If you want to count independently in Japanese there is a way to say it. However you can use it when ordering something at a restaurant or buying something from a store or shop. You cannot use this way of counting for money, time or people. Lets get to learn them.
| Quantity | Hiragana | Reading | Kanji |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ひとつ | hitotsu | 一つ |
| 2 | ふたつ | futatsu | ニつ |
| 3 | みっつ | mittsu | 三つ |
| 4 | よっつ | yottsu | 四つ |
| 5 | いつつ | itsutsu | 五つ |
| 6 | むっつ | muttsu | 六つ |
| 7 | ななつ | nanatsu | 七つ |
| 8 | やっつ | yattsu | 八つ |
| 9 | ここのつ | kokonotsu | 九つ |
| 10 | とう | too | 十 |
After 10, counting is continued with regular Japanese numbers i.e. 11 – じゅういち (juu ichi), 12 – じゅうに (juu ni), 13 -じゅうさん (juu san) and so on. This is very convenient system because although there are other counting systems based on the shape of the object i.e. counting paper, counting bottle shaped object, counting cup or glasses, you can use this system everywhere except money, time or people. Hope this helps!
