Counters you'll actually need

1. 1

   ひとつ

   hitotsu

   The universal counter ひとつ、ふたつ works for almost anything when you forget the specific counter.

   Use when ordering one item at a restaurant or store, pointing at something and saying how many

   これ、ひとつお願いします。

   kore, hitotsu onegaishimasu.

   One of these, please.

2. 2

   一個

   ikko

   一個 is the counter for small objects, snacks, onigiri, pastries. You'll hear it constantly at convenience stores.

   Use when buying one small item like an onigiri, pastry, or packaged food

   このおにぎり、二個お願いします。

   kono onigiri, niko onegaishimasu.

   Two of these onigiri, please.

3. 3

   一本

   ippon

   一本 counts long, thin things, bottles, pens, umbrellas. Essential for drinks at a konbini.

   Use when buying a bottle of water, a pen, or any long thin object

   お水一本お願いします。

   omizu ippon onegaishimasu.

   One bottle of water, please.

4. 4

   一枚

   ichimai

   一枚 counts flat things, tickets, paper, sliced items. You'll need this at stations and shops.

   Use when buying a ticket, asking for a sheet of paper, ordering sliced items

   切符一枚お願いします。

   kippu ichimai onegaishimasu.

   One ticket, please.

Saved phrases collect at practice → saved; quiz them and they enter your review queue.