If you’ve been learning Japanese for a while, you’ve probably noticed something interesting (and maybe confusing!) when it comes to counting things. You can’t just use regular numbers—you also need counters.

Japanese has a unique system where you use different words to count different types of things. One word for counting people, another for books, another for small animals, and the list goes on. But don’t worry—once you get the hang of it, it’s actually kind of fun!

In this blog post, we’ll break down what counters are, when to use them, and introduce some of the most common ones to get you started.

What Are Japanese Counters?

Counters are small words that go after the number and describe what kind of thing you’re counting. Unlike English where you can say “three books, three cats, three people,” in Japanese you say:

• 本を三冊（さんさつ）→ three books
• 猫が三匹（さんびき）→ three cats
• 人が三人（さんにん）→ three people

See how the number 3 becomes さん but the counter changes depending on the item? That’s the basic idea.

When to Use Counters

You use a counter almost every time you count something specific. It applies to:

• Objects (books, pencils, drinks)
• Living things (people, animals)
• Time and duration (hours, days)
• Events or occurrences (times something happens)

So instead of just saying “three,” you need to say “three of [thing]” using the correct counter.

Common Counters to Know

Here are some of the most common and useful Japanese counters for beginners:

➤ Note: Some counters change pronunciation due to sound rules (called 連濁 rendaku). For example:

• 一匹（いっぴき）not いちひき
• 八冊（はっさつ）not はちさつ

➤ When Does Rendaku Happen?

You might be wondering: How do we know when “rendaku” (連濁) happens? Even though it might feel like a lot to memorize at first, there is a pattern you can follow. Rendaku is a sound change where the first consonant of the second word in a compound becomes voiced. In the case of counters, this happens depending on the starting sound of the counter.

➤ Tip: Whether or not rendaku happens often depends on:

・Specific irregular patterns
・The number used
・The first consonant sound of the counter

Let’s look at the counter 回（かい）, which is used to count how many times something happens (like events, repetitions, etc.). Since it starts with a K sound, it often undergoes rendaku, changing か to が in some cases.

Here is an example of the counter 回（かい）which is used when counting times :

Special Counters to Know

Here are a few special or irregular counters that are useful to remember:

Counting People

➤ Note: “hitori”,”futari” and “yonin” are special cases. From three people onward, it follows the regular counter pattern with 人 (にん).

Counting Dates of the Month

Dates in Japanese can be a bit tricky as many have unique readings. Here are some examples:

The rest usually follow the pattern of number + にち (e.g. 11th = じゅういちにち).

Tips to Learn Counters

• Learn them in context—don’t just memorize lists.
• Try counting real-life items around you.
• Practice saying them with objects you use every day.
• Use flashcards or a quiz app to test your knowledge.
• Watch anime or listen to native speakers to hear counters used naturally.

Let’s Practice!

How would you say the following in Japanese?

1. Five apples
2. One car
3. Two people
4. Three dogs
5. Four books

Answers:

1. 五個（ごこ）
2. 一台（いちだい）
3. 二人（ふたり）
4. 三匹（さんびき）
5. 四冊（よんさつ）

Final Thoughts

Japanese counters can be tricky at first, but they’re also a big part of what makes the language so rich and expressive. The more you use them, the more natural they’ll feel.

Next time you’re counting things in your life—books, snacks, pets, hours—try using the right counter in Japanese. Before you know it, you’ll be counting like a native!

Have a favorite (or least favorite) counter? Let us know in the comments or during our next Japanese conversation session!

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