Generic Counter (〜つ)
〜つ
The 〜つ counting system is a native Japanese counter used for general objects. It goes from ひとつ (1) to とお (10).
Pattern
Number in つ-system + Noun / Noun を ひとつ/ふたつ...
Explanation
The 〜つ system uses native Japanese numbers: 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).
This counter works for most concrete objects when you don't know the specific counter: 'りんごをみっつください' (Three apples, please). For 11 and above, switch to the specific counter or just use the number.
The 〜つ counter is the safest default when you're unsure which counter to use. It's always acceptable for objects, though specific counters are more precise.
Examples
りんごをみっつください。
りんごをみっつください。
Ringo wo mittsu kudasai.
Three apples, please.
問題がふたつあります。
もんだいがふたつあります。
Mondai ga futatsu arimasu.
There are two problems.
部屋にいすがよっつあります。
へやにいすがよっつあります。
Heya ni isu ga yottsu arimasu.
There are four chairs in the room.
ひとつだけ質問があります。
ひとつだけしつもんがあります。
Hitotsu dake shitsumon ga arimasu.
I have just one question.
Common Mistakes
Wrong
りんごを三つください。
Correct
りんごをみっつください。
The つ system uses native Japanese readings (みっつ), not Sino-Japanese numbers (三つ is acceptable in writing but pronounced みっつ).
Wrong
りんごをじゅういちつ。
Correct
りんごを十一個。
The つ system only goes to 10. For 11+, use specific counters like 個.
Related Grammar Points
Vocabulary in Examples
Practice vocabulary from these grammar patterns
Build your vocabulary with science-backed spaced repetition — 30 days free.
Start Practicing