Use 'mai' whenever you are counting items that are flat, thin, or sheet-like.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Used for counting flat and thin objects.
- Essential counter for paper, plates, and clothing.
- Follows specific phonetic rules for numbers.
Overview
- 1概要：「枚」は、日本語の助数詞の中でも非常に使用頻度が高い言葉です。主に平らで薄い形状を持つ物体を数える際に使用されます。日本語では、対象物の形や性質によって助数詞が変わるため、この「枚」を正しく使えるようになることは、自然な日本語を話すための第一歩です。2) 使用パターン：数字の後に「枚」を付けて使用します。ただし、1枚（いちまい）、2枚（にまい）と数えますが、10枚を超えると「じゅうまい」となります。また、数字が「一（いっ）」「六（ろっ）」「八（はっ）」「十（じゅう／じゅっ）」と変化する点に注意が必要です。3) 一般的な文脈：オフィスでのコピー用紙、レストランでの皿、衣類（Tシャツやタオル）、切手、写真などを数える際に日常的に登場します。「この書類を3枚コピーしてください」や「皿を2枚洗う」といった具体的な動作の中で使われます。4) 似た言葉との比較：立体的なものを数える「個（こ）」や、本やノートなど綴じられたものを数える「冊（さつ）」、長いものを数える「本（ほん）」とは明確に区別されます。「枚」はあくまで「平らで薄いもの」という視覚的特徴が重要です。
Examples
紙を2枚ください。
everydayPlease give me two sheets of paper.
この書類は全部で5枚あります。
formalThere are 5 sheets of this document in total.
写真を何枚撮ったの？
informalHow many photos did you take?
実験のためにガラス板を10枚用意した。
academicI prepared 10 glass plates for the experiment.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
何枚ですか？
How many sheets?
もう1枚
one more sheet
Often Confused With
Used for general, three-dimensional objects. If the object isn't flat, use 'ko' instead of 'mai'.
Specifically for bound volumes like books or magazines. Even if it is flat, if it is bound, use 'satsu'.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The counter 'mai' is used for flat, thin objects. It is neutral in register and used in both formal and informal contexts. Always ensure the object is not a bound volume or a long, cylindrical item.
Common Mistakes
Beginners often use 'ko' for everything. Remember that 'mai' is specific to shape. Also, watch out for the pronunciation of 1, 6, and 8 when combined with 'mai'.
Tips
Visualizing flat objects
Think of anything that can be folded or stacked easily. If it fits this category, you likely need 'mai'.
Watch out for phonetic changes
Numbers like 1 (ippai), 6 (roppai), and 8 (happai) have slight sound changes. Practice these specifically to sound more natural.
The importance of counters
Japanese culture values precision in categorization. Using the correct counter shows respect for the object's form and function.
Word Origin
The kanji '枚' represents a piece of wood or board. It evolved to refer to any thin, flat object.
Cultural Context
In Japan, counters are deeply ingrained in the language to reflect the shape and nature of objects. Mastering 'mai' is a sign of fluency.
Memory Tip
Imagine a stack of 'my' papers (mai-papers) on your desk. Each sheet is flat and thin.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions紙や皿、布製品など、平らで薄いものに使います。立体的なものや厚みのあるものには使いません。
いちまい、にまい、さんまい、よんまい、ごまい、ろくまい、ななまい、はちまい、きゅうまい、じゅうまいと読みます。発音の変化に注意してください。
例えば「畳」は「畳（じょう）」と数えます。また、本やノートは平らですが、「冊」を使います。
はい、正しいです。「何枚（なんまい）」は、枚数を尋ねる際によく使われる非常に便利な表現です。
Test Yourself
紙を3___ください。
紙は平らで薄いものなので「枚」を使います。
Score: /1
Summary
Use 'mai' whenever you are counting items that are flat, thin, or sheet-like.
- Used for counting flat and thin objects.
- Essential counter for paper, plates, and clothing.
- Follows specific phonetic rules for numbers.
Visualizing flat objects
Think of anything that can be folded or stacked easily. If it fits this category, you likely need 'mai'.
Watch out for phonetic changes
Numbers like 1 (ippai), 6 (roppai), and 8 (happai) have slight sound changes. Practice these specifically to sound more natural.
The importance of counters
Japanese culture values precision in categorization. Using the correct counter shows respect for the object's form and function.
Examples
4 of 4紙を2枚ください。
Please give me two sheets of paper.
この書類は全部で5枚あります。
There are 5 sheets of this document in total.
写真を何枚撮ったの？
How many photos did you take?
実験のためにガラス板を10枚用意した。
I prepared 10 glass plates for the experiment.
Related Content
Related Grammar Rules
More general words
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.
ごろ
A2About, approximately (time).
うえ
A2At a higher position than.
絶対
B1Absolutely; definitely; never.
絶対に
B1Absolutely; definitely.
