Use the suffix '~sara' to count servings or plates of food.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Used as a counter for plates of food.
- Changes reading for numbers 1 and 2.
- Essential for ordering in restaurants.
使用パターン
基本的に数字と組み合わせて使います。「一皿（ひとさら）」「二皿（ふたさら）」「三皿（さんさら）」のように、数詞によって読み方が変わる点に注意が必要です。特に1と2は特殊な読み方をするため、習得が必要です。
類語との比較
「杯（はい）」は液体や小さめの容器に入ったものを数えるのに対し、「皿」は平らな食器に載った料理を数えます。また、「個」は単に形あるものを数える際に使われますが、「皿」を使うことで「料理が載っている」というニュアンスが明確に伝わります。
Examples
前菜を一皿ください。
everydayPlease give me one plate of appetizer.
この料理は二皿に分けて提供されます。
formalThis dish is served in two separate plates.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
追加で一皿
one more plate
Often Confused With
Used for liquids or items in a bowl or cup. 'Sara' is strictly for flat plates.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The counter 'sara' is used in both casual and formal settings. It is very common in food service environments. Ensure you use the specific readings for one and two to sound fluent.
Common Mistakes
Beginners often say 'ichi-sara' instead of 'hito-sara'. Always remember that numbers 1 and 2 have irregular readings in this context. Also, do not use it for liquids.
Tips
Master the irregular readings first
Focus on memorizing 'hitosara' and 'futasara' as they are the most common. The rest follow the standard number system, making them easier to learn.
Don't confuse with general counters
Using 'ko' is safe for general objects, but 'sara' specifically highlights the serving size. Use 'sara' to sound more natural when talking about food.
Portion sizes in Japan
In Japanese dining, dishes are often served in individual plates. Using the counter 'sara' reflects this cultural style of sharing or individual portions.
Word Origin
Derived from the noun 'sara' (plate). It evolved into a counter to quantify the number of plates served.
Cultural Context
The usage of 'sara' reflects the importance of presentation in Japanese cuisine. Each plate is treated as a distinct unit of the meal.
Memory Tip
Think of 'Sara' as a 'Serving'. Remember 'Hito-sara' (one serving) and 'Futa-sara' (two servings) like musical beats.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions「ひとさら」と読みます。数字の1は「いち」ですが、助数詞として付く場合は「ひとさら」となります。
「ふたさら」と読みます。こちらも特殊な読み方をするため、注意してください。
「さんさら」「よんさら」「ごさら」のように、数字の読み方にそのまま「さら」を付けます。
いいえ、平らな皿に載っている料理にのみ使います。ボウルに入ったスープなどは「杯」や「個」を使うのが一般的です。
Test Yourself
ステーキを___注文します。
「一皿」は「ひとさら」と読み、正しく数えるための形です。
Score: /1
Summary
Use the suffix '~sara' to count servings or plates of food.
- Used as a counter for plates of food.
- Changes reading for numbers 1 and 2.
- Essential for ordering in restaurants.
Master the irregular readings first
Focus on memorizing 'hitosara' and 'futasara' as they are the most common. The rest follow the standard number system, making them easier to learn.
Don't confuse with general counters
Using 'ko' is safe for general objects, but 'sara' specifically highlights the serving size. Use 'sara' to sound more natural when talking about food.
Portion sizes in Japan
In Japanese dining, dishes are often served in individual plates. Using the counter 'sara' reflects this cultural style of sharing or individual portions.
Examples
2 of 2前菜を一皿ください。
Please give me one plate of appetizer.
この料理は二皿に分けて提供されます。
This dish is served in two separate plates.
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B1About; approximately; degree.
~ほど
B1About, approximately; to the extent of ~.
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ふんだんに
B1Lavishly; abundantly; generously (e.g., using ingredients).
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B1To add (e.g., to a sum, to ingredients).
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B1After doing ~.
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B1After doing (an action).
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B1To age; to mature (food).
熟成した
B1Aged; matured.
