suffix, counter
-fold; -ply
Suffix/counter used in the traditional hito-futa-mi counting system to count layers or folds. Attaches to native Japanese numerals (e.g., ひとえ, ふたえ).
See also: 重 (じゅう)
この布は二重に折ってある。
This cloth is folded in two layers.
八重桜は花びらが何重にも重なっている。
Yaezakura cherry blossoms have petals overlapping in many layers.
The reading じゅう is the more common counter for layers in modern Japanese (e.g., 二重, 三重). The reading え is used in the traditional hito-futa-mi counting system and appears in set expressions like 八重 (やえ).
The reading え is the native Japanese (kun'yomi) reading of 重, used in the traditional counting system. Its exact historical derivation is uncertain.