「〜匹」Counting Small Animals
Explanation
Grammar: N + が + Number + 匹（ひき）
〜匹 is a Japanese counter used for counting small animals, such as cats, dogs, mice, etc. The pronunciation changes depending on the number, so it's important to pay attention to these variations.
Grammar Pattern
| Grammar Point | Connection | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 〜匹 | + Number + Noun | Used for counting small animals like cats, dogs, rabbits, etc. |
Basic Usage
| Number | Pronunciation |
|---|---|
| 1 | |
| 2 | |
| 3 | |
| 4 | |
| 5 | |
| 6 | |
| 7 | |
| 8 | |
| 9 | |
| 10 |
Examples
猫 が三匹 います。- Neko ga sanbiki imasu.
- There are three cats.
犬 が一匹 もいない。- Inu ga ippiki mo inai.
- There isn't even one dog.
金魚 を五匹 買った。- Kingyo o gohiki katta.
- I bought five goldfish.
Deep Dive
The use of 〜匹 is not just about counting; it also reflects the importance of small animals in Japanese culture. Counters are a significant grammatical point in Japanese, making sentences more vivid and specific. Using the correct counter for animals shows the speaker's understanding and affection for them.
In Japan, pet culture is very popular, and 〜匹 is commonly used in daily life. For example, pet store staff often ask customers how many animals they want, and 〜匹 is used to communicate the quantity.
Comparisons and Differences
〜匹 is specifically used for small animals, while larger animals like cows and horses use 〜頭 (とう), and birds and rabbits use 〜羽 (わ). The choice of counter depends on the type and size of the animal, so it's important to distinguish between them when learning.
| Counter | Used For |
|---|---|
| 匹 | Small animals |
| 頭 | Large animals |
| 羽 | Birds, rabbits, etc. |
Common Mistakes
- Common Mistake: Using 匹 for large animals, such as incorrectly saying 四匹 (よんひき) for cows. The correct usage is 四頭 (よんとう).
- Pronunciation Changes: Not being familiar with the pronunciation changes for different numbers can lead to confusion.
Real-Life Scenarios
- Veterinary Clinic: A doctor asks a patient how many pets they have.
- Pet Store: A staff member asks a customer how many pets they want to buy.
- Daily Life at Home: Discussing the number of pets at home.
Summary
〜匹 is a Japanese counter specifically used for counting small animals, and its pronunciation changes depending on the number. Understanding and correctly using 〜匹 can improve your Japanese language skills and also provide insight into Japanese cultural attitudes toward animals.