Japanese Counter for Cups (杯) – Counting Cups and Glasses
Learn how to count cups and glasses in Japanese using 杯
In Japanese, cups and glasses of drinks are counted using the counter 「杯」(はい / hai).
This counter is used for cups of tea, glasses of water, coffee, alcohol, and other beverages.
Important Sound Changes
Some numbers change pronunciation when combined with 杯.
1杯 (いっぱい / ippai)
3杯 (さんばい / sanbai)
6杯 (ろっぱい / roppai)
8杯 (はっぱい / happai)
10杯 (じゅっぱい / juppai)
Common Usage
コーヒーを二杯ください。 (koohii o nihai kudasai)
Meaning: Please give me two cups of coffee.
This counter is very common when ordering drinks at restaurants or cafes.