～つ

The ～つ counter is a general-purpose counter used to count various small or unclassified objects. It is commonly used for counting things that don’t fit neatly into specific counters, especially in casual speech.

It counts objects up to ten. Beyond ten, specific counters like 個 (for small items) or general numerals without ～つ (e.g., 11 = じゅういち) are typically used.

It is associated with the interrogative いくつ meaning "How many?".

What it counts:

• Small or unclassified objects and virtually anything three-dimensional (e.g., apples, balls, toys)
• Things without a definite shape (e.g. shadows, waves)
• Abstract items or concepts (e.g., questions, problems, ideas)
• Orders of products or meals (e.g. in a restaurant)
• Events or actions
• Ages from 1 to 9
• Some idioms use 一つ