Meaning and Usage
The verb 数える (かぞえる) means "to count" or "to enumerate." It is used when you want to count discrete items, numbers, or abstract things like experiences or events.
Common Contexts
数える is often used in everyday situations such as counting objects, people, or occurrences. It can also be used metaphorically, for example, counting experiences or mistakes.
Collocations and Patterns
- 数を数える: to count numbers or quantities
- 〜を数えることができる: can count something
- 〜を数えてみる: to try counting something
Register and Politeness
数える is a neutral verb suitable for both casual and formal contexts. It is commonly used in spoken and written Japanese.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 数える with 計る (はかる), which means "to measure." Remember 数える is for counting discrete items, while 計る is for measuring quantities like weight or length.