Topic 4 Lesson 7: Home - Counting things

Basic Sentence Structure

The basic sentence structure in the MARUGOTO series (Starter A1 Rikai) introduces essential elements of Japanese grammar that can be used to form simple yet effective sentences. This structure not only helps in expressing the existence of objects or living creatures but also serves as a foundation for more complex sentence formations.

Expression of Quantity

To communicate how many of something exists in a specific location, the basic structure is as follows:

N1 (Place) に Number + Counter が あります。

Example: ベッドが２つあります。 (There are two beds.)

This formula allows learners to specify quantities of various items or creatures, aiding in day-to-day conversations and interactions.

Counters in Japanese

In Japanese, different counters are employed for items and living creatures to provide clarity and precision in communication:

N1 (Place) に N2 (Living creature) が います。

Example: N2 (Living creature) が N1 (Place) にいますか？

This structure is particularly useful for asking about the presence of living beings in a particular space, distinguishing between objects and living entities, which is a significant aspect of Japanese grammar.

Common Japanese Counters

For counting items, the following counters are used:

• ひとつ (1)

• ふたつ (2)

• みっつ (3)

• よっつ (4)

• いつつ (5)

• むっつ (6)

• ななつ (7)

• やっつ (8)

• ここのつ (9)

• とお (10).

To inquire about the quantity of items, one can ask: いくつ?

For counting people (using the counter にん):

• ひとり (1)

• ふたり (2)

• さんにん (3)

• よにん (4)

• ごにん (5)

• ろくにん (6)

• しちにん (7)

• ななにん (8)

• はちにん (9)

• きゅうにん (10).

To ask about the number of people present: なんにん?

Example Sentences

• 2. たなかさんのいえにいすが２つあります。
  Translation: There are two chairs in Mr. Tanaka's house.

• 4. A: いえにへやがいくつありますか？
  B: ３つあります。
  Translation: A: How many rooms are there in your home? B: There are three.

• 6. A: １０４のへやにがくせいがなんにんいますか？
  B: ふたりいます。
  Translation: A: How many students are there in room 104? B: There are two students.

Summary of Key Points

The structure 「number + counters」 indicates quantity effectively and concisely. It is essential to use 「～つ」 for counting things and 「～にん」 for counting people, highlighting the importance of counters in everyday interactions in Japanese. Mastering these basic sentence structures is fundamental for beginners aiming to communicate efficiently in various contexts. Additionally, understanding the distinctions between inherencies in quantity and existence paves the way for more advanced concepts in sentence construction, enabling learners to express a wider range of ideas and inquiries.