number · count

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 数 has 13 strokes and the on-reading すう. 数える (かぞえる) means to count; 数珠 (じゅず) means prayer beads.
• Basic usage: 数える describes counting pencils or stars. 数珠 names beads held or worn over the hand during prayer.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Whole-word reading and manner of counting
  • Learn 数珠 with the whole-word reading じゅず. Do not simply attach the on-reading すう of 数.
  • 鉛筆を一本ずつ数える means counting pencils one by one. 星を数えているうちに means while counting stars, indicating that sleepiness arose during the activity.