Japanese Counters: Listening Practice with Hon, Mai, and Dai

Japanese counters are easier to remember when you hear them in a real lesson. Listen to Sayuri's guide, then practice choosing the counter that matches each object.

How to use this listening lesson

1. Listen once without reading the transcript.
2. Listen again and pause when you recognize a word.
3. Read the transcript, review the vocabulary, then listen one more time.

Vocabulary to notice

• 一本 (いっぽん) — one long object
• 一枚 (いちまい) — one flat object
• 一台 (いちだい) — one machine or vehicle
• 一冊 (いっさつ) — one bound book
• 一杯 (いっぱい) — one cup or glass
• 一つ (ひとつ) — one general item
• 何本 (なんぼん) — how many long objects
• 数える (かぞえる) — to count

Grammar focus

A number comes before its counter: ペンを一本買いました。 (I bought one pen.) The counter changes with the kind of object.

Practice after listening

1. Listen first and notice one counter pronunciation change.
2. Match a book, a ticket, a car, and a bottle to the right counter.
3. Say how many objects are on your desk.

When you are ready, use the source episode below for the full Japanese listening practice.

Listen to the source episode

これ、日本語でどう数えますか？（本・枚・台・・・）｜How do you count these in Japanese? (Hon, Mai, Dai etc.)｜這些東西用日文怎麼數？（本・枚・台・・・）

Original Nihongo Sayuri podcast episode for this JLPT N4 lesson.

Nihongo Sayurisayuri

Continue your practice

Japanese Listening Practice with Podcast Scripts

Find more easy Japanese listening lessons with scripts, vocabulary, and clear next steps.

Nihongo Sayurisayuri

Level: JLPT N4.