Translation guide
In Japanese, counting people requires a specific counter word. The most common and versatile counter for people is 人 (にん), but there are important irregular readings for one and two people. In formal or polite contexts, 名 (めい) is often used instead.
The learner wants to count people in everyday situations, such as stating how many people are in a group, ordering at a restaurant, or asking how many people are present.
The standard counter for people. Attach to a number. Note the irregular readings for 1 person (ひとり) and 2 people (ふたり). From 3 onward, use the regular number + にん pattern, but 4 people is often よにん (not よんにん).
A more formal counter for people, often used in business, customer service, or written contexts. It is considered more polite than 人. The readings are regular: number + めい.
The learner needs to refer to people politely, such as customers, guests, or in official documents.
Use 名 instead of 人 to show respect. Often combined with honorific suffixes like 様 (さま).
Your reservation is for two people, correct?
Today we had ten guests.
The learner wants to ask 'how many people?' in a natural way.
Do not say いちにん or ににん. The correct forms are ひとり (1人) and ふたり (2人). These are exceptions and must be memorized.
While 4 is usually よん, 4人 is commonly read as よにん, not よんにん. Both may be heard, but よにん is standard.
人 is neutral and used in daily conversation. 名 is formal and polite, often used when referring to customers, guests, or in official counts. Using 名 in casual speech can sound stiff.
three guests/customers
There are five participants.