These expressions come up in Lesson 4: Entering a Lottery or Raffle, Lesson 5: Paying at the Register, and Shopping Manners 1: Queue Etiquette.
〜個 (-ko)
Meaning: Counter for small, round, or general objects — used for most goods, gacha capsules, etc.
Example: 3個ください。
Sanko kudasai.
"Three, please (3 items)."
Usage: The default, most generic item counter in Japanese — safe to use for almost any small good.
〜枚 (-mai)
Meaning: Counter for flat/thin objects — tickets, cards, clear files, posters.
Example: チケットを2枚ください。
Chiketto o nimai kudasai.
"Two tickets, please."
Usage: Use for anything flat — trading cards, tickets, clear files, paper goods.
〜時間待ち (-jikan machi)
Meaning: "___ hour(s) wait" — queue wait time.
Example: 今は2時間待ちです。
Ima wa ni-jikan machi desu.
"Right now it's a 2-hour wait."
Usage: A common phrase seen on queue signs at popular shops/attractions — check this before joining a line.
〜時から〜時まで (-ji kara -ji made)
Meaning: "From ___ o'clock until ___ o'clock" — opening hours or time ranges.
Example: 開店は10時から20時までです。
Kaiten wa jūji kara nijūji made desu.
"It's open from 10am to 8pm."
Usage: The standard way Japanese shops state opening hours — note the 24-hour clock is common on signage (20時 = 8pm).
〜円 (-en)
Meaning: Yen — the counter/unit for prices.
Example: 合計で1,500円です。
Gōkei de sen-gohyaku en desu.
"The total is 1,500 yen."
Usage: Always said after the number, e.g. 千円 (sen-en, "1,000 yen") — listen for the final number staff say at checkout.
Quick Check
Q1. If you want 2 of something, what do you say?
A. 2個ください (Niko kudasai), "Two, please."
Q2. Why would you say 1枚 (ichimai) instead of 1個 (ikko) for a trading card?
A. Flat/thin objects like cards, tickets, and paper use the 枚 counter, not the generic 個 counter.
Q3. If a sign says 3時間待ち (san-jikan machi), what does it mean?
A. "A 3-hour wait from here."
Q4. If a sign says 10時から19時まで (jūji kara jūkyūji made), what are the opening hours?
A. 10am to 7pm.
Q5. How would a cashier say "500 yen" in Japanese?
A. 500円 (gohyaku-en).