Translation guide
In Japanese, numerals are expressed through a combination of native Japanese and Sino-Japanese number systems, with specific counters for different types of objects. The choice of system depends on what is being counted and the context.
The learner wants to count objects using the most common counter.
The native Japanese counter for general objects, used for numbers 1-10. It is the most basic and widely understood counter.
Please give me three apples.
There are five books on the desk.
The Sino-Japanese counter for small, often round or generic objects. More formal than 〜つ and can be used for numbers beyond 10.
I bought two eggs.
I have three erasers.
The learner wants to count people.
The standard counter for people. Note the irregular readings for 1 person (ひとり) and 2 people (ふたり).
There are four people in my family.
Three friends came.
The learner wants to count flat objects like paper, tickets, or plates.
Used for thin, flat objects such as sheets of paper, tickets, shirts, and plates.
Please give me one sheet of paper.
I bought three stamps.
The learner wants to count long, thin objects like pencils, bottles, or trees.
Used for long, cylindrical objects. The reading changes depending on the number (e.g., いっぽん, にほん, さんぼん).
I have two pencils.
Three bottles of beer, please.
The learner wants to count small animals like cats, dogs, or fish.
Used for small animals. The reading changes (e.g., いっぴき, にひき, さんびき). For larger animals, use 〜頭 (とう).
I have two cats.
There are three goldfish.
The learner wants to count machines, vehicles, or electronic devices.
Used for machines, vehicles, and appliances like cars, computers, and TVs.
I have two cars.
I bought one computer.
The learner wants to count books, magazines, or notebooks.
Used for bound objects like books, magazines, and notebooks.
I borrowed three books.
I bought five notebooks.
The learner wants to express age.
The English word 'numeral' is rarely used in everyday conversation. In Japanese, you typically use specific counters or number words depending on what you are counting. Using the word 数字 (すうじ) for 'numeral' is possible but often refers to digits or figures, not the act of counting.
Japanese has two main number systems: native Japanese (ひとつ、ふたつ...) and Sino-Japanese (いち、に、さん...). The native system is used for general counting up to 10 and some specific counters, while Sino-Japanese is used for most counters and numbers above 10.