Japanese word

数える

Pronunciation

Romajikazoeru

Meaning

  • verbcount

Example

お金を数えます。o kane o kazo e ma su

I count the money.

Illustration for 数える (count)

More examples

星を五つ数えます。hoshi o itsu tsu kazo e ma su

I count five stars.

買い物の前に、かごの中のりんごを数えます。ka i mono no mae ni ka go no naka no ri n go o kazo e ma su

Before shopping, I count the apples in the basket.

Core concept

Describes checking items in sequence so their total becomes clear.

Common phrases

  • 指で数えるyubi de kazo e ru

    count on one's fingers

  • 人数を数えるnin zū o kazo e ru

    count the number of people

  • お金を数えるo kane o kazo e ru

    count money

Similar words

計算するkeisansuru: To find an amount or result by using numbers and mathematical operations.
勘定するkanjōsuru: To count money or check the amount of a bill.
数え上げるkazoeageru: To count items one by one and include them in a total.

Definition in Japanese

物や人を順に取り上げ、いくつあるかを確かめる。mono ya hito o jun ni to ri a ge i ku tsu a ru ka o tashi ka me ru

Word origin

The native verb 数える (kazoeru, "to count") combines 数 (kazu, "number") with the verb-forming ending える (eru).

Usage tips

  • For money, 数える (kazoeru) means tallying bills or coins, whereas 計算する (keisan suru) means calculating an amount.

Related words

  • 数え方kazoekataway of countingnoun

Word lists with this word