「〜枚（まい）」- Counting Thin, Flat Objects

Explanation

The counter 〜枚（まい） is used to count thin, flat objects such as paper, plates, tickets, and more. It is pronounced as 「まい」 and typically follows a noun in a sentence to indicate quantity.

Grammar Pattern

Grammar Point	Connection	Explanation
〜枚（まい）	+ Noun	Used to count thin, flat objects like paper, plates, photos, etc.

Basic Usage

• One sheet of paper: 1枚いちまいいちまい
• Two tickets: 2枚にまいにまい
• Three photos: 3枚さんまいさんまい

Combining Numbers with the Counter

When combining numbers with the counter 〜枚, the pronunciation and usage are as follows:

Number	Pronunciation
1	一枚いちまいいちまい
2	二枚にまいにまい
3	三枚さんまいさんまい
4	四枚よんまいよんまい
5	五枚ごまいごまい
6	六枚ろくまいろくまい
7	七枚しちまいしちまい
8	八枚はちまいはちまい
9	九枚きゅうまいきゅうまい
10	十枚じゅうまいじゅうまい

Examples

• 彼かれは写真しゃしんを三枚さんまいさんまい持もっています。
• Kare wa shashin o san-mai motteimasu.
• He has three photos.
  

• チケットちけっとを五枚ごまいごまいください。
• Chiketto o go-mai kudasai.
• Please give me five tickets.
  

• 切符きっぷを二枚にまいにまい買かいました。
• Kippu o ni-mai kaimashita.
• I bought two tickets.
  

• ここに五枚ごまいごまいの写真しゃしんがあります。
• Koko ni go-mai no shashin ga arimasu.
• There are five photos here.
  

• 彼女かのじょは手紙てがみを十枚じゅうまいじゅうまい書かきました。
• Kanojo wa tegami o juu-mai kakimashita.
• She wrote ten letters.
  

Deep Dive

The counter 〜枚 is specifically used for counting thin, flat objects. Compared to other counters, its application is more specialized. When using it, pay attention to the shape and characteristics of the object to choose the appropriate counter.

Comparison and Differences

The counter 〜枚 differs from other counters based on the shape of the objects:

• 「〜個ここ」 is used for small, three-dimensional objects like apples or balls.
• 「〜本ほんほん」 is used for long, thin objects like bottles or pencils.
• 「〜冊さつさつ」 is used for books or notebooks.

Expression	Usage	Example	English Translation
〜枚まいまい	Thin, flat objects	二枚にまいにまいの紙かみ	Two sheets of paper
〜個ここ	Small, three-dimensional objects	二個にこにこのりんごりんご	Two apples
〜本ほんほん	Long, thin objects	二本にほんにほんのペンぺん	Two pens
〜冊さつさつ	Books, notebooks	二冊にさつにさつの本ほん	Two books

Summary

The counter 〜枚 is highly practical and commonly used for counting thin, flat objects. Mastering its usage allows for more accurate descriptions of quantities in daily life. Proficiency with 〜枚 will help you express quantity concepts more naturally in conversations and reading.