Counting in Korean isnβt as simple as just saying numbersβyou also need counting words (classifiers)! In this guide, you’ll learn the most important Korean counters, when to use Sino-Korean vs. Native Korean numbers, and common phrases for everyday use.
Save this post and start practicing Korean counting today! π
π What Are Korean Counting Words (Classifiers)?
In English, we often say things like:
β “Three cups of coffee” β
β “Two pieces of paper” π
β “Five books” π
In Korean, you must attach a counting word (classifier) after the number when counting people, animals, objects, and more.
β
Korean Counting Formula:
π [Thing] + [Number] + [Counter]
For example:
π μ±
μΈ κΆ (chaek se gwon) β Three books
π μ¬κ³Ό λ κ° (sagwa du gae) β Two apples
π©βπ©βπ§βπ¦ μ¬λ λ€ λͺ
(saram ne myeong) β Four people
π’ When to Use Native vs. Sino-Korean Numbers?
Korean has two number systems:
β
Native Korean Numbers β Used for general counting, age, hours, and people.
β
Sino-Korean Numbers β Used for dates, money, minutes, and large quantities.
In counting, Native Korean numbers are used most of the time, except for some specific cases (money, dates, etc.).
π‘ Quick Tip: Numbers 1β4 (νλ, λ, μ
, λ·) change their form before a counter:
β νλ β ν (han)
β λ β λ (du)
β μ
β μΈ (se)
β λ· β λ€ (ne)
π Common Korean Counting Words (Classifiers)
| Category | Korean Counter | Example | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| General objects | κ° (gae) | μ¬κ³Ό λ κ° (sagwa du gae) | Two apples π |
| People | λͺ (myeong) | νμ μΈ λͺ (haksaeng se myeong) | Three students π |
| People (formal) | λΆ (bun) | μλ ν λΆ (sonnim han bun) | One guest πΌ |
| Animals | λ§λ¦¬ (mari) | κ°μμ§ λ€ λ§λ¦¬ (gangaji ne mari) | Four puppies πΆ |
| Books | κΆ (gwon) | μ± λ€μ― κΆ (chaek daseot gwon) | Five books π |
| Bottles | λ³ (byeong) | λ¬Ό μΈ λ³ (mul se byeong) | Three bottles of water πΌ |
| Glasses/Cups | μ (jan) | μ»€νΌ ν μ (keopi han jan) | One cup of coffee β |
| Machines, cars | λ (dae) | μλμ°¨ λ λ (jadongcha du dae) | Two cars π |
| Paper, tickets | μ₯ (jang) | μ’ μ΄ μΈ μ₯ (jongi se jang) | Three sheets of paper π |
| Clothes | λ² (beol) | μ· λ λ² (ot du beol) | Two outfits π |
| Pairs of shoes/socks | μΌ€λ (kyeolle) | μ λ° ν μΌ€λ (sinbal han kyeolle) | One pair of shoes π |
| Floors (in a building) | μΈ΅ (cheung) | 5μΈ΅ (o cheung) | 5th floor π’ |
| Months (duration) | λ¬ (dal) | 3λ¬ (se dal) | Three months π |
| Lessons (counting chapters) | κ³Ό (gwa) | 2κ³Ό (i gwa) | Chapter 2 π |
π‘ Pro Tip: Some counters always use Sino-Korean numbers (e.g., μΈ΅, κ³Ό), while others always use Native Korean numbers (e.g., κ°, λ§λ¦¬).
π£ Common Korean Counting Phrases
β Excuse me, can I have two coffees?
π μ»€νΌ λ μ μ£ΌμΈμ. (Keopi du jan juseyo.)
β I have three younger siblings.
π μ λ λμμ΄ μΈ λͺ
μμ΄μ. (Jeoneun dongsaengi se myeong isseoyo.)
β She bought five books.
π κ·Έλ
λ μ±
λ€μ― κΆμ μμ΄μ. (Geunyeoneun chaek daseot gwon-eul sat-eoyo.)
β There are four cats.
π κ³ μμ΄ λ€ λ§λ¦¬κ° μμ΄μ. (Goyangi ne mari-ga isseoyo.)
β He drank one bottle of soju.
π κ·Έλ μμ£Ό ν λ³μ λ§μ
¨μ΄μ. (Geuneun soju han byeong-eul masyeosseoyo.)
π― Practice Time!
Test your knowledge by answering these questions in the comments:
1οΈβ£ How do you say “seven people” in Korean? π¨βπ©βπ§βπ¦
2οΈβ£ Whatβs the counter for books? π
3οΈβ£ How do you count five cups of tea in Korean? π΅
π₯ Want to Learn More Korean?
Expand your vocabulary with these lessons:
πΉ Korean Numbers & Counting System π’
πΉ 50 Essential Korean Adjectives π¨
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