Lesson article
Spot the signal, compare it, then read it in context
Read all 3 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 3
Counting people
Use 人 to count people. The most important special readings are 一人 and 二人, but after that the pattern becomes more regular.
Target signal
学生が三人います。
There are three students.
三人 uses 人 for people.
Vocabulary notes
- います
- there is; exists (animate)
- いま
- now
- ます
- polite verb ending
Compare in context
家族は四人です。
My family has four people.
Family size is also counted with 人.
Vocabulary notes
- です
- to be (polite); is; am; are
- 四人
- four people
- 家族
- family
Compare in context
教室に一人います。
There is one person in the classroom.
一人 is a special reading worth memorizing early.
Vocabulary notes
- います
- there is; exists (animate)
- いま
- now
- ます
- polite verb ending
Section 2 of 3
Counting things and books
Use つ for many general objects when you do not know a more specific counter. Use 冊 for bound items such as books and notebooks.
Target signal
りんごを二つ買いました。
I bought two apples.
二つ is a flexible everyday counter for general things.
Vocabulary notes
- いました
- there was; there were (living things)
- りんご
- apple
- いま
- now
Preview
かばんが一つあります。
There is one bag.
一つ can count a general object such as a bag.
Vocabulary notes
- あります
- there is; there are
- かばん
- bag
- ます
- polite verb ending
Preview
本を三冊読みました。
I read three books.
冊 is the counter for books and notebooks.
Vocabulary notes
- した
- did
- 三冊
- three books
- を
- object marker
Section 3 of 3
Asking how many
Use 何人, 何冊, and いくつ to ask for quantities. The counter in the question usually tells you what kind of answer to expect.
Target signal
学生は何人いますか。
How many students are there?
何人 asks about the number of people.
Vocabulary notes
- います
- there is; exists (animate)
- いま
- now
- ます
- polite verb ending
Preview
本は何冊ありますか。
How many books are there?
何冊 asks about books or notebooks.
Vocabulary notes
- あります
- there is; there are
- ます
- polite verb ending
- 何冊
- how many books
Preview
りんごはいくつありますか。
How many apples are there?
いくつ is the general question for many everyday things.
Vocabulary notes
- あります
- there is; there are
- いくつ
- how many; how much (general count)
- りんご
- apple