yottsu

Yottsu is a native Japanese numeral used to count four items when the exact type of object is not specified. It is written 四つ and read よっつ (yottsu). It belongs to the traditional tsu-counter group, which covers general, discrete items without a more specific counter.

Usage and function: Yottsu counts four items of an unspecified or generic nature. It is commonly used in everyday speech for objects that do not require a specialized counter, such as small or compact objects, food, or miscellaneous items. In sentences, you typically place it after the numeric prefix to indicate quantity, as in りんごを四つください (Please give me four apples). For objects that require a different counter, other forms are preferred, e.g., 四個 or 四枚, depending on the item’s shape and category.

Relation to other counters: The yottsu form is part of a sequence of native counters for one to ten—hitotsu, futatsu, mittsu, yottsu, itsutsu, muttsu, nanatsu, yattsu, kokonotsu, tō—used when a more specific counter is not needed. While versatile, many common items also take more specialized counters (for example, long objects with 本, flat items with 枚, or round items with 粒). Usage of 四つ emphasizes generality rather than a precise classification.

Examples: Four apples, four cookies, four small items, are all naturally counted with 四つ in everyday Japanese. The form is stable in contemporary usage and remains a standard option when a generic quantity is needed.