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In Japanese, as in is the counter for small animals. The counters are not independent words and always appear with a number before them. Counter words are similar in function to the word "sheet" in "two sheets of ) is the counter, but can also be expressed using the traditional numeral four as ''ringo o yottsu'' (リンゴを四つ). These traditional numerals cannot be used to count all nouns, however; some, including people and animals, require the proper counter. Counters can also be intentionally misused for humorous, sarcastic, or insulting effect. For example, one might say 男一匹なのに ("I am only one man..."). Using the counter ''hiki'' (匹), the counter for small animals, humorously suggests that the person is overpowered by massive obstacles. Some of the more common counters may be used instead of less common ones. For example, 匹 ''hiki'' (see below) is often used for all animals, regardless of size. However, many speakers will correct themselves and use the traditionally "correct" counter, 頭 ''tō'', when speaking of, for example, Horse s. Just as in English , different counters for the same thing can be used to convey different meanings. In English, one can say ''one loaf of bread'' or ''one slice of bread'', and the referent is different. In Japanese, the same effect is made by saying パン一斤 ''pan ikkin'', literally "bread one-loaf" versus パン一枚 ''pan ichimai'', literally "bread one-flat piece". TABLE OF THE TRADITIONAL NUMERALS LIST OF COUNTERS This list includes counters which are rarely used or not widely known. EXCEPTIONS The traditional numbers are used by and for young children to give their ages, instead of using the age counter ''sai''. Some counters, notably ''nichi'' 日 and ''nin'' 人 use the traditional numerals for some low numbers; exceptional cases for these counters are given in the table below. Counters beginning with ''h~'' (including ''fu~'') undergo (almost) regular changes in sound, when preceded by the numerals 1, 3, 6, 8, and 10. The table below illustrates the process for ''hon'' 本 but the same changes apply to ''fun'' 分, ''hai'' 杯, ''hiki'' 匹 etc.
Note that 三階 ("third floor") can be read either ''sankai'' or ''san'''g'''ai'', while 三回 ("three times") can only be read ''sankai''. SEE ALSO |
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