Counters by shape or size（個、本、枚）

Counter for small objects（個）

～個 is a general counter that can be used for just about anything with a tangible shape, so is a great fallback when you don't know which counter to use. While it is most commonly used for small items that do not clearly fall into a category of another counter, such as apples, eggs, dice, toys, etc, it can also be used for larger objects such as planets.

Note on pronunciation

• 一個 is pronounced 「いっ・こ」
• 六個 is pronounced 「ろっ・こ」
• 八個 can be pronounced either 「はち・こ」or「はっ・こ」
• 十個 can be pronouned either 「じゅっ・こ」or「じっ・こ」
• 百個 is pronounced「ひゃっ・こ」

Counter for long cylindrical items（本）

The ～本「～ほん」counter can be used for anything that is long and cylindrical in shape.  Common objects that can use the ～本 counter include, pens, pencils, umbrellas, bottles and string, It can be used for larger objects too, like trees, buildings, bridges and trains.

You may be wondering why the Kanji for books (本) is used for long cylindrical objects.  This is because originally "books" were written on scrolls, paper rolled up in a long cylindrical shape.

Note on pronunciation

• 一本 is pronounced「いっ・ぽん」
• 三本 is pronounced「さん・ぼん」
• 六本 is pronounced「ろっ・ぽん」
• 八本 is pronounced「はち・ほん」or「はっ・ぽん」
• 十本 is pronounced「じゅっ・ぽん」or「じっ・ぽん」
• 百本 is pronounced「ひゃっ・ぽん」or「ひゃく・ほん」
• 千本 is pronounced「せん・ぼん」

Counter for flat objects（枚）

The ～枚「～まい」counter can be used for anything that is flat in shape.  Common objects that can use the ～枚 counter paper, photos, credit cards, shirts, pants, dresses, plates and CDs.

Note on pronunciation

There are no special pronunciation rules for ～枚.