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A2 noun 11 min read

〜冊

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 〜冊 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 〜冊 in your Level:

At the A1 level, learners are introduced to the concept of counters as a fundamental part of Japanese grammar. For the word 〜冊 (satsu), the focus is primarily on learning the numbers 1 through 10. Students learn that they cannot simply use the number alone to count books; they must attach the counter. At this stage, the most important takeaway is the phonetic changes for 'one' (issatsu), 'eight' (hassatsu), and 'ten' (jissatsu). A1 learners use this word in very simple sentences like 'I have one book' or 'I bought two notebooks.' The goal is to recognize the kanji 冊 and understand that it is the 'book counter.' Teachers often use visual aids, showing the kanji's resemblance to books on a shelf to help students memorize it. The context is usually limited to personal belongings and school supplies.

At the A2 level, which is the current level for this word, learners expand their usage of 〜冊 (satsu) to more practical, everyday situations. This includes shopping at a bookstore, borrowing books from a library, and describing their reading habits. A2 students should be comfortable using the question word 'nan-satsu' (how many books) and integrating the counter into slightly more complex sentence structures involving particles like 'mo' (as many as) or 'shika' (only). For example, 'I read five books a month' or 'I only have one notebook.' At this level, the distinction between 'satsu' and other counters like 'mai' (flat objects) or 'hon' (long objects) becomes a key learning point to avoid common beginner mistakes. Learners also start to see 'satsu' used in basic written instructions, such as library rules or textbook exercises.

By the B1 level, learners are expected to use 〜冊 (satsu) fluently without hesitating on the phonetic changes. They begin to encounter the counter in more diverse contexts, such as business reports, academic bibliographies, and more detailed descriptions of collections. B1 learners should understand the difference between 'satsu' (physical volumes) and 'kan' (ordinal volumes in a series). They might use 'satsu' to discuss the volume of their study materials or to describe the contents of a bookstore in more detail. The usage extends to larger numbers (hundreds and thousands) and the integration of the counter into compound sentences. For instance, 'I have so many books that I need a new bookshelf.' At this level, the focus shifts from 'how to count' to 'how to use the count to provide specific information' in a conversation.

At the B2 level, 〜冊 (satsu) is used in more formal and professional settings. Learners encounter the word in news reports about publishing trends, literary reviews, and historical discussions about Japanese printing. They understand the nuance of using 'satsu' versus 'bu' (copies) in a professional printing or publishing context. B2 students can discuss the physical characteristics of books (e.g., 'a 500-page volume') and use the counter in complex grammatical constructions, such as passive or causative forms. For example, 'The author was asked to write three volumes.' They also become aware of the kanji's historical roots and its role in the broader system of Japanese measure words. The focus is on precision and using the counter to convey subtle differences in meaning in written and spoken discourse.

At the C1 level, the learner has a deep, intuitive grasp of 〜冊 (satsu) and its place in the Japanese language. They can appreciate the word's usage in classical literature or specialized academic fields like bibliography (shogaku). A C1 learner might encounter 'satsu' in discussions about rare book collecting, where the physical state of the 'satsu' is of paramount importance. They are also comfortable with related but rare counters used for specific types of bound materials from different historical periods. At this level, the learner can use the word in highly formal speeches or academic papers, ensuring that the count is integrated perfectly into the stylistic flow of the text. They also understand the metaphorical or idiomatic uses of the word in high-level literature, where 'a single volume' might represent a person's entire life's work.

At the C2 level, mastery of 〜冊 (satsu) is absolute. The learner uses the counter with the same ease and nuance as a highly educated native speaker. They can engage in complex debates about the future of 'satsu' in the digital age—whether an e-book can truly be counted as a 'satsu' or if the word is inextricably tied to physical paper. They understand the most obscure uses of the kanji in legal, historical, and technical documents. For a C2 learner, 'satsu' is not just a counter; it is a point of entry into the history of Japanese literacy and the evolution of the book as a cultural artifact. They can use the word in any register, from slang to the most refined honorific language, and can explain its nuances to others with precision and historical context.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

〜冊 in 30 Seconds

〜冊 (satsu) is the specific counter for bound items like books and magazines.
It is used after the number, following the pattern: Noun + Particle + Number + Satsu.
Pronunciation changes occur for 1 (issatsu), 8 (hassatsu), and 10 (jissatsu).
Do not confuse it with 'hon' (for cylinders) or 'mai' (for flat sheets).

The Japanese counter 〜冊 (satsu) is an essential grammatical tool used specifically for counting bound objects. If you are looking at something that has been stitched, glued, or stapled together along one edge to form a volume, you will almost certainly use this counter. This includes a wide variety of items such as hardcover books, paperbacks, magazines, notebooks, dictionaries, and even some types of pamphlets or bound reports. In the Japanese language, nouns do not change form to indicate plurality; instead, specific 'counter words' are appended to numbers to provide context for what is being quantified. Understanding satsu is a foundational step for any student reaching the A2 level, as it moves beyond the generic counters like tsu and into the realm of specific object categorization.

Visual Origin: The kanji for 冊 (satsu) is a pictograph representing ancient bamboo slats tied together with string. Before the invention of modern paper books, Japanese and Chinese texts were written on thin strips of wood or bamboo, which were then bound together to form a scroll or a 'book.' When you see the vertical lines in the kanji 冊, you are literally looking at the physical representation of those ancient pages.

図書館で本を三冊借りました。(Toshokan de hon o san-satsu karimashita.)
I borrowed three books from the library.

People use this counter in daily life more often than you might realize. Whether you are at a bookstore asking for a specific number of copies, at a school supply store buying notebooks for the new semester, or describing your reading habits to a friend, satsu is the required term. It provides a sense of 'volume' and 'completeness.' For instance, while a single sheet of paper is counted with mai, once those sheets are bound into a notebook, the counter immediately switches to satsu. This distinction is vital for clear communication in Japanese.

Common Bound Objects: 1. Novels (Shōsetsu)
2. Magazines (Zasshi)
3. Notebooks (Nōto)
4. Comic Books (Manga)
5. Textbooks (Kyōkasho)

In a cultural context, Japan has a deep-seated respect for physical media. Even in the age of digital tablets, the physical 'satsu' remains a standard unit of measurement for intellectual consumption. When a Japanese person says they read 'ten books a month' (tsuki ni jissatsu), it carries a weight of physical accomplishment. The counter is also used in business contexts when referring to ledgers, catalogs, or bound reports. It is not merely a number; it is a classification of the object's physical form and purpose as a repository of information.

このシリーズは全部で十冊あります。(Kono shirīzu wa zenbu de jissatsu arimasu.)
This series has ten volumes in total.

Register and Usage: The word is neutral and used across all levels of formality. From a child counting their picture books to a researcher listing their published volumes, 'satsu' remains the constant, unchanging standard for anything bound.

Using 〜冊 (satsu) correctly involves understanding the standard Japanese sentence structure for counters. Unlike English, where we say 'three books,' Japanese typically places the counter after the noun and the particle, or sometimes directly before the verb. The most common pattern for beginners is: [Noun] + [Particle] + [Number] + [Counter]. For example, 'I bought two books' becomes 'Hon o ni-satsu kaimashita.' This structure emphasizes the quantity as an adverbial phrase modifying the action of buying.

Basic Counting Table

1: 一冊 (issatsu) - Note the small 'tsu' and double 's' sound.
2: 二冊 (nisatsu)
3: 三冊 (sansatsu)
4: 四冊 (yonsatsu)
5: 五冊 (gosatsu)
6: 六冊 (rokusatsu)
7: 七冊 (nanasatsu / shichisatsu)
8: 八冊 (hassatsu) - Note the small 'tsu'.
9: 九冊 (kyūsatsu)
10: 十冊 (jissatsu / jussatsu) - Note the small 'tsu'.

鞄の中にノートが五冊入っています。(Kaban no naka ni nōto ga gosatsu haitte imasu.)
There are five notebooks in the bag.

When asking 'how many' bound objects there are, the question word is 何冊 (nan-satsu). This is used in questions like 'How many books did you read?' (Hon o nan-satsu yomimashita ka?). It is important to note that when using counters, the number and the counter act as a single unit. You cannot separate 'san' and 'satsu' if you are referring to three books. Furthermore, while you can technically use the generic counter 'tsu' for books in a pinch, it sounds very childish or uneducated once you have reached the A2 level of proficiency. Using 'satsu' demonstrates that you understand the physical properties of the item you are discussing.

In more advanced contexts, 'satsu' can be used with prefixes. For example, shosatsu refers to the first volume of a series, and shūsatsu refers to the final volume. However, for general daily conversation, the focus remains on the cardinal numbers. When dealing with large quantities, such as hundreds or thousands, the counter remains 'satsu.' 'One hundred books' is 'hyaku-satsu.' The pronunciation of 'satsu' itself does not change regardless of how large the number becomes, though the numbers themselves might have their own phonetic shifts (like 'sen' for 1000).

毎月、少なくとも一冊は本を読みます。(Maitsuki, sukunakutomo issatsu wa hon o yomimasu.)
Every month, I read at least one book.

Common Verbs used with 〜冊: 1. 買う (kau) - To buy
2. 読む (yomu) - To read
3. 書く (kaku) - To write (a book)
4. 借りる (kariru) - To borrow
5. 返す (kaesu) - To return

The counter 〜冊 (satsu) is ubiquitous in Japanese society, reflecting a culture that still highly values printed media. One of the most common places you will hear this word is in a hon-ya (bookstore). When you take a stack of manga to the register, the clerk will often count them out loud: 'Issatsu, nisatsu, sansatsu... goukei de sansatsu desu' (One, two, three... that's three books in total). They might also ask if you would like book covers for each volume: 'Zenbu no hon ni bukku kabā o okake shimasu ka?' using the counter to clarify the number of covers needed.

At the Library (Toshokan): Librarians use 'satsu' constantly. You will see signs indicating the maximum number of books you can borrow: 'Hitori jissatsu made kariraremasu' (One person can borrow up to ten books). When returning books, they will verify the count to ensure everything is accounted for.

すみません、この雑誌を二冊ください。(Sumimasen, kono zasshi o nisatsu kudasai.)
Excuse me, please give me two copies of this magazine.

In an educational setting, teachers frequently use 'satsu' when instructing students. 'Open your textbooks to page 50' might be preceded by 'Kyōkasho o issatsu dashite kudasai' (Please take out one textbook). During the start of the school year, students are often given a list of 'jissatsu no nōto' (ten notebooks) they need to purchase for various subjects. Even in university lectures, a professor might mention that their bibliography includes 'hyaku-satsu ijō no sankō bunken' (more than 100 reference books).

Another interesting place you encounter this word is in 'fukubukuro' (lucky bags) sold at New Year's. A bookstore might sell a lucky bag containing 'go-satsu no osusume hon' (five recommended books) for a fixed price. Similarly, in the world of online shopping (like Amazon Japan), your cart will summarize your items as 'shōhin san-satsu' if you are buying books. Even though the transaction is digital, the physical counter 'satsu' remains the dominant way to categorize the items.

この本棚には、およそ五百冊の本が入ります。(Kono hondana ni wa, oyoso gohyaku-satsu no hon ga hairimasu.)
This bookshelf holds approximately 500 books.

Everyday Situations: 1. Moving house: 'Hon o hyaku-satsu hako ni iremashita' (I put 100 books in boxes).
2. Cleaning: 'Iranai hon o jissatsu sutemashita' (I threw away 10 old books).
3. Gifting: 'Tanjōbi ni hon o issatsu moraimashita' (I received one book for my birthday).

One of the most frequent errors for English speakers learning Japanese is the confusion between the counter 〜冊 (satsu) and the noun 本 (hon). In English, 'hon' means 'book,' so many students naturally assume that 'hon' is also the counter for books. However, hon as a counter is actually used for long, cylindrical objects like pens, bottles, or umbrellas. Therefore, saying 'hon o san-bon' would mean 'three long objects of books,' which is grammatically incorrect and confusing. You must use satsu for anything bound.

The 'Satsu' vs. 'Hon' Trap

Incorrect: Hon o ni-hon kaimashita. (Sounds like you bought two book-shaped cylinders).
Correct: Hon o ni-satsu kaimashita. (You bought two bound volumes).

間違いやすい例：×ペンを三冊持っています。 (Incorrect: I have three bound volumes of pens.)
正解：○ペンを三本持っています。 (Correct: I have three pens.)

Another common mistake involves the counter 枚 (mai). Mai is used for thin, flat objects like sheets of paper, shirts, or plates. While a book is made of many sheets of paper, the moment they are bound together, you can no longer use mai. If you are at a print shop and you want to print one single page, you say 'ichi-mai.' If you want to print a 50-page bound booklet, you say 'issatsu.' Confusing these two can lead to misunderstandings about whether you are asking for a single sheet or a whole volume.

Finally, learners sometimes struggle with the word order. In English, we say 'five books.' In Japanese, students often try to say 'go-satsu hon,' which is a direct translation but sounds incomplete. While 'go-satsu no hon' is correct, the most natural way to express quantity in a sentence is 'Hon o go-satsu...' (Object + Particle + Counter). Placing the counter before the noun without the 'no' particle is a common syntax error that marks a speaker as a beginner. Practice the flow of [Noun] [Particle] [Number-Counter] to sound more like a native speaker.

×五冊本を買いました。 (Incorrect word order)
○本を五冊買いました。 (Correct, natural word order)

Summary of Errors: 1. Using 'hon' (counter for cylinders) instead of 'satsu'.
2. Using 'mai' (counter for flat sheets) for bound books.
3. Forgetting the phonetic changes for 1, 8, and 10.
4. Incorrect word order (Counter + Noun without 'no').

While 〜冊 (satsu) is the general counter for bound volumes, Japanese has several other counters that are more specific or used in different contexts. Understanding these alternatives will help you sound more precise and advanced. One such counter is 巻 (kan). While satsu counts individual physical books, kan is used for volumes in a series. For example, if you are talking about the fifth volume of a manga series, you would say 'go-kan.' If you have three physical copies of that fifth volume, you would have 'san-satsu.' This distinction is crucial for collectors and fans of long-running series.

Comparison: 冊 (satsu) vs. 巻 (kan)

冊 (satsu):: Counts physical units. 'I have 100 books on my shelf.'
巻 (kan):: Counts sequence in a series. 'I am reading the 3rd volume of Naruto.'

この漫画は全二十巻ですが、私はまだ三冊しか持っていません。(Kono manga wa zen nijukkan desu ga, watashi wa mada sansatsu shika motte imasen.)
This manga has 20 volumes in total, but I only own 3 physical books.

Another alternative is 部 (bu). This counter is used for copies of newspapers, pamphlets, or documents, especially in a business or distribution context. While a newspaper isn't 'bound' in the same way a book is, it is a collection of pages. If you are at a meeting and need to distribute 10 copies of a report, you might say 'jū-bu.' Using satsu in this context might imply the report is a thick, bound book, whereas bu is more about the 'copy' or 'set' of the document.

Lastly, for very thin things that are not bound, we return to 枚 (mai). It's important to remember that 'satsu' implies a spine or a binding. A single-page flyer is 'ichi-mai.' A two-page folded brochure is often still 'ichi-mai' or 'ni-mai.' But the moment you staple several pages together to make a booklet, you can transition to 'issatsu.' This shift reflects the physical transformation of the object from a loose sheet to a cohesive volume. In summary, use satsu for the physical book, kan for the series number, bu for copies of documents, and mai for loose pages.

資料を三十部コピーしてください。(Shiryō o sanjū-bu kopī shite kudasai.)
Please make 30 copies of the materials.

Quick Comparison Table

冊 (satsu): General books, notebooks.
巻 (kan): Volumes in a series (Manga vol. 1, 2...).
部 (bu): Copies of newspapers/reports.
枚 (mai): Single flat sheets of paper.
本 (hon): Long, thin cylinders (pens, bottles).

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

If you look at the kanji 冊, the vertical lines are the bamboo strips, and the horizontal line connecting them is the string that binds them together. It is one of the most literal pictographs in the Japanese language!

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈsæt.suː/

US /ˈsɑːt.suː/

The stress is even in Japanese (pitch accent), but in English loanword usage, it often falls on the first syllable.

Rhymes With

Katsu Matsu Natsu Tatsu Hatsu Batsu Gatsu Satsu (itself)

Common Errors

Saying 'ichisatsu' instead of 'issatsu'.
Saying 'hachisatsu' instead of 'hassatsu'.
Saying 'jūsatsu' instead of 'jissatsu'.
Pronouncing the 'u' too strongly (it should be nearly silent).
Forgetting the glottal stop (small tsu) in 1, 8, and 10.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The kanji is easy to recognize because it looks like its meaning.

Writing 3/5

The stroke order for 冊 can be slightly tricky for beginners.

Speaking 4/5

Phonetic changes for 1, 8, and 10 require consistent practice.

Listening 3/5

Recognizing 'issatsu' vs 'nisatsu' in fast speech takes time.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

本 (hon) 一 (ichi) 二 (ni) 三 (san) 何 (nan)

Learn Next

巻 (kan) 枚 (mai) 本 (hon - counter) 個 (ko)

Advanced

部 (bu) 葉 (yō) 帖 (jō) 典 (ten)

Grammar to Know

Counter placement

本を二冊読みました。 (Noun + Particle + Counter)

No particle

二冊の本があります。 (Counter + No + Noun)

Question word

何冊ありますか？ (Nan + Counter)

Phonetic changes

一冊 (Issatsu), 八冊 (Hassatsu), 十冊 (Jissatsu)

Emphasis with 'mo'

十冊も読みました！ (I read as many as ten books!)

Examples by Level

本を一冊持っています。

I have one book.

Uses 'issatsu' for one book.

ノートを二冊買いました。

I bought two notebooks.

Standard [Noun] o [Number-Counter] pattern.

三冊の本があります。

There are three books.

Uses the [Number-Counter] no [Noun] pattern.

鞄の中に本が四冊あります。

There are four books in the bag.

Location + ni + Noun + ga + Counter.

雑誌を五冊読みました。

I read five magazines.

Past tense 'yomimashita' with five items.

教科書を六冊持ってください。

Please carry six textbooks.

Request form 'motte kudasai'.

マンガを七冊借りました。

I borrowed seven manga.

Uses 'nanasatsu' for seven.

辞書を八冊使います。

I use eight dictionaries.

Uses 'hassatsu' (note the small tsu).

この本屋で本を三冊買いました。

I bought three books at this bookstore.

Specifying the location with 'de'.

図書館で何冊本を借りましたか。

How many books did you borrow from the library?

Using 'nan-satsu' for the question.

毎日、一冊はノートを使います。

Every day, I use at least one notebook.

The particle 'wa' adds emphasis to 'at least one'.

このシリーズは全部で十冊あります。

This series has ten volumes in total.

Uses 'jissatsu' for ten.

友達に古い本を二冊あげました。

I gave two old books to my friend.

Using 'agemashita' for giving.

テストのために教科書を三冊読みました。

I read three textbooks for the test.

Using 'no tame ni' for purpose.

机の上に本が一冊もありません。

There isn't even one book on the desk.

Counter + 'mo' + negative verb means 'not even one'.

一週間に何冊本を読みますか。

How many books do you read in a week?

Time period + ni + 'nan-satsu'.

引越しのために、本を百冊以上箱に入れました。

For the move, I put more than 100 books into boxes.

Uses 'ijō' to mean 'more than'.

彼は一ヶ月に十冊もの本を読み終えます。

He finishes reading as many as ten books in a month.

Counter + 'mono' emphasizes a large amount.

この図書館には、珍しい本が数千冊あります。

This library has several thousand rare books.

Uses 'sū-sen-satsu' for several thousand.

レポートを書くために、資料を五冊集めました。

I gathered five reference materials to write my report.

Using 'shiryō' (materials) with 'satsu'.

この辞書は二冊セットで売られています。

This dictionary is sold as a two-volume set.

Counter + 'setto' (set).

一冊ずつ丁寧に本を棚に並べました。

I lined up the books on the shelf one by one carefully.

Counter + 'zutsu' means 'one by one' or 'each'.

彼は自分の経験を一冊の本にまとめました。

He compiled his experiences into a single book.

Using 'matameta' (compiled/summarized).

どの本を二冊選んでも、千円になります。

No matter which two books you choose, it will be 1,000 yen.

Conditional 'te mo' structure.

その作家の新作は、発売初日に数万冊売れたそうです。

I heard that the author's new work sold tens of thousands of copies on its first day.

Using 'sū-man-satsu' and hearsay 'sō desu'.

出版業界では、年間で何億冊もの本が生産されています。

In the publishing industry, hundreds of millions of books are produced annually.

Passive voice 'seisan sarete imasu'.

この貴重な古書は、世界に数冊しか残っていません。

Only a few copies of this precious old book remain in the world.

Counter + 'shika' + negative for 'only a few'.

彼は生涯で、合計五十冊以上の著作を世に送り出した。

In his lifetime, he released a total of over fifty works to the world.

Formal 'yo ni okuridashita' expression.

限定版の画集が、一冊二十万円で取引されている。

A limited edition art book is being traded for 200,000 yen per volume.

Stating price per unit.

この百科事典は全三十冊から構成されています。

This encyclopedia consists of a total of thirty volumes.

Using 'kara kōsei sarete iru' (consists of).

寄付された本は、一冊一冊丁寧に検品されます。

Each and every donated book is carefully inspected.

Repetition 'issatsu issatsu' for emphasis.

電子書籍の普及により、紙の本を何冊も持ち歩く必要がなくなった。

With the spread of e-books, it's no longer necessary to carry around many paper books.

Expressing lack of necessity.

その古文書は、全十二冊の折本形式で保存されている。

The ancient document is preserved in a twelve-volume accordion-fold format.

Specific bibliographic term 'orihon keishiki'.

初版本が数冊、愛好家の間で高値で競り落とされた。

A few first-edition copies were auctioned off at high prices among enthusiasts.

Passive 'seriotosareta' (auctioned off).

彼は膨大な蔵書の中から、お目当ての一冊を瞬時に探し出した。

From his vast collection, he instantly found the one volume he was looking for.

Using 'bōdai na zōsho' (vast collection).

この論文を完成させるために、百冊近い文献を渉猟した。

To complete this thesis, I scoured nearly a hundred literary sources.

Literary verb 'shōryō suru' (to scour/search widely).

一冊の詩集が、一人の若者の人生を大きく変えることもある。

A single volume of poetry can sometimes greatly change a young person's life.

Abstract/philosophical usage.

その寺院には、国宝級の経典が数十冊安置されている。

Several dozen national-treasure-level Buddhist scriptures are enshrined in that temple.

Formal 'anchisarete iru' (enshrined).

校正段階で、一冊まるごと書き直すことになった。

At the proofreading stage, it was decided to rewrite the entire volume.

'Marugoto' meaning 'entirely/as a whole'.

目録には、未発見だった写本が三冊記載されている。

The catalog lists three previously undiscovered manuscripts.

Using 'kizaisarete iru' (listed/recorded).

書誌学的な観点から言えば、この一冊は活版印刷の黎明期を象徴している。

From a bibliographic perspective, this single volume symbolizes the dawn of movable type printing.

Highly academic 'shoshigakuteki' (bibliographic).

乱歩の著作を全冊読破するのは、並大抵の努力では不可能だ。

Reading every single volume of Ranpo's works is impossible with ordinary effort.

'Zen-satsu' (all volumes) and 'dokuha' (reading through).

この一冊に込められた思想は、数世紀を経ても色褪せることがない。

The thoughts contained within this single volume do not fade even after several centuries.

Metaphorical 'iroaseru koto ga nai'.

蔵書の整理を委託されたが、万冊単位の本を前に途方に暮れている。

I was entrusted with organizing the collection, but I am at a loss before tens of thousands of books.

'Man-satsu tan'i' (units of ten thousand books).

この稀覯本は、一冊一冊が歴史の証人とも言える存在である。

Each and every one of these rare books can be said to be a witness to history.

Honorific/Formal 'to mo ieru sonzai'.

編纂作業には、膨大な資料の中から精選された数冊が用いられた。

For the compilation work, a few volumes carefully selected from vast materials were used.

'Seisen sareta' (carefully selected).

一冊の本が持つ物理的な重みと、その精神的な影響力は必ずしも比例しない。

The physical weight of a book and its spiritual influence are not necessarily proportional.

Philosophical comparison.

この刊本は、同一の版木から刷られたものでも、一冊ごとに微妙な差異がある。

Even if these printed books were made from the same woodblock, there are subtle differences in each volume.

Technical 'kanpon' (printed book) and 'hangi' (woodblock).

Common Collocations

本を三冊

一冊ずつ

全十冊

ノート五冊

何冊か

雑誌を数冊

教科書を一冊

一冊の本

限定一冊

合計三冊

Common Phrases

本を何冊読みますか？

— How many books do you read? A standard question for hobbies.

一ヶ月に本を何冊読みますか？

一冊一冊丁寧に

— One by one, carefully. Often used regarding cleaning or organizing.

一冊一冊丁寧に拭きました。

最後の一冊

— The very last copy. Used in stores to indicate urgency.

これが最後の一冊です。

二冊で一組

— Two volumes making one set. Common for dictionaries.

この辞書は二冊で一組です。

お一人様三冊まで

— Limit of three books per person. Common at sales or libraries.

お一人様三冊まで借りられます。

数冊の雑誌

— A few magazines. Used for non-specific small quantities.

テーブルに数冊の雑誌がある。

一冊まるごと

— An entire book. Used when someone reads or copies a whole volume.

一冊まるごと暗記した。

貴重な一冊

— A precious volume. Used for rare or meaningful books.

これは私にとって貴重な一冊です。

書きかけの一冊

— A half-written volume. Used by writers or for diaries.

机に書きかけの一冊がある。

思い出の一冊

— A book full of memories. A common phrase in essays.

これが私の思い出の一冊です。

Often Confused With

〜冊 vs 本 (hon)

English speakers use 'hon' for books, but as a counter, it's for long things like pens.

〜冊 vs 枚 (mai)

Used for loose sheets of paper. Use 'satsu' once they are stapled or bound.

〜冊 vs 巻 (kan)

Used for volume numbers in a series (Vol. 1, Vol. 2). 'Satsu' is for the physical count.

Idioms & Expressions

"一冊の重み"

— The weight of a single book. Refers to the significance or the effort put into writing a book.

作家としての責任と、一冊の重みを感じる。

Formal/Literary

"万冊の書を読む"

— To read ten thousand books. An idiom meaning to be extremely well-read or scholarly.

万冊の書を読み、万里の道を行く。

Literary/Classic

"一冊にまとめる"

— To compile into one book. Often used for life stories or research results.

これまでの研究を一冊にまとめたい。

Neutral

"三冊一組"

— A set of three. Often used for trilogies in a physical sense.

この小説は三冊一組の構成です。

Neutral

"一冊の価値"

— The value of one book. Used to discuss the impact of literature.

一冊の価値は値段では決まらない。

Philosophical

"本を数冊携えて"

— Carrying a few books. A slightly formal way to describe someone traveling with reading material.

彼は本を数冊携えて旅に出た。

Literary

"一冊を捧げる"

— To dedicate a book. Used in the context of dedication pages.

この一冊を亡き父に捧げる。

Formal

"一冊の命"

— The life of a book. Refers to how long a book stays in print or remains relevant.

一冊の命を繋ぐために増刷が決まった。

Publishing

"最後の十冊"

— The final ten copies. Often used as a marketing hook.

在庫は最後の十冊となりました。

Business

"一冊入魂"

— Putting one's soul into one book. A play on 'isshin nyūkon' (one heart, whole soul).

一冊入魂で書き上げた力作です。

Enthusiastic

Easily Confused

〜冊 vs 本 (hon)

Because 'hon' means 'book' as a noun.

As a counter, 'hon' is for long cylinders (pens, bottles). 'Satsu' is for books.

ペンを二本、本を二冊買いました。

〜冊 vs 枚 (mai)

Both count paper-based items.

'Mai' is for single, flat sheets. 'Satsu' is for bound volumes with multiple pages.

紙を十枚綴じて、一冊のノートにしました。

〜冊 vs 個 (ko)

It's a generic counter for small objects.

Using 'ko' for books sounds very informal or incorrect. Always use 'satsu' for books.

消しゴムを一こ、本を一冊。

〜冊 vs 部 (bu)

Both count documents.

'Bu' is for 'copies' or 'sets' of documents (like newspapers). 'Satsu' is for 'volumes' (like books).

新聞を一部、雑誌を一冊。

〜冊 vs 巻 (kan)

Both relate to books.

'Kan' refers to the sequence (Volume 5). 'Satsu' refers to the physical quantity (5 books).

この漫画は五巻までありますが、私は三冊しか持っていません。

Sentence Patterns

[Noun] o [Number]satsu kudasai.

ノートを三冊ください。

[Noun] ga [Number]satsu arimasu.

本が一冊あります。

[Noun] o [Number]satsu yomimashita.

雑誌を二冊読みました。

Nan-satsu [Noun] o motte imasu ka?

何冊本を持っていますか？

[Number]satsu no [Noun] o matometa.

五冊の本をまとめた。

[Number]satsu-zutsu naraberu.

二冊ずつ並べる。

[Number]satsu ijō no [Noun].

百冊以上の蔵書。

[Number]satsu-me no [Noun].

三冊目の著作。

Word Family

Nouns

冊子 (sasshi) - Booklet

別冊 (bessatsu) - Separate volume/supplement

短冊 (tanzaku) - Small strip of paper

分冊 (bunsatsu) - Separate volume of a work

本 (hon) - Book

雑誌 (zasshi) - Magazine

辞書 (jisho) - Dictionary

教科書 (kyōkasho) - Textbook

図書館 (toshokan) - Library

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in educational, literary, and retail contexts.

Common Mistakes

Hon o ni-hon kaimashita. → Hon o ni-satsu kaimashita.
You used the counter for long cylinders (hon) instead of bound volumes (satsu).
Ichisatsu → Issatsu
You forgot the phonetic change for the number one.
Hachisatsu → Hassatsu
You forgot the phonetic change for the number eight.
Ni-satsu hon → Ni-satsu no hon / Hon o ni-satsu
You missed the particle 'no' between the counter and the noun, or used English word order.
Jūsatsu → Jissatsu / Jussatsu
You used the standard 'jū' instead of the modified 'jis-' or 'jus-' required for this counter.

Tips

Placement is Key

Remember the most natural word order: Noun + Particle + Number + Counter. 'Hon o ni-satsu kaimashita' sounds much better than 'Ni-satsu hon o kaimashita'.

Small Tsu Mastery

When saying 'issatsu,' 'hassatsu,' and 'jissatsu,' imagine a tiny pause before the 'sa' sound. It's like a speed bump for your tongue!

Kanji Clue

The kanji 冊 looks like books on a shelf. Use this visual to remember that it's the counter for books, not long things or flat things.

Spine Rule

If an item has a spine (glue, staples, or thread), use 'satsu.' If it doesn't, it's probably 'mai' (flat) or 'hon' (long).

Bookstore Practice

Next time you are in a Japanese bookstore, listen to the clerk. They will almost always say '...satsu desu' when giving you your total.

Satsu = Set

Think of 'satsu' as a 'set' of pages bound together. This helps distinguish it from 'mai,' which is just one page.

Stroke Order

The kanji 冊 has 5 strokes. Start with the left vertical, then the right vertical/hook, then the two middle verticals, and finish with the horizontal through the middle.

Question Word

Always use 'nan-satsu' (何冊) to ask 'how many.' It's much more specific and natural than 'ikutsu' for books.

Satsu vs Kan

If you have 3 copies of Volume 1 of a manga, you have 'san-satsu' (3 physical books) of 'dai-ikkan' (the 1st volume).

Label Your Books

Put a small sticky note on your books saying 'issatsu,' 'nisatsu,' etc. Seeing it every day will cement the counter in your mind.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine the kanji 冊 as four books standing on a shelf with a line holding them together. The sound 'satsu' sounds like 'suits you'—this book 'suits you' perfectly!

Visual Association

Picture a stack of books with a big staple through them. The binding is what makes it a 'satsu.' If the staple is gone, it's just 'mai' (sheets).

Word Web

Book Magazine Notebook Manga Dictionary Volume Binding Counter

Challenge

Go to your bookshelf and count every single item using the correct Japanese pronunciation (issatsu, nisatsu...). Don't forget the special ones for 1, 8, and 10!

Word Origin

The kanji 冊 (satsu) originated in ancient China as a pictograph. It depicts several bamboo or wooden slats (kanpaku) tied together with a cord.

Original meaning: A collection of bamboo slips used for writing; a volume.

Sino-Japanese (Kango).

Cultural Context

There are no major sensitivities, but be aware that using 'satsu' for digital files is still a point of linguistic evolution and might sound slightly odd to some older speakers.

In English, we simply use the word 'books' for everything. In Japanese, you must switch your brain to 'binding mode' to use 'satsu' correctly.

The 'Tale of Genji' was originally compiled in many 'satsu' (volumes). Japanese libraries often have a 'Jissatsu' (10-book) limit for borrowing. The 'Satsu' kanji appears in the word 'Tanzaku,' the strips of paper used during the Tanabata festival.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Bookstore

これを一冊ください。
全部で何冊ありますか？
最後の一冊です。
二冊セットで買います。

Library

五冊まで借りられます。
本を三冊返します。
何冊借りましたか？
一冊ずつバーコードを読みます。

School

ノートを二冊用意してください。
教科書を一冊出してください。
辞書を三冊使います。
宿題はノート一冊分です。

Moving/Cleaning

本を箱に十冊入れました。
古い雑誌を五冊捨てました。
本棚に百冊並べました。
一冊ずつ拭いてください。

Hobbies

一ヶ月に五冊読みます。
お気に入りの一冊です。
マンガを十冊買いました。
このシリーズは全三冊です。

Conversation Starters

"一ヶ月に本を何冊ぐらい読みますか？ (How many books do you read in a month?)"

"最近買った本の中で、おすすめの一冊はありますか？ (Among the books you bought recently, do you have a recommended one?)"

"家に本は何冊ぐらいありますか？ (Approximately how many books do you have at home?)"

"子供の頃、一番好きだった絵本を一冊教えてください。 (Please tell me one picture book you liked most as a child.)"

"もし無人島に一冊だけ本を持っていくなら、何を選びますか？ (If you could take only one book to a deserted island, what would you choose?)"

Journal Prompts

今日、本を何冊読みましたか？その内容を少し書いてみましょう。 (How many books did you read today? Write a bit about the content.)

今持っているノートを何冊か数えて、それぞれの使い道を説明してください。 (Count the notebooks you have and explain the use for each.)

本屋で三冊本を選ぶとしたら、どんなジャンルを選びますか？ (If you were to choose three books at a bookstore, what genres would you pick?)

自分の人生を変えた一冊について、詳しく書いてください。 (Write in detail about one book that changed your life.)

図書館で十冊本を借りるとしたら、どんな本を借りたいですか？ (If you were to borrow ten books from the library, what kind of books would you want?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, it is increasingly common to use 'satsu' for e-books in digital stores (e.g., '3-satsu kaimashita'). However, some people prefer 'shōhin' (items) or 'taitō' (titles). Using 'satsu' is generally accepted and understood.

These are the tricky ones! 1 is 'issatsu' (いっさつ), 8 is 'hassatsu' (はっさつ), and 10 is 'jissatsu' (じっさつ). They all use the small 'tsu' (っ) to create a double 's' sound.

For a single page or sheet, use 'mai' (枚). For the page number itself, use 'pēji' (ページ). 'Satsu' is only for the entire bound collection of pages.

You can, but it sounds very basic. Once you know 'satsu,' you should always use it for books to sound more natural and educated.

Magazines are bound items, so you definitely use 'satsu' for them. 'Zasshi o ni-satsu kaimashita' is correct.

For the number of a volume in a series (like Manga Vol. 1), use 'kan' (巻). For the physical number of books, use 'satsu' (冊).

You can say 'takusan no hon' or 'nan-satsu mo no hon.' Using 'nan-satsu mo' emphasizes the large quantity.

Traditionally, scrolls are counted with 'kan' (巻). 'Satsu' became the standard once books moved to the bound format.

Notebooks are bound, so use 'satsu.' 'Nōto o san-satsu kudasai' (Three notebooks, please).

No, it remains 'satsu.' 100 books is 'hyaku-satsu,' and 1000 books is 'sen-satsu.' Only 1, 8, and 10 have the 'small tsu' change.