How to Say ‘Three onions.’ in Japanese
たまねぎを三こ。
tamanegi o san ko
[tah-mah-neh-gee oh sahn koh]
💬 Usage Tip: This is an abbreviated kitchen-style instruction: "[Onions], three." Japanese workplace speech often drops full verbs when the task is obvious.
🇯🇵 In Japan: In busy kitchens, commands are often clipped and efficient. Quantity plus ingredient can be enough because everyone knows the prep context.
Phrase Breakdown
たまねぎを
tamanegi o
onion(s) + object marker
たまねぎ means “onion,” and を marks it as the object.
たまねぎを切ります。
I will cut the onion.
Words in this phrase
たまねぎ
tamanegi
[tah-mah-neh-gee]
onion
The ingredient requested in the prep instruction.
しこみでは、たまねぎを三こ。とメモします。
In prep, I write a note saying 'three onions.'
を
o
[oh]
object marker
Marks onion as the thing to prepare or count.
たまねぎを三こ。のをは、たまねぎがたいしょうです。
In 'three onions,' o shows that onion is the target item.
三こ
san ko
three pieces
Counter こ is used for small round objects or general items.
りんごを三こください。
Three apples, please.
Words in this phrase
三
san
[sahn]
three
The number of items requested.
きょうは三だけひつようです。
Today, only three are needed.
こ
ko
[koh]
counter for small items
Counts individual onions here as pieces.
たまねぎは三こあればだいじょうぶです。
If there are three onions, that's fine.
Get the Full Learning Experience
This lesson is just a preview. Download PrettyFluent to practice pronunciation, roleplay conversations, and master vocabulary with spaced repetition.
Pronunciation Feedback
AI-powered speech recognition to perfect your accent
Spaced Repetition
Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice
Immersive Roleplaying
Practice real conversations with AI partners
Custom Scenarios
Request lessons tailored to your specific needs
Get Full LessonWhat Learners Are Saying
“Teaching in Osaka and I wanted to connect with my students beyond the classroom. The everyday conversation scenarios made my Japanese feel natural, not textbook-y.”
Mia S., 25, English Teacher
“Moved to Tokyo and the polite vs. casual speech levels were killing me. This app breaks it all down with real scenarios. My coworkers noticed the difference in weeks.”
Kevin Z., 31, Game Developer
“I tried five different apps before this one. The roleplay conversations are what finally made things click. I actually remember what I learn now.”
Sofia R., 31, Marketing Manager