An introduction to Japanese - Syntax, Grammar & Language

5.1. COUNTING 233

5.1.5 Rules for

When followed by a counter starting with a –, – or –column syllable,
may become or :

+ can become either or

+ can become either or

+ can become either or

When followed by a counter starting with a –column syllable,
can become either or and the counter voices to a ’p’ sound:

+ can become either or

The choice between which of the two possible pronunciations to use

is mostly one of style. The ”proper” pronunciation is [...], but is also

becoming more and more dated Japanese, with most young people using

the pronunciation these days. Depending on whose company you

are in, you’ll have to pick the pronunciation that will raise least eyebrows.

5.1.6 How many?

In addition to counting statements such as ”three oranges” or ”seven samu-

rai”, it also helps if we know how to ask ”how many oranges” or ”how

many samurai”. This is done using two question words: -, pronounced

-, and -, pronounced -. These are used in the same way that nu-

merals are used, being paired with a counter to turn it into a questioning

statement. Different counters use different question words, with the rule

generally being that if native Japanese readings are used with the counter,

the question word will be -, whereas if Chinese readings are used with

the counter, the question word will be. Thus, we can ask for ”how many

oranges” by using :

”How many oranges are (there)?”

And we can ask how many samurai there are by using:

”How many samurai are (there)?”

(note the difference in verb; for oranges, for samurai)