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Safari counts tabs as 個 even for small numbers like 5. I wonder, is this the
accurate counter word for browser tabs? Or are tabs counted with generic つ
that becomes 個 for numbers greater than 10, but the string interpolation can’t
do Japanese numerals in its complexity?

In the natural language, spoken or just written by humans, would 五つのタブ or
5個のタブ be used? In the case of 個, what category does the browser tab fit so
this counter word would be appropriate?

[![Safari alert box
screenshot](https://i.stack.imgur.com/lh9Ys.png)](https://i.stack.imgur.com/lh9Ys.png)
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2022-05-14T17:38:10.493
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question
counters
Are browser tabs タブ counted as つ or 個?
つ or 個 can be used mostly for anything, as explained e.g. by [this
answer](https://japanese.stackexchange.com/a/20876/45489). So both are fine
for browser tabs.

Generally つ looks more colloquial, which may be a reason 個 is used in the
message (as well as in most device messages). And of course, the simplicity of
using 個 could be a factor.
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2022-05-14T23:17:31.210
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answer
# Understanding "tabs"

The number of tabs are actually the reflection of your computer's memory
state. They just so **appear** to show up as tabs on the screen. **How** to
portray them to the end user is up to the designers. As you're talking about
Safari, let's focus on how Apple renders their user interface.

# Apple's design philosophy

Arguably they've been utilizing Skeuomorphism. Just look at their "Notes" app
- they do a great job making it look/feel like an actual piece of paper. So
**what** do they represent tabs to be? Here are some possible assumptions:

## 1. Tabs are wrappers around page(s)

In this case, it' s natural to say 1枚.

## 2. Tabs are containers for page(s)

In this case, it's natural to say 1個.

Once Apple defines **what** tabs are supposed to portray, their localization
team decides **how** they should be counted.

# Personally...

I have never counted tabs with my friends in my life, nor have I implemented
such message for the Japanese. But I think 1個 or 1つ is appropriate. 1枚 sounds
strange, probably because I think tabs are containers.

# Conditionals

> Or are tabs counted with generic つ that becomes 個 for numbers greater than
> 10, but the string interpolation can’t do Japanese numerals in its
> complexity?

I don't represent Apple, but they're probably capable of handling such case.
So this shouldn't be the reason to avoid certain counters.

  * 5枚 is valid
  * 5個 is valid
  * 5つ is valid
  * 10枚 is valid
  * 10個 is valid
  * 10つ is invalid and probably replace with 10個
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answer