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A single-page reference for the counters you meet most, with readings, what each one counts, and the tricky sound changes clearly marked.
Japanese does not let you simply pair a number with a noun. You must add a counter (助数詞) that depends on the shape and type of thing you are counting — flat things use 枚 (mai), long things use 本 (hon), small animals use 匹 (hiki), and so on. For beginners this is one of the first genuinely unfamiliar systems in the language.
This cheat sheet puts the 14 counters you actually use every day on one page — つ, 人, 本, 枚, 匹, 頭, 冊, 台, 杯, 個, 回, 階, 歳 and 番 — each with its reading, what it counts, and worked examples for the numbers that change sound.
The hardest part of counters is the sound changes: 一本 is ippon, 三本 is sanbon, 六本 is roppon. The sheet lays these out for 1, 3, 6, 8 and 10 so you learn the correct pronunciation from the start instead of guessing.
Here is what you will find inside the PDF to support your learning journey:
This resource is built with structured sections to target different aspects of your Japanese progress.
The 14 counters that cover almost all daily counting needs.
See exactly where 1, 3, 6, 8 and 10 shift to っぷ, ば or ぴ.
Learn the native ひとつ・ふたつ series for when you forget the specific counter.
Master the irregular ひとり and ふたり before the regular 〜にん pattern.
Distinguish 匹 for small animals, 頭 for large ones, 個 for small round items.
Counters for money, floors, ages, times and order in a queue.
Designed specifically to address the pain points of beginner and intermediate self-study learners.
Everything on a single page so you find what you need in seconds while studying or writing.
The tricky readings are clearly flagged so you learn them correctly the first time.
High-contrast single-page layout that prints perfectly for your wall or study folder.
Vector PDF you can zoom into on any phone without blur.
Whether preparing for tests or building practical skills, this resource fits your study roadmap.
Counters appear throughout the N5 vocabulary and listening sections — this covers the required set.
Order food, buy tickets and shop with confidence using the right counter every time.
Numbers and quantities are heavily tested in the JFT-Basic reading and listening papers.
Follow these step-by-step methods to get the maximum educational benefit from the materials.
Got questions about using or printing this resource? Check out our quick answers below.
Yes. The PDF is completely free, with no signup or account required. Click any download button and it opens instantly.
Fourteen of the most frequently used counters: つ, 人, 本, 枚, 匹, 頭, 冊, 台, 杯, 個, 回, 階, 歳 and 番. These cover the vast majority of everyday counting.
This is a phonetic change called euphony (音便). After 1, 6, 8 and 10, counters beginning with h often double to pp or shift to b. The sheet marks these so you learn the correct sound.
The native つ series (ひとつ, ふたつ…) is a general counter that works for most inanimate objects. 個 (ko) is used specifically for small, round or three-dimensional items.
Yes. It is designed to fit one A4 or US Letter page and prints with crisp vector text, ideal for a study folder or wall.
Very much so. Quantities, shopping and asking for amounts are common in the JFT-Basic listening and reading sections.
No. Every counter shows its reading in kana, so you can use the sheet even if you are still learning kanji.
Yes, please share the link to this page or print copies for classmates. Reselling or rehosting the file is not permitted.
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