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Japanese Counters: Usage, Number Forms, and Time Expressions

5 flashcards · 4 quiz questions · 5 match pairs · 5 fill-in sentences · English

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Summary

Japanese counters connect numbers to the things, actions, or events being counted. This lesson introduces their purpose and basic placement.

A counter is a measure word used with a number. English has similar expressions, such as “two sheets of paper” and “two cups of coffee.” Japanese has many counters, and the counter chosen often depends on the type or shape of the noun.

All flashcards

What is a Japanese counter?
A measure word used with a number to count things, actions, or events.
Where can a Japanese number-counter sequence appear?
Before a noun as a modifier, or after a noun and before the verb adverbially.
How are many Japanese ordinal expressions formed?
Add 目 (*me*) to a counter phrase, as in 一回目 (*ikkaime*), “the first time.”
How does Japanese express duration with certain time words?
Add 間 (*kan*) to time words such as 秒 (*byō*) or 年 (*nen*); usage varies by word.
What does 何 (*nan*) express?
It can express an imprecise quantity or ask “what,” “how many,” or “how much.”

Quiz questions

  1. What is true of traditional numeral forms such as 四つ (*yottsu*)?Answer: They can count some quantities but do not suit every noun.
  2. Which counter is commonly used for rabbits in Japanese?Answer: 羽 (*wa*)
  3. What does 一回目 (*ikkaime*) mean?Answer: The first time
  4. Which form is required to express a duration of hours?Answer: 時間 (*jikan*)

Based on the Wikipedia article Japanese counter word, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.

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