Dicas

Basic use of 羽

羽 (wa) is a counter specifically for birds, rabbits, and sometimes even flying insects. It's crucial to use the correct counter when talking about these animals in Japanese.

Pronunciation changes

The pronunciation of 羽 changes depending on the preceding number. For example, 一羽 (ichiwa - one bird), 二羽 (niwa - two birds), and 三羽 (sanba - three birds). Pay attention to these sound changes.

Rabbits and 羽

It might seem strange, but rabbits are counted with 羽. This is believed to be because in the past, rabbits were sometimes counted as birds for religious reasons, or because their ears look like wings. So, remember that for rabbits, you use 羽.

Example for birds

庭に鳥が三羽います。 (Niwa ni tori ga sanba imasu.) = There are three birds in the garden.

Example for rabbits

うさぎが一羽います。 (Usagi ga ichiwa imasu.) = There is one rabbit.

Focus on common usage

While 羽 can technically be used for flying insects, in everyday conversation, you'll most commonly hear it for birds and rabbits. Master those first.

Review numbers with counters

Counters are always paired with numbers. Make sure you're comfortable with Japanese numbers 1-10, as these are the most frequently used with counters like 羽. Practice counting various items.

Don't confuse with other counters

Japanese has many counters. Don't confuse 羽 with other counters like 匹 (hiki) for small animals, or 頭 (tō) for large animals. Each counter has a specific purpose.

Historical context for rabbits

The reason rabbits are counted with 羽 is often attributed to historical dietary restrictions in Japan, where rabbits were sometimes considered birds to circumvent bans on eating four-legged animals.

When to use 匹 for birds

While 羽 is the standard for birds, sometimes 匹 (hiki) can be used for small, general birds, especially if you're not focusing on them as 'flying creatures.' However, stick to 羽 for proper and polite usage, especially for larger birds or when the act of flying is implied.

Teste-se 18 perguntas

writing A1

How do you count one bird in Japanese? Write the word and the counter.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Sample answer

一羽 (いちわ)

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing A1

Write the Japanese phrase for 'two birds'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Sample answer

二羽 (にわ)

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing A1

Write 'three birds' in Japanese.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Sample answer

三羽 (さんば)

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
reading A1

How many birds are there?

Read this passage:

鳥が三羽います。

How many birds are there?

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa: Three birds

三羽 (さんば) means three birds.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa: Three birds

三羽 (さんば) means three birds.

reading A1

Where are the birds?

Read this passage:

公園に鳥が二羽います。

Where are the birds?

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa: In the park

公園 (こうえん) means park.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa: In the park

公園 (こうえん) means park.

reading A1

How many birds are over there?

Read this passage:

あそこに鳥が一羽います。

How many birds are over there?

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa: One bird

一羽 (いちわ) means one bird.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa: One bird

一羽 (いちわ) means one bird.

fill blank B2

空に白い鳥が三___飛んでいます。

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:

鳥を数えるときは「〜羽」を使います。空に三つの白い鳥が飛んでいる様子を表しています。

fill blank B2

公園で可愛い鳩を二___見かけました。

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:

鳩は鳥なので「〜羽」を使って数えます。公園で二羽の可愛い鳩を見たことを示しています。

fill blank B2

飼っているインコは全部で五___います。

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:

インコも鳥の一種なので、「〜羽」で数えます。全部で五羽のインコを飼っている状況です。

fill blank B2

昨日の夕方、カラスが何___か家の周りを飛んでいました。

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:

カラスは鳥なので「〜羽」で数えます。昨日の夕方、数羽のカラスが家の周りを飛んでいたことを表現しています。

fill blank B2

この絵には美しい鳳凰が一___描かれています。

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:

鳳凰は伝説上の鳥なので、他の鳥と同様に「〜羽」で数えます。絵に一羽の美しい鳳凰が描かれている状況です。

fill blank B2

動物園で珍しい鳥をたくさん見ましたが、特にあのクジャクが印象的で、三___ほどいました。

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:

クジャクも鳥なので「〜羽」で数えます。動物園で見た珍しい鳥の中で、三羽ほどのクジャクが特に印象的だったことを示しています。

listening C1

Listen for how many seagulls are flying.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa: カモメが何羽か飛んでいます。
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening C1

Listen for how many birds are being kept as pets.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa: 鳥を三羽飼っています。
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening C1

Listen for how many pigeons might be in the park today.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa: その公園にはいつもたくさんのハトがいます。今日は何羽いるでしょうか。
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking C1

Read this aloud:

あの木にとまっている鳥は全部で五羽です。

Focus: ごわ (gowa)

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking C1

Read this aloud:

一羽の鳥が空を高く舞っています。

Focus: いちわ (ichiwa)

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking C1

Read this aloud:

何羽のペンギンが氷の上にいますか?

Focus: なんわ (nanwa)

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:

/ 18 correct

Perfect score!

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