1.
counter word, counter suffix, numerical classifier
A grammatical term for the suffixes attached to numbers when counting things in Japanese. Different counters are used depending on what is being counted — flat things, long things, people, animals, etc. Also called 数え方 informally.
日本語には多くの助数詞がある。
Japanese has many counter words.
助数詞の使い方は外国人にとって難しい。
The use of counter words is difficult for foreigners.
正しい助数詞を使えるようになると、日本語がより自然に聞こえる。
When you can use the correct counter words, your Japanese will sound more natural.
A linguistic term that learners of Japanese encounter frequently. Common counters include 枚 (flat things), 本 (long things), 匹 (small animals), 冊 (books), 台 (machines/vehicles), and 杯 (cups/glasses). Knowing which counter to use with which object is one of the distinctive challenges of Japanese.
COMMON PATTERNS:
- 助数詞を使う (to use a counter word)
- 助数詞を覚える (to learn counter words)
- 助数詞の一覧 (list of counter words)