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.
I count the money.
Please count the attendees.
Loanword from English, often used in technical, sports, or casual contexts. Less natural for everyday counting.
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.
Count from 1 to 10.
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.
Please count me in.
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.
That score doesn't count.
Expressing that something is significant or has value.
Means 'is important'. A natural way to say something counts.
Results count.
Literally 'has meaning'. Used when something is meaningful or counts for something.
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.
The result of counting; a number representing a total.
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.
Count the number of people. (natural)
He counts numbers quickly.
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.
Count the number of people. (sounds like a game show)