Translation guide
The English word 'count' has several core meanings: to determine the number of things, to say numbers in order, to include something in a total, and to matter or be important. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese expression for each situation.
The action of counting objects, people, or amounts to find out how many there are.
The most common and general verb for counting things. Used for concrete objects, people, and abstract items.
お金を数える。
I count the money.
出席者を数えてください。
Please count the attendees.
Loanword from English, often used in technical, sports, or casual contexts. Less natural for everyday counting.
残り時間をカウントする。
Count down the remaining time.
Reciting numbers sequentially, like when counting to ten or counting down.
Also used for reciting numbers. Often used with 'から' to indicate starting point.
1から10まで数えて。
Count from 1 to 10.
彼は数を数えるのが早い。
He counts numbers quickly.
Considering someone or something as part of a group or calculation.
Literally 'put into the number'. Used to include someone or something in a count or group.
私も人数に入れてください。
Please count me in.
この費用は予算に入れていません。
I didn't count this expense in the budget.
Means 'to include'. More general than counting, but often used in similar contexts.
Casual or technical expression using the loanword. Common in gaming or sports.
その得点はカウントに入れない。
That score doesn't count.
Expressing that something is significant or has value.
Means 'is important'. A natural way to say something counts.
結果が重要だ。
Results count.
Literally 'has meaning'. Used when something is meaningful or counts for something.
彼の意見は意味がある。
His opinion counts.
Idiomatic expression meaning 'to carry weight' or 'to count'. Often used in contexts like experience or money talking.
Expressing that you are counting on someone or something.
Means 'to rely on'. The most natural way to say 'count on' in Japanese.
君を頼りにしている。
I'm counting on you.
彼の助けを頼りにできない。
I can't count on his help.
Similar to 頼りにする, but can imply expecting something with a bit more certainty or sometimes selfishness.
彼の給料を当てにしてはいけない。
Don't count on his salary.
The result of counting; a number representing a total.
General word for 'number' or 'count'. Can refer to the total count of something.
参加者の数を教えてください。
Tell me the count of participants.
Loanword used as a noun, especially in sports, games, or technical contexts.
English uses 'count' in many idiomatic ways that don't directly translate to 数える. For example, 'count on' is 頼りにする, not 数える. Always consider the intended meaning.
数える is the standard verb for counting. カウントする is a loanword often used in sports, games, or technical settings. Using カウントする in everyday conversation can sound unnatural or overly casual.
人数を数える。
Count the number of people. (natural)
人数をカウントする。
Count the number of people. (sounds like a game show)
税金を含めて計算してください。
Please calculate including tax.
経験が物を言う。
Experience counts.
カウントが3-2になった。
The count became 3-2.