〜つ

N5

〜つ

-tsu

〜つ (general counter)

N5

Show furigana

Display reading hints above kanji

Explanation

〜つ is a general counter used for counting items when you don't know the specific counter. It is most common for numbers 1–10. This is one of the first counters you learn in Japanese. Key points: • Use 〜つ for general items (1–10) • Irregular readings: ひとつ, ふたつ, みっつ, よっつ, いつつ, むっつ, ななつ, やっつ, ここのつ, とお • Often used with ください (please give) • After 10, use other counters or numbers Example: “りんごを三つください” means “Please give me three apples.” The 〜つ counter is very handy in daily life for counting objects, pieces, or amounts when you are unsure of the specific counter. Practice by counting items around you: 本を一つ, いすを二つ, みかんを三つ.

Structure

Pattern
Number + つ
Number1–10 with special readings
Examples: ひと, ふた, みっ, よっ
General counter
Examples:

Examples

Example 1
りんごを一つください。
Ringo o hitotsu kudasai.
Please give me one apple.
Breakdown
りんごapple
object marker
一つone (thing)
くださいplease give
Note: Request
Example 2
本を二つ買いました。
Hon o futatsu kaimashita.
I bought two books.
Breakdown
book
object marker
二つtwo (things)
買いましたbought
Note: General items
Example 3
みかんが三つあります。
Mikan ga mittsu arimasu.
There are three oranges.
Breakdown
みかんmandarin oranges
subject marker
三つthree (things)
ありますexist
Note: Existence
Example 4
椅子を四つ並べます。
Isu o yottsu narabemasu.
I line up four chairs.
Breakdown
椅子chair
object marker
四つfour (things)
並べますline up
Note: Counting objects

Related Grammar