Translation guide
In Japanese, counters are used to count specific types of objects or actions. The English phrase "run counter" refers to a counter for runs, such as in baseball or other sports. This guide covers how to count runs in Japanese, primarily using the counter 点 (てん) for points/runs in sports.
The learner wants to count the number of runs scored in a game.
The standard counter for points or runs in most sports, including baseball. Use with Japanese numbers.
彼はホームランで３点を取った。
He scored 3 runs with a home run.
試合は５対３で終わった。
The game ended 5 to 3.
The learner wants to count laps or repetitions of running.
Counter for laps or rounds around a track. Use with Japanese numbers.
彼はトラックを５周走った。
He ran 5 laps around the track.
General counter for occurrences or times. Can be used for repetitions of a run.
今日は３回走った。
I ran 3 times today.
The learner wants to count runs (ladders) in stockings or tights.
Refers to a run or ladder in stockings. Often used as a noun or with the verb する.
This is not a counter in the traditional sense; it describes the run itself. To count multiple runs, use 箇所 (かしょ) or つ.
ストッキングに伝線ができた。
I got a run in my stockings.
Counter for places or spots. Can be used to count the number of runs.
ストッキングに３箇所の伝線がある。
There are 3 runs in my stockings.
The verb 走る (はしる) means 'to run' physically. It is not used as a counter for runs in sports. Use 点 for points/runs.
点 is for points/runs in a game. 回 is for occurrences or times (e.g., 'I ran three times'). 周 is for laps around a track.