Lesson article
Spot the signal, compare it, then read it in context
Read all 4 sections in order. Notice the target form, compare it with the nearby alternative, then use the reading and practice below to check the meaning in context.
Section 1 of 4
Counting people
Use for people, for general items, and for books.
Start with the example
。
There are three students.
uses for people.
Notice the variation
。
My family has four people.
Family size is also counted with .
More detail: how to apply this
counts people.
Learn , , , , and .
is , not .
The count and counter form one reading unit.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Let the counter tell you what is being counted before doing any arithmetic.
asks the number present. An answer should give a quantity of books, such as , not a price.
。
How many books are there?
Let the counter tell you what is being counted before doing any arithmetic.
Showing Try this approach: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
There are three students.
uses for people.
Vocabulary notes
- います
- there is; exists (animate)
Compare in context
。
My family has four people.
Family size is also counted with .
Vocabulary notes
- 家族
- family
- 四人
- four people
Compare in context
。
There is one person in the classroom.
is a special reading worth memorizing early.
Vocabulary notes
- います
- there is; exists (animate)
Section 2 of 4
Counting things and books
Counting things and books
Start with the example
。
I bought two apples.
is a flexible everyday counter for general things.
Notice the variation
。
There is one bag.
can count a general object such as a bag.
More detail: how to apply this
Use the general series for many everyday things: , , .
Bound volumes take : , , , , .
Notice the small in the irregular readings.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
I bought two apples.
is a flexible everyday counter for general things.
。
I bought two apples.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: I bought two apples.
Showing Counting things and books: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
I bought two apples.
is a flexible everyday counter for general things.
Vocabulary notes
- りんご
- apple
Preview
。
There is one bag.
can count a general object such as a bag.
Vocabulary notes
- かばん
- bag
- あります
- there is; there are
Preview
。
I read three books.
is the counter for books and notebooks.
Vocabulary notes
- を
- object marker
- 三冊
- three books
Section 3 of 4
Asking how many
Let the counter tell you what is being counted before doing any arithmetic.
Asking how many
。
Step 1 of 3 · Notice the clue
names books as the things being counted. This tells you which counter to expect.
Step 1: Notice the clue
More detail: the reading method
Use , , and to ask for quantities.
The counter in the question usually tells you what kind of answer to expect.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
How many students are there?
asks about the number of people.
。
How many students are there?
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: How many students are there?
Showing Asking how many: Everyday words.
More examples
Target signal
。
How many students are there?
asks about the number of people.
Vocabulary notes
- います
- there is; exists (animate)
Preview
。
How many books are there?
asks about books or notebooks.
Vocabulary notes
- 何冊
- how many books
- あります
- there is; there are
Preview
。
How many apples are there?
is the general question for many everyday things.
Vocabulary notes
- りんご
- apple
- いくつ
- how many; how much (general count)
- あります
- there is; there are
Section 4 of 4
Compare the meaning
Use the contrast to make a decision. Choose an answer before opening the explanation.
Your turn · decide before revealing
Choose counters for two people and two books.
More detail: what changes and why
Choose counters for two people and two books.
People use for two;
bound volumes use , so two books is .
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Same words, two possible interpretations. Which has evidence?
People use for two; bound volumes use , so two books is .
Choose counters for two people and two books.
Supported meaning: ふたり・にさつ
Use the sentence to choose between these interpretations; do not add information that is only in an answer choice.
Showing Compare the meaning: Everyday words.