個
Counter for Small Objects
個（こ） is a counter for small, three-dimensional items like apples, erasers, or eggs. While 〜つ is the primary fallback for objects 1-10, 個（こ） becomes the standard way to count those same items once you reach 11 or higher.
How It Works
個（こ） is a versatile counter used for a wide variety of physical and abstract objects.
1. Usage Scope
It is primarily used for small, compact, or round objects, as well as specific abstract units. Examples include:
- Fruit: りんご、みかん
- Small items: 消しゴム（けしごむ）、ボール、飴（あめ）
- Small parts: 電池（でんち）、石（いし）
- Abstract concepts: 間違い（まちがい - mistakes）、理由（りゆう - reasons）、問題（もんだい - problems）
2. The Fallback System
For numbers 1-10, 〜つ is the most natural universal fallback for inanimate objects. However, the 〜つ system effectively stops at ten. For items that would normally use 〜つ, you switch to 個（こ） for quantities of 11 or more. Note that specific counters like 枚（まい） or 本（ほん） are still required for 11+ items of those specific shapes.
3. Number Combinations & Sound Changes
個（こ） uses Sino-Japanese numbers. Note the following sound changes for smoother pronunciation:
- 1: 一個（いっこ）
- 6: 六個（ろっこ）
- 8: 八個（はっこ）
- 10: 十個（じゅっこ / じっこ）
- 100: 百個（ひゃっこ）
- Question: 何個（なんこ） "How many?"
Examples (5)
- りんごを二個買いました。
I bought two apples.
Word by Word: Apples (object) two-units bought.
個 is the standard counter for round fruits like apples.
- 消しゴムを一個貸してください。
Please lend me one eraser.
Word by Word: Eraser (object) one-unit lend please.
Note the pronunciation of 1 unit: いっこ.
- この箱の中に何個ありますか。
How many (items) are there inside this box?
Word by Word: This box inside-in how-many-units exist?
何個（なんこ） is used to ask 'how many' for small objects.
- 卵を六個使いました。
I used six eggs.
Word by Word: Eggs (object) six-units used.
Note the pronunciation of 6 units: ろっこ.
- 三個目の信号を右に曲がります。
Turn right at the third traffic light.
Word by Word: Three-units-th signal (object) right-to turn.
Adding 〜目（め） to the counter indicates order (the 3rd one).
Common Mistakes
Using 個（こ） to count people.
学生が三個います。学生が三人（さんにん）います。People must be counted using 〜人（にん）. Using 個（こ） for people is considered very rude as it treats them like inanimate objects.
Incorrect pronunciation for 1 or 8.
いちこ / はちこ一個（いっこ） / 八個（はっこ）Numbers ending in 1, 6, 8, and 10 undergo a sound change (gemination) when followed by the 'k-column' sound of the counter こ.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To learn the counter '個', you first need a basic understanding of how Japanese counters function within a sentence. It is also helpful to be familiar with basic kanji and the general counter 'つ', as '個' is often used as a more specific alternative for small, three-dimensional objects.
- Kanji basics
Understanding basic kanji structure is necessary to recognize and write the character for this counter.
Foundations - つGeneral Counter
Understanding the concept of Japanese counters and the general native number system is a prerequisite for learning specific Sino-Japanese counters like 個.
Level 1
Related Patterns
- 人Counter for People
The specific counter used for people, which must never be replaced by 個（こ）.
Level 1 - 枚Counter for Flat Objects
The counter for flat, thin objects. Unlike the 〜つ system, specific counters like 枚（まい） are still strictly used for 11 or more items.
Level 1 - 本Counter for Long Objects
The counter for long, cylindrical objects. This counter remains mandatory even when counting 11 or more items.
Level 1 - いくつ/いくらHow Many/how Much
いくつ is the question word used to ask 'how many' when using the 〜つ system, similar to how 何個（なんこ） is used with 個（こ）.
Level 1
Words in This Pattern
Practice 個 in Bubblegum
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