Processing keyword: いくつ～ (ikutsu~

Japanese Grammar Point: いくつ～ (ikutsu~

いくつ～ (ikutsu~)

1. Introduction

The grammar point いくつ (ikutsu) is an interrogative expression in Japanese used to ask "how many" or "how old". It's a fundamental question word that's essential for everyday conversations, especially when inquiring about quantities or someone's age.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

• いくつ (ikutsu): How many; How old

Usage

1. Asking about Quantity: When you want to know the number of items or things.
2. Asking about Age: When you want to know someone's age (typically for children).

Structure

Formation Diagram

For Quantity:

いくつ + [Verb Phrase / Noun] ですか。

For Age:

[name/person] は いくつ ですか。

Detailed Explanation

• Quantity Inquiry: Use いくつ directly to ask "How many [items]" without needing a counter.
  • Example: 卵はいくつありますか。
    • Translation: "How many eggs are there?"
• Age Inquiry: Use いくつ to ask about someone's age, mainly for children. For adults, it's more polite to use おいくつ or 何歳 (なんさい).
  • Example: 妹はいくつですか。
    • Translation: "How old is your younger sister?"

3. Comparative Analysis

Similar Grammar Points

• Differences:
  • いくつ is more general and can replace specific counters in casual speech.
  • 何人 is specific to counting people.
  • 何歳 is used for age but can be less polite than おいくつ.

4. Examples in Context

Example Sentences

1. Quantity
   • 英語: How many apples did you buy?
   • 日本語: りんごをいくつ買いましたか。
   • Explanation: Asking about the number of apples purchased.
2. Age (Children)
   • 英語: How old is your son?
   • 日本語: 息子さんはいくつですか。
   • Explanation: Inquiring about the son's age.
3. Politeness (Adults)
   • 英語: May I ask how old you are?
   • 日本語: 失礼ですが、おいくつですか。
   • Explanation: Politely asking someone's age.
4. Casual Conversation
   • 英語: How many cookies can I eat?
   • 日本語: クッキーはいくつ食べてもいい？
   • Explanation: Asking permission for the number of cookies one can eat.
5. Without Specific Counters
   • 英語: How many did you make?
   • 日本語: いくつ作りましたか。
   • Explanation: General inquiry without specifying the item.

5. Cultural Notes

Levels of Politeness

• いくつ vs. おいくつ:
  • いくつ is casual and used with children or among peers.
  • おいくつ is the polite form used when asking adults or in formal situations.

Age Sensitivity

• In Japanese culture, asking an adult's age can be sensitive. It's important to use polite forms and contextually appropriate language.

Idiomatic Expressions

• いくつになっても: No matter how old one gets.
  • Example: いくつになっても勉強は大切です。
    • "No matter how old you get, studying is important."

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

1. Using いくつ for People Count: Students might mistakenly use いくつ to count people instead of 何人 (なんにん).
   • Incorrect: パーティーにいくつ来ますか。
   • Correct: パーティーに何人来ますか。
2. Politeness Levels: Using いくつ when おいくつ is appropriate can be impolite.
   • Incorrect: 社長はいくつですか。
   • Correct: 社長はおいくつですか。

Tips

• Mnemonic for Quantity: Think of いくつ as "items (い) and counts (くつ)".
• Age Politeness: Remember to add お for politeness when asking adults: おいくつ.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• いくつ is used to ask "how many" or "how old" (mainly for children).
• Use おいくつ or 何歳 when asking an adult's age.
• Be mindful of context and politeness levels.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Fill in the Blank: 兄弟は________ですか。
   • Answer: いくつ
2. Choose the Correct Polite Form: How would you politely ask a client their age?
   • a) あなたはいくつですか。
   • b) お客様はおいくつですか。
   • Answer: b) お客様はおいくつですか。
3. True or False: It's acceptable to use いくつ to count people in formal situations.
   • Answer: False

End of Lesson

We hope this explanation clarified the usage of いくつ. Practice using it in your daily conversations to become more comfortable with its applications.