When referring to a given number to things, a particle is added alongside the amount. There are various different counter particles according to the type of object.

For small items, you use　˜こ(ko)

Ex: for candy, tomatoes, erasers

For bound volumes, you use　˜さつ (sa.tsu)

Ex: books, magazines, dictionary

For small animals, you add　˜ひき (hi.ki) or　˜びき (bi.ki) or　˜っぴき (ppi.ki)

Ex: cats, dogs, snakes

To count long objects, you add　˜ほん (hon) or　˜ぼん (bon) or　˜っぽん (ppon)

Ex: stemmed flowers, pencils, umbrellas, bottles, tape

With equipment or things utilized by people, you use　˜だい (da.i)

Ex: computers, calculators, TV, cars, bikes, phones

For flat objects, you add　˜まい (ma.i)

Ex: paper, CDs and DVDs, T-shirts

Formula:

[object]+[particle for object] + [number] + [counter particle]

ex: I have five books

私(わたし)は本(ほん)が五冊(ごさつ)あります。

Wa.ta.shi wa hon ga go.sa.tsu a.ri.ma.su

wa.ta.shi wa = (subject + particle)

hon = (object)

ga = (particle for object)

go = (number)

sa.tsu = (counter particle)

a.ri.masu = (verb for ‘to have’)