Counting things
Japanese counts things with a word that depends on the shape: for long things, for flat ones, for small ones. You need them to order, buy and ask "how many?". When in doubt, ひとつ, ふたつ works for most things. Tap to hear any line. The bar at the bottom plays a hands-free drill for walking.
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25 counting words
Each card shows a counter with a number, how it's said, and a sentence for the shop, the kitchen or the station. Watch for the sound changes with 1, 3, 6, 8 and 10.
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Which counter, and how it sounds
Pick the counter by the shape or type of thing. The readings show 1, 2, 3, then 6, 8 and 10, where the sounds change.
| Counter | For | Say it |
|---|
- Not sure which counter? ひとつ, ふたつ, みっつ works for most things up to ten, and shops will understand.
- Sound changes. 1, 6, 8 and 10 often become いっ, ろっ, はっ, じゅっ, and ほん becomes ぼん or ぽん: .
- Asking how many. Use いくつ for つ, or + the counter: .
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Four patterns to use today
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Say it in Japanese
Say each one out loud before you reveal the answer. Getting close counts.