counter for thin, flat things
Used for counting thin, flat objects such as petals, leaves, sheets of paper, or slices. The reading ひら is specific to this counter usage.
桜の花びらが一片、風に舞っている。
A cherry blossom petal is dancing in the wind.
薄い紙を一片ずつ重ねた。
I layered the thin sheets of paper one at a time.
The more common reading for the counter 枚, used for counting flat objects in general. ひら is a less common alternative reading with the same meaning.
Standard kanji for counting thin flat objects; the reading ひら is used in this counter context.
Alternate kanji form; less common than 枚 for this counter.
The kanji 枚 originally meant 'a flat piece' and is used as a counter for thin, flat objects. The reading ひら is a native Japanese reading (kun'yomi) of the kanji.