No mechanical classifier.
unités
No mechanical classifier.
unidades
No mechanical classifier.
وحدات
No mechanical classifier.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Related Videos
How to Count (Almost) Anything in Japanese | Japanese Counter Words
Max's Japanese
【JLPT N5】How to Count Numbers - Counter | Learn Japanese for beginners
Ninjapanese
Japanese counters: 3 simple rules make them easy! Lesson 71
Organic Japanese with Cure Dolly
Related Grammar Rules
Days of the Week: The 7 Elements (Yōbi)
Overview Japanese days of the week, collectively known as `yōbi` {曜日|ようび}, offer a uniquely structured approach to...
Counting Books in Japanese (～冊 satsu)
Overview In Japanese, when you count objects, you don't simply attach a number to a noun as you might in English. Instea...
Counting Cups & Drinks: ～杯 (hai)
Overview In Japanese, quantifying objects necessitates the use of specific **counters** (助数詞, _josūshi_), which serve...
Counting Animals (hiki vs. tou)
Overview Japanese, like many East Asian languages, frequently employs **counters** (助数詞 | じょすうし | josūshi) when...
Japanese Relative Time: Today, Yesterday, Tomorrow (今日, 昨日, 明日)
Overview Japanese communication frequently navigates temporal contexts using **deictic expressions**, which are words wh...
