〜個(こ)

こ
counter
counter for small objects
1. counter for small objects
A general-purpose counter used for small, compact objects like fruits, eggs, boxes, and other small items.
りんごを三個(さんこ)ください。
Three apples, please.
卵(たまご)が五個(ごこ)あります。
There are five eggs.
お菓子(かし)を何個(なんこ)食(た)べましたか。
How many sweets did you eat?
この箱(はこ)に十個(じゅっこ)入(はい)っています。
There are ten in this box.
じゅっこ shows sound change for 10
子供(こども)たちに一人(ひとり)二個(にこ)ずつあげたら、全部(ぜんぶ)で何個(なんこ)いりますか。
If you give each child two, how many do you need in total?

〜個(こ) is a general counter for small, compact objects like fruits, eggs, balls, boxes, and candies.

COUNTING (with sound changes):

  • 一個(いっこ) (1) - sound change
  • 二個(にこ) (2)
  • 三個(さんこ) (3)
  • 四個(よんこ) (4)
  • 五個(ごこ) (5)
  • 六個(ろっこ) (6) - sound change
  • 七個(ななこ) (7)
  • 八個(はっこ) (8) - sound change
  • 九個(きゅうこ) (9)
  • 十個(じゅっこ) (10) - sound change
  • 何個(なんこ): how many?

COMMON OBJECTS COUNTED:

  • りんご、卵(たまご)、ボール、箱(はこ)、お菓子(かし)、石(いし)

NOTE:
This is one of the most versatile counters in Japanese. When unsure which counter to use for small objects, 〜個(こ) is often acceptable.

basic
Added 2026.1.7 21:43 · Revised 2026.2.13 2:14
00500/00645_ko