数える

• Reading: かぞえる
• Romaji: kazoeru
• Kanji breakdown: 数 (kazo/sū) — number, count
• Pronunciation: /ka.zo.e.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To count. To enumerate or calculate the number of something.

A Group 2 (ichidan) transitive verb. Used for counting objects, people, or abstract things. Can express both literal counting (数を数える, to count numbers) and figurative measuring (指で数えられるほど, so few you can count on your fingers). Often appears in expressions about limited quantities or tallying totals.

Examples

1. 子供たちが一から百まで数える練習をしている。 The children are practicing counting from one to a hundred.
2. 参加者の人数を数えてください。 Please count the number of participants.
3. 残りの日数を指で数えた。 I counted the remaining days on my fingers.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, math, school

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From the kanji 数 (sū/kazo, number/count). The character historically depicted a hand arranging sticks for calculation — the physical act of tallying.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal