Translation guide
Expressing the count or quantity of houses in Japanese, from casual conversation to formal statistics.
There are 10 houses.
The speaker wants to state or ask how many houses there are.
The standard way to say 'there are N houses'. Uses the counter 軒 (けん) for buildings.
There are 100 houses in this town.
Three houses are lined up.
Literally 'the number of houses'. Used when talking about the count itself, often in more abstract or formal contexts.
Uses the counter 戸 (こ), which is also for houses but less common than 軒 in everyday speech. Sometimes used in official contexts.
There are 50 houses in this village.
The speaker wants to ask about the number of houses.
Polite way to ask 'How many houses are there?'. Uses the counter 軒.
How many houses are on this street?
Asks 'What is the number of houses?' using 数 (かず). Slightly more formal or abstract.
Referring to the number of houses in a formal, statistical, or written context.
軒 (けん) is the most common counter for houses and small buildings. 戸 (こ) is also used for houses but can sound more formal or statistical. 棟 (むね/とう) is used for larger buildings or apartment blocks, not individual houses.
There is one apartment building.
Using the generic counter 個 (こ) for houses is unnatural. Always use 軒 or 戸.
Unnatural: 'There are three houses.'
The number of houses in this area is increasing.
What is the number of houses in this district?
The number of houses according to the census increased year-on-year.