also: ヶ · ケ
counter for small objects; counter for pieces
The most common general counter for small, discrete, often three-dimensional objects. Used for items like apples, eggs, cups, erasers, and many everyday things. Also written as ヶ in some contexts.
Please give me three apples.
How many are in this box?
counter for military units
Specialized counter for military formations or units. Rare in everyday conversation.
Three regiments participated in the exercise.
Noun use referring to a single person as an individual, often in contrast to a group. Can sound slightly formal or analytical.
Respect the opinion of the individual.
He is admirable as an individual person.
counter for years of age difference; counter for school years
Colloquial counter for age gaps or school-year differences. Often used in phrases like 一個上 (one year older) or 二個下 (two years younger).
He is my senior by one school year.
My younger sister is two years below me.
He is two years older than me.
She is one year younger than me.
Rarely used kanji form; learners will almost always encounter 個.
Search-only form; full-size katakana ke is occasionally used as a substitute for the small-ke abbreviation.