N5 · Structured courses

Counters: Tsu, Nin, Mai, Satsu, Hiki

Learn the Japanese counter system — different suffixes for different types of objects. This lesson combines form, context, examples, common mistakes, and practice so you can use the pattern in real communication.

12 minNihongo Hub Editorial TeamPublished 2026-06-06Updated 2026-06-06

Learning objectives

  • Lesson goals: Learn the Japanese counter system — different suffixes for different types of objects.
  • Form and connection: 数詞すうし + 助数詞じょすうし
  • Nuance in real use: Japanese classifies objects by shape and nature for counting — a cultural instinct to infuse every corner of language with a sense of order.

Form and connection

数詞すうし + 助数詞じょすうし

Core Explanation

Learn the Japanese counter system — different suffixes for different types of objects.

Cultural Note

Japanese classifies objects by shape and nature for counting — a cultural instinct to infuse every corner of language with a sense of order.

Practical examples

Please give me three apples.
There are twenty students in the classroom.
I bought five stamps and two books.

Common pitfalls

Build the base form before adding the pattern

Complete the required conjugation first. Do not keep polite and plain endings at the same time.

Match politeness to the situation

The examples are reliable starting points; relationships and context can still change the most natural wording.

Practice and answers

1. Write the connection formula for this lesson.
Show answer数詞すうし + 助数詞じょすうし
2. Explain the meaning of the first example.
Show answerPlease give me three apples.
3. Rewrite the final example using this lesson pattern.
Show answer切手きってを五枚ごまいと本ほんを二冊にさつ買かいました。 (数詞すうし + 助数詞じょすうし)

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