「〜本」- Counting Long Objects

Explanation

Counters are used to indicate the quantity of objects. In Japanese, for long, slender objects such as pens, bottles, and trees, the counter 「本」 (ほんほん) is used. This counter is not limited to physical long objects but can also be applied to certain abstract concepts that have an extended nature.

Grammar Pattern

Grammar Point	Connection	Explanation
N + が + 本	Noun + が + 本(ほんほん)	「本」 is used to count long, slender objects and certain abstract concepts. Its pronunciation is 「ほん」, but it changes depending on the number.

Basic Usage

The pronunciation of 「〜本」 changes as follows:

Quantity	Pronunciation
1本	いっぽん
2本	にほん
3本	さんぼん
4本	よんほん
5本	ごほん
6本	ろっぽん
7本	ななほん
8本	はっぽん
9本	きゅうほん
10本	じゅっぽん

These counters can be used for various long objects. For example:

• 彼かれはペンを3本ぼん持もっている。
• Kare wa pen o san-bon motteiru.
• He has three pens.
  

• テーブルてーぶるに花はなが1本ほん置おいてある。
• Tēburu ni hana ga ippon oitearu.
• There is one flower on the table.
  

Deep Dive

The use of 「〜本」 is not limited to counting physical objects. It can also be used for certain abstract concepts with an extended nature, such as time periods or movie lengths.

• Counting Objects:
  • 庭にわに木きが5本ほん植うえられている。
  • Niwa ni ki ga go-hon uerareteiru.
  • There are five trees planted in the garden.
    
• Abstract Concepts:
  • 彼かれは連続れんぞくで2本ほんの映画えいがを見みた。
  • Kare wa renzoku de ni-hon no eiga o mita.
  • He watched two movies in a row.
    

Comparisons and Differences

• Common Mistake 1: Some learners confuse 「本」 with other counters when counting long objects. It's important to pay attention to the shape and type of the object.
• Common Mistake 2: Using 「本」 for objects that are not long, such as round objects (e.g., balls), is incorrect.

Real-Life Scenarios

In daily life, 「〜本」 is widely used. Here are some examples of conversations and usage scenarios:

• Conversation 1: Purchasing Items

  • 客きゃく：すみません、このペンを5本ほんください。
  • Kyaku: Sumimasen, kono pen o go-hon kudasai.
  • Customer: Excuse me, please give me five pens.
    
  • 店員てんいん：かしこまりました。5本ほんで500円えんです。
  • Ten'in: Kashikomarimashita. Go-hon de go-hyaku-en desu.
  • Shopkeeper: Certainly. Five pens will be 500 yen.
    

• Conversation 2: Describing a Scene

  • 友達ともだち：昨日きのう、公園こうえんで5本ほんの桜さくらが咲さいていたよ。
  • Tomodachi: Kinou, kouen de go-hon no sakura ga saiteita yo.
  • Friend: Yesterday, five cherry blossoms were blooming in the park.
    
  • 私わたし：本当ほんとう？見みに行いきたいな。
  • Watashi: Hontou? Mi ni ikitai na.
  • Me: Really? I want to go see them.
    

Summary

「〜本」 is a common counter in Japanese used for counting long, slender objects. By understanding its usage and distinguishing it from other counters, you can more accurately describe and express quantities and other information in daily life.