数える
kazoeru[ka̠zo̞e̞ɾɯ̟]
To count in Japanese is to say 数える (kazoeru).
The verb 数える means to enumerate or determine number. You can use it on its own, but the phrase 数を数える is often used to emphasize the act of counting numbers or quantities.
Meaning: to enumerate or determine number (verb)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The negative form of 数える, meaning to not count, is 数えない. The te-form is 数えて, which is used for connecting sentences or making requests.
How do you pronounce it?
kazoeru
Did you know?
- In Japan, the traditional way of counting years of age is called 数え年 (kazue-doshi). In this system, a person is considered one year old at birth and gains a year on New Year's Day.
- If you are counting small, round objects like marbles or apples, you would use a different counter than if you were counting long, thin objects like pencils.
- The verb 数える can be used figuratively to mean 'to count as' or 'to consider'. For example, it is used when saying someone is 'counted among' the greatest poets of an era.
Examples in context
- 10数えるまで待ってて。Wait till I count to ten.This sentence shows how to use 数える when waiting for someone to count to ten.Tatoeba #11427641 by small_snow, translation #246401 by CK
- 彼は数を数えることができない。He can't count.This sentence uses 数える to describe someone's inability to count.Tatoeba #2249886 by bunbuku, translation #300223 by CK
- 彼は指で10まで数えることができる。He can count up to ten with his fingers.This sentence uses 数える to describe the ability to count up to ten using fingers.Tatoeba #2261610 by tommy_san, translation #47391 by CK
- 数えることは、順番に物事を記録するために重要です。Counting is important for recording things in order.
- 三冊の本Three books
- 五人の友達Five friends
- 17 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Ren is checking if the number of items in a box is correct.
- 陽葵 Himari蓮、中身を全部数える？Ren, nakami o zenbu kazoeru?Ren, are you going to count everything inside?
- 蓮 Renうん、今数えているよ。Un, ima kazoete iru yo.Yeah, I am counting them now.
- 陽葵 Himariいくつあった？Ikutsu atta?How many were there?
- 蓮 Ren全部で十個あったよ。Zenbu de jukko atta yo.There were ten in total.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “count” translations and entries 数える, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
