How to Count in Korean

How to Count in Korean: Mastering Sino-Korean and Native Korean Numbers

Numbers are essential in everyday life, and this is particularly true when learning Korean. From counting objects, asking about prices, or telling the time, you’ll need numbers regularly. However, Korean numbers can be tricky because there are two distinct number systems: Sino-Korean and Native Korean. Each system is used in specific contexts, which may seem overwhelming at first. But don’t worry—this comprehensive guide will help you understand how and when to use both number systems with ease!

The Two Number Systems in Korean

In Korean, numbers are expressed using two number systems: Sino-Korean numbers and Native Korean numbers. Sino-Korean numbers originate from Chinese characters and are commonly used for dates, prices, time, and addresses, while Native Korean numbers are used for counting people, objects, age, and more informal settings. Learning how to use each system is essential for mastering Korean.

Sino-Korean Numbers (일, 이, 삼…)

Sino-Korean numbers come from Chinese characters and are primarily used for more formal contexts. This number system is consistent across situations, making it easier to remember once you've learned the basics.


When to Use Sino-Korean Numbers:

  • Dates (calendar, years)
  • Prices (in stores or online)
  • Telling time (minutes, seconds)
  • Counting numbers over 100


Counting from 1 to 10 in Sino-Korean:

Number Sino-Korean Romanization
1 일 il
2 이 i
3 삼 sam
4 사 sa
5 오 o
6 육 yuk
7 칠 chil
8 팔 pal
9 구 gu
10 십 sip

Numbers Beyond 10 in Sino-Korean:

11 = 십일 (sip-il)
20 = 이십 (i-sip)
100 = 백 (baek)
1,000 = 천 (cheon)
10,000 = 만 (man)

Examples of Sino-Korean Numbers in Daily Life:

●    Phone numbers: "010-이사칠구-삼팔육오" (010-2479-3865)

●    Price: ₩50,000 (오만 원 / o-man won)

●    Time: "12:30" (십이시 삼십분 / sip-i-si sam-sip-bun)

Native Korean Numbers (하나, 둘, 셋…)

Native Korean numbers are unique to the Korean language and are typically used for smaller quantities and more casual contexts, particularly when counting numbers below 100.



When to Use Native Korean Numbers:

●    Counting items, people, animals

●    Telling age (informally)

●    Telling the time (hours)


Counting from 1 to 10 in Native Korean:

Number Native Korean Romanization
1 하나 hana
2 둘 dul
3 셋 set
4 넷 net
5 다섯 daseot
6 여섯 yeoseot
7 일곱 ilgop
8 여덟 yeodeol
9 아홉 ahop
10 열 yeol

Numbers Beyond 10 in Native Korean:

11 = 열하나 (yeol-hana)
20 = 스물 (seumul)
50 = 쉰 (swin)

Examples of Native Korean Numbers in Daily Life:

●    “Can I have three coffees?” (커피 세 잔 주세요 / keopi se jan juseyo)

●    "I’m 25 years old." (저는 스물다섯 살이에요 / jeoneun seumul-daseot sal-ieyo)

●    "It’s 3 o’clock." (세 시 / se si)

Note: Native Korean numbers often change slightly when followed by a counter. For example, 하나 becomes 한, and 둘 becomes 두.


When to Use Sino-Korean vs. Native Korean Numbers

Understanding when to use Sino-Korean or Native Korean numbers is essential. Here’s a quick reference:

Use Sino-Korean Use Native Korean
Phone numbers, dates, prices Counting objects, animals, people
Counting large quantities (100+) Telling age (informally)
Telling time (minutes, seconds) Telling time (hours)

How to Practice Counting in Korean

To get comfortable using both number systems, try incorporating them into your daily routine:

  1. Order Food or Drinks: When ordering in a restaurant, use Native Korean numbers for small quantities. For example, say 커피 두 잔 주세요 ("Two cups of coffee, please").
  2. Read Out Prices: Practice saying prices in Korean while shopping online, like ₩3,000 (삼천 원 / samcheon won).
  3. Tell the Time: Combine both systems by saying hours in Native Korean and minutes in Sino-Korean. For example, "2:30" is 두 시 삼십 분 (du si samsip bun).
  4. Count Days, Months, and Years: Use Sino-Korean numbers for dates, such as 일월 (January) and 이천이십사 년 (2024).
  5. Practice with Apps: Language apps like LingoDeer offer interactive exercises to help you master both Korean number systems and build your language skills. Learn more from this review.


Conclusion

Learning to count in Korean may seem challenging at first, but with practice, it will soon become second nature. Whether you're ordering food, reading prices, or telling time, mastering both Sino-Korean and Native Korean numbers will greatly enhance your Korean language skills.

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