How to Say "Counter" in Japanese

カウンター

kauntā[ka̠ɯ̟̃nta̠ː]

The Japanese word for the English phrase "counter" is カウンター (kauntā).

In Japanese, カウンター refers to a physical counter, such as a bar, a reception desk or a service counter in a shop.

Meaning: object used in counting (noun)

What does it mean word for word?

The word カウンター is a loanword from English and is written using the katakana script.

When referring specifically to seating at a bar or a counter in a cafe or restaurant, you will often see the term カウンター席 (counter seat).

kauntā

While カウンター refers to a physical desk, Japanese uses a complex system of 'counter words' called 助数詞 (josūshi) to count objects. These change based on whether you are counting long objects, flat objects or small animals.
In Japanese boxing and martial arts, the word カウンター is used to describe a 'counter-punch' or a counter-attack. This is a completely different usage from the physical furniture found in cafes.
The term カウンター席 (counter seat) is highly prized by solo diners in Japan. It allows them to enjoy the 'theatre' of the chef preparing food right in front of them without needing a table for two.

あそこのカウンターです。
It's at that counter.
This sentence uses カウンター to identify a location.
Tatoeba #234396 by bunbuku, translation #71772 by CK
カウンターはあいてますか。
Is there room at the counter?
This sentence uses カウンター to ask about availability at a counter.
Tatoeba #226442 by bunbuku, translation #63787 by CK
トムはカウンター席に座りました。
Tom sat at the counter.
This sentence uses カウンター to describe where someone sat.
Tatoeba #8575932 by small_snow, translation #2546363 by CK
カフェのカウンターでコーヒーを飲んでいます
I am drinking coffee at the café counter.
紙を10枚ください
Please give me ten sheets of paper.
ビールを2本ください
Please give me two bottles of beer.
12 more sentences on Tatoeba

Misaki and Daito are at a cafe.

美咲 Misaki

カウンターで注文しましょう。
Kauntā de chūmon shimashō.
Let's order at the counter.
大翔 Hiroto

いいですね。そうしましょう。
Ii desu ne. Sō shimashō.
Sounds good. Let's do that.
美咲 Misaki

あ、カウンターがとても混んでいますね。
A, kauntā ga totemo konde imasu ne.
Oh, the counter is very crowded.
大翔 Hiroto

本当だ。少し待ちましょう。
Hontō da. Sukoshi machimashō.
You're right. Let's wait a bit.

Sources

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