futatsu

Futatsu (ふたつ) is a Japanese numeral and counter used to express the number two for general, unclassified objects. It is the second item in the traditional native counting sequence for counting things without a specific counter, and it is typically written in kanji as 二つ or in kana as ふたつ.

Usage and scope: Futatsu is used when counting non-specific or undifferentiated items, especially in everyday speech or when the noun is not specified. It is not used for counting people; for two people the standard form is futari (二人) or, in some contexts, two people with a noun. It is also not typically used for animals, where counters like hiki (匹) are preferred. When a noun is present, futatsu can modify the item if no other appropriate counter is chosen, or the noun can appear with its own counter while the two items are simply noted as two instances.

Examples:

- りんごがふたつあります。 (There are two apples.)

- ボールがふたつ落ちていた。 (Two balls had fallen.)

Relation to other forms: Futatsu is part of the traditional set of numerals used for counting general objects alongside hitotsu (one), mittsu (three), and so on. In modern Japanese, speakers often opt for a noun-specific counter (such as hon for long objects, kai for small, round items, or hiki for animals) rather than relying on futatsu.

See also: Hitotsu, Mittsu, Japanese counters, numbers in Japanese.