JLPT N5 Counter Suffix – The distinction between “個” and “つ”
Table of Contents
1. The distinction between “個” and “つ”
2. Things Counted with “個” and “つ”
3. How to Use “個“
4. How to Use “つ”
5. Counting Method
6. Summary
7. Quiz
8. Similar Articles
9. Comment
Q: Is it necessary to distinguish between the counters “個” and “つ”?
A: Both are counters used for counting numbers.
There are cases where either can be used and cases where they cannot.
Although their usage can sometimes be irregular, let’s first clarify the basic rules.
Things Counted with “個” and “つ”
Both can be used for small, visible objects.
[Examples]
りんごを3個買いました。
りんごを3つ買いました。
I bought 3 apples.
消しゴムを2個持っています。
消しゴムを2つ持っています。
I have 2 erasers.
すみません、かばんを1個持ってもらえますか？
すみません、かばんを1つ持ってもらえますか？
Excuse me, could you carry one bag for me?
※ In Japanese, the counting method varies depending on the shape of the object.
However, not all objects can be counted with “つ” or “個,” so be mindful of their proper usage.
How to Use “個“
“個” means “one (individual) thing,” so it is used when focusing on a single item and is only used for tangible objects.
[Examples]
冷蔵庫から卵を1個取りました。
I took one egg from the refrigerator.
商品を一個一個チェックするのは大変でした。
It was tough to check each item one by one.
However, a strict distinction is not necessary, and saying “卵を1つ” (one egg) or “一つ一つチェックする” (checking one by one) does not sound unnatural.
How to Use “つ”
Like “個,” “つ” can also be used for tangible objects, but it is more commonly used for things that are difficult to separate individually.
However, “つ” must always be used for abstract concepts, as using “個” in such cases would sound unnatural.
[Examples]
もう1つ予定があるのを忘れていました。
I forgot that I had one more appointment.
一つのうそが大きな問題になりました。
One lie turned into a big problem.
Additionally, “つ” is also used when counting natural phenomena.
[Examples]
今日は雲一つなくてきれいな青空だね。
Today, there isn’t a single cloud in the sky—it’s a beautiful blue sky.
公園に大きな湖が1つあります。
There is one large lake in the park.
Counting Method
“個” can be used without limitation, whereas “つ” is only used up to ten.
Additionally, “個” follows the standard way of counting numbers, while “つ” has a unique counting system.
[Examples]
りんごを十個ください。
りんごを十ください。
Please give me 10 apples.
このオムレツは卵を4個使っています。
このオムレツは卵を4つ使っています。
This omelet uses 4 eggs.
| 個 | つ | |
| 1 | いっこ | ひとつ |
| 2 | にこ | ふたつ |
| 3 | さんこ | みっつ |
| 4 | よんこ | よっつ |
| 5 | ごこ | いつつ |
| 6 | ろっこ | むっつ |
| 7 | ななこ | ななつ |
| 8 | はっこ | やっつ |
| 9 | きゅうこ | ここのつ |
| 10 | じゅっこ | とお |
Summary
- Both “個” and “つ” can be used for small, visible objects.
- “個” is commonly used when focusing on a single, tangible item.
- “つ” is used for things that are difficult to separate individually, abstract concepts, and natural phenomena.
- “個” can be used without limit, while “つ” is only used up to ten.
Quiz
Read the following sentence and choose the expression that fits the context from the options provided in the parentheses.
Click on the question to check the answer.
A. どちらでもいい
かわいいコップを2個買いました。
かわいいコップを2つ買いました。
I bought 2 cups.
*Either can be used in this case.
A. つ
このゲームには3つルールがあります。
There are three rules in this game.
*Since “rules” are abstract concepts, “つ” is used.
A. つ
雲1つない空の写真を撮りました。
I took a photo of a sky without a single cloud.
*Since clouds are natural phenomena, “つ” is used.
A. とお
あめが、ひとつ ふたつ…とおあります。
There are one, two… ten candies.
*Since the speaker is counting using “つ,” “とお” is correct.
