11.7 How to Count Thin Objects: 枚 (まい: mai)
Understanding how to use まい (mai) is crucial for accurately counting thin, flat objects like tickets and sheets of paper in Japanese. This module explores the structure and usage of まい, providing examples to illustrate its application in everyday conversations.
Introduction to まい (mai)
In Japanese, 枚（まい: mai）is a counter specifically used for thin, flat objects such as tickets, sheets of paper or similar items.
While it’s important to use counters correctly for clarity in communication, it’s completely okay if you can’t use them perfectly right away – counters can be a new concept for many learners. The key is to hear and use them in everyday situations many times until they become second nature. Don’t worry; with practice, you’ll internalise it!
Usage in sentences
To use the counter 枚 correctly, you typically place it after the number:
Number + 枚
When modifying a noun with the counter, place 枚 before the noun that denotes the type of thin object being counted:
Number + 枚 (+ の) + Noun
Here’s a list of how to count flat objects with the counter 枚:
- 一枚 (いちまい: ichi-mai) – one flat object
- 二枚 (にまい: ni-mai) – two flat objects
- 三枚 (さんまい: san-mai) – three flat objects
- 四枚 (よんまい: yon-mai) – four flat objects
- 五枚 (ごまい: go-mai) – five flat objects
- 六枚 (ろくまい: roku-mai) – six flat objects
- 七枚 (ななまい: nana-mai) – seven flat objects
- 八枚 (はちまい: hachi-mai) – eight flat objects
- 九枚 (きゅうまい: kyuu-mai) – nine flat objects
- 十枚 (じゅうまい: juu-mai) – ten flat objects
- 十一枚 (じゅういちまい: juu-ichi-mai) – eleven flat objects
- 何枚 (なんまい: nan mai) – How many flat objects
NOTE: 何枚 is used in questions to ask about the quantity of flat objects.
With this knowledge, let’s practise using the counter 枚（まい: mai） in various shopping and everyday situations.
Scenario 1: Buying tickets
チケットを四枚ください。
[Audio file to be added once finalised]
Chiketto o yon-mai kudasai.
Please give (me) four tickets.
Scenario 2: Asking waitstaff to bring extra plates at a restaurant
すみません。お皿（さら）を三枚ください。
[Audio file to be added once finalised]
Sumimasen. Osara o san-mai kudasai.
Excuse me. Please give (us) three plates.
Scenario 3: Informing your guest about available towels
ここにタオルが二枚あります。どうぞ使（つか）ってください。
[Audio file to be added once finalised]
Kokoni taoru ga ni-mai ari masu. Douzo tsukatte kudasai.
There are two towels here. Please use them.
Scenario 4: Inquiring about and confirming the availability of T-shirts at a shop
Customer: このTシャツ（てぃいしゃつ）はかっこいいですね。何枚ありますか。
[Audio file to be added once finalised]
Kono tii-shatsu wa kakko ii desu ne. Nanmai ari masu ka.
These T-shirts are cool. How many (T-shirts) do you have?
Shop staff: 五枚あります。
[Audio file to be added once finalised]
Go-mai ari masu.
We have five (T-shirts).
With these examples, try using the counter 枚 in different contexts to become more comfortable and natural with your counting skills. Remember, it’s all about practice and repetition, so don’t be afraid to use them many times in your daily conversations!
Exercise 1
