1.
counter for suits and sets of clothing
Counts complete outfits or sets of clothing such as suits, dresses, and uniforms. One 着 is one full set worn together.
スーツを二着買った。
I bought two suits.
制服を三着用意する。
To prepare three uniforms.
クリーニングに出したコートが一着まだ戻ってこない。
One of the coats I sent to the cleaners still hasn't come back.
COUNTING PATTERN:
- 1: 一着
- 2: 二着
- 3: 三着
- 4: 四着
- 5: 五着
- 6: 六着
- 7: 七着
- 8: 八着
- 9: 九着
- 10: 十着
SOUND CHANGES:
- After 1, 8, 10: ちゃく → っちゃく (sokuon)
USED FOR:
- Suits, dresses, coats, uniforms — complete outfits or sets of clothing.
- The same kanji also counts finishing order in a race (一着 = first place), but that is a separate use.