Translation guide
In Japanese, counting vehicles requires specific counters depending on the type of vehicle. The most common counter is 台 (だい) for cars, trucks, and most machines. For trains and buses, 両 (りょう) is used for individual cars, while 本 (ほん) is used for entire train lines or bus routes. Aircraft and large ships use 機 (き).
Use this counter for land vehicles like cars, trucks, bicycles, and also for electrical appliances and machines.
The most common counter for vehicles and machines. Use it for cars, trucks, bicycles, motorcycles, and also for computers, TVs, etc.
車が３台あります。
There are three cars.
自転車を２台買いました。
I bought two bicycles.
Use this counter for individual train cars or bus vehicles, not for entire trains or routes.
Used for counting individual train cars or bus vehicles. For example, a train with 10 cars is 10両.
この電車は８両編成です。
This train is made up of eight cars.
Use this counter for entire train lines or bus routes, not individual cars.
Used for long, thin objects, including train lines and bus routes. For example, 'two bus routes' is ２本のバス路線.
この駅には３本の路線があります。
There are three train lines at this station.
Use this counter for airplanes, helicopters, and large vessels like ships.
Used for aircraft and sometimes for large ships. For smaller boats, 隻 (せき) is also used.
飛行機が２機飛んでいます。
Two airplanes are flying.
Use this counter for small boats, ships, or vessels.
Used for counting boats and ships, especially smaller ones. Can also be used for larger vessels.
港に漁船が５隻停泊している。
Five fishing boats are anchored in the harbor.
While 台 is the most common vehicle counter, it is not used for trains or aircraft. Use 両 for train cars and 機 for aircraft.
When counting entire trains (as a service), use 本 (ほん). When counting the number of cars in a train, use 両 (りょう).