How to Count in Japanese: Numbers and Counters

When you start learning Japanese, one of the most practical skills is mastering numbers and counters. Numbers (数詞 suushi) appear in everyday contexts such as telling time, shopping, and giving your phone number. Counters (助数詞 josuushi) are suffixes that change depending on the type of object you count. In this guide, you’ll learn the numerals from one to ten and three basic counters you can use immediately.

Numbers 1–10

How to Use Counters

Different objects in Japanese require different counters:

• ～つ (…tsu): general objects (hitotsu, futatsu…)

• ～人 (…nin): people (hitori, futari, san-nin)

• ～枚 (…mai): flat objects (ichimai, nimai…)

Example:
“りんごを三つください。” (Ringo o mittsu kudasai.) – “Three apples, please.”
“友達が二人います。” (Tomodachi ga futari imasu.) – “I have two friends.”

Practice Exercises

1. Write the numerals: Practice writing 一 to 十.

2. Match the numbers:

   1. 一 → ____________

   2. 六 → ____________

   3. 十 → ____________

3. Use counters: Fill in the counter for each sentence:

   • パンを二___買いました。 (bought two pieces of bread)

   • 本を五___読みました。 (read five books)

   • 子供が三___います。 (there are three children)

You can download it below and start practicing today.
[Download Numbers and Counters Worksheet – PDF]