Use 'satsu' as the standard counter for any bound item like books or magazines.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Used to count bound books and notebooks.
- Follows the number directly.
- Requires specific pronunciation changes for certain numbers.
Overview
- 1概要：「冊」は、製本された紙の束を数えるための標準的な単位です。日本語には数多くの助数詞がありますが、本や雑誌、ノート、手帳など、ページが綴じられているものには必ずこの「冊」を使います。2) 使用パターン：数字＋冊の形で使用します。ただし、1冊（いっさつ）、6冊（ろくさつ）、8冊（はっさつ）、10冊（じゅっさつ）など、数字の読み方によって発音が変化する点に注意が必要です。3) 一般的な文脈：図書館での貸し出し、書店での購入、学校での教科書の配布など、日常生活のあらゆる場面で登場します。特に「何冊（なんさつ）」と質問することで、相手が持っている本の数を確認する際にも頻繁に使われます。4) 類似語との比較：「枚（まい）」は紙1枚を数えますが、綴じられていない状態を指します。「部（ぶ）」は資料や書類、新聞などを数える際に使われ、本というよりは「配布物」としての性質が強い場合に用いられます。「冊」はあくまで「本」という物体そのものを指す場合に最も適した表現です。
Examples
本を1冊買いました。
everydayI bought one book.
図書館で5冊の本を借りました。
formalI borrowed five books at the library.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
何冊ですか？
How many books?
Often Confused With
Used for flat, thin objects like paper or plates. It does not imply binding.
Used for documents, newspapers, or copies of a publication. Often implies a set of papers.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The counter 'satsu' is used for bound items. It is neutral and used in both formal and informal speech. Beginners often struggle with the sound changes for 1, 6, 8, and 10, so practice those specifically.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use 'ko' or 'hon' instead of 'satsu'. Remember that 'satsu' is specific to books. Also, forgetting the small 'tsu' in 'issatsu' is a common pronunciation error.
Tips
Master the irregular sounds
Pay attention to 1, 6, 8, and 10. These numbers change the sound of the counter, such as 'issatsu' and 'hassatsu'.
Do not use for loose paper
If the paper is not bound, use 'mai'. 'Satsu' is strictly for books or notebooks.
Importance of counting in Japanese
Japanese culture uses specific counters for different shapes. Learning these makes your speech sound much more natural.
Word Origin
Derived from the kanji 冊, which depicts bamboo strips tied together to form a book. It has been used for centuries to count written records.
Cultural Context
In Japan, the precision of counters reflects the importance of categorizing objects by their physical properties. Using the correct counter is seen as a sign of language proficiency.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'satchel' full of books. Since you have a satchel (satsu) of books, use 'satsu' for books.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions「いっさつ」と読みます。数字の「いち」が「いっ」に変化します。
はい、ノートも製本されているため「冊」で数えます。例えば「ノートを2冊買いました」と言います。
「冊」は本の物理的な形状を強調し、「部」は資料や新聞などの配布物としての単位を強調します。一般的に本であれば「冊」を使うのが無難です。
本の数を聞くときに使います。「本を何冊持っていますか？」のように、数量を尋ねる際に非常に便利です。
Test Yourself
本を3___持っています。
本は製本されているため「冊」を使います。
Score: /1
Summary
Use 'satsu' as the standard counter for any bound item like books or magazines.
- Used to count bound books and notebooks.
- Follows the number directly.
- Requires specific pronunciation changes for certain numbers.
Master the irregular sounds
Pay attention to 1, 6, 8, and 10. These numbers change the sound of the counter, such as 'issatsu' and 'hassatsu'.
Do not use for loose paper
If the paper is not bound, use 'mai'. 'Satsu' is strictly for books or notebooks.
Importance of counting in Japanese
Japanese culture uses specific counters for different shapes. Learning these makes your speech sound much more natural.
Examples
2 of 2本を1冊買いました。
I bought one book.
図書館で5冊の本を借りました。
I borrowed five books at the library.
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This Word in Other Languages
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