Numbers are essential in any language, and Korean has a unique dual-number system that can be tricky for learners. In this guide, you’ll master Sino-Korean and Native Korean numbers, learn how to count, and understand when to use each system.
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π Two Number Systems in Korean
Korean uses two distinct number systems:
β
Sino-Korean (νμμ΄ μ) β Derived from Chinese characters, used for dates, money, phone numbers, and large quantities.
β
Native Korean (κ³ μ μ΄ μ) β Used for counting objects, age, and people.
πΉ When to Use Sino-Korean Numbers:
- Dates (e.g., years, months, days)
- Phone numbers π
- Prices (Korean won) π°
- Minutes, seconds β±
- Large numbers (above 100)
πΉ When to Use Native Korean Numbers:
- Counting objects (books, apples, pens, etc.) ππ
- Age (informally) π
- Counting people (friends, family) π¨βπ©βπ§βπ¦
- Counting hours (time) β°
π’ Sino-Korean Numbers (νμμ΄ μ)
These numbers are straightforward and follow a logical pattern.
| Number | Korean | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | μΌ | il |
| 2 | μ΄ | i |
| 3 | μΌ | sam |
| 4 | μ¬ | sa |
| 5 | μ€ | o |
| 6 | μ‘ | yuk |
| 7 | μΉ | chil |
| 8 | ν | pal |
| 9 | ꡬ | gu |
| 10 | μ | sip |
| 20 | μ΄μ | i-sip |
| 30 | μΌμ | sam-sip |
| 40 | μ¬μ | sa-sip |
| 50 | μ€μ | o-sip |
| 100 | λ°± | baek |
| 1,000 | μ² | cheon |
| 10,000 | λ§ | man |
πΉ Example Sentences:
π
μ€λμ 3μ 15μΌμ
λλ€.
(Oneureun sam-wol sip-o-il-imnida.)
β Today is March 15th.
π° μ΄κ±° 5μ² μμ΄μμ.
(Igeo o-cheon won-ieyo.)
β This costs 5,000 won.
π μ μ νλ²νΈλ 010-1234-5678μ΄μμ.
(Je jeonhwa-beonhoneun gong-il-gong il-i-sam-sa o-yuk-chil-pal-ieyo.)
β My phone number is 010-1234-5678.
π’ Native Korean Numbers (κ³ μ μ΄ μ)
These numbers are used for counting objects, people, and age.
| Number | Korean | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | νλ | hana |
| 2 | λ | dul |
| 3 | μ | set |
| 4 | λ· | net |
| 5 | λ€μ― | daseot |
| 6 | μ¬μ― | yeoseot |
| 7 | μΌκ³± | ilgop |
| 8 | μ¬λ | yeodeol |
| 9 | μν | ahop |
| 10 | μ΄ | yeol |
| 20 | μ€λ¬Ό | seumul |
| 30 | μλ₯Έ | seoreun |
| 40 | λ§ν | maheun |
| 50 | μ° | swin |
| 60 | μμ | yesun |
| 70 | μΌν | ilheun |
| 80 | μ¬λ | yeodeun |
| 90 | μν | aheun |
πΉ Example Sentences:
π μ λ μ€λ¬Όλ€μ― μ΄μ΄μμ.
(Jeoneun seumul-daseot sal-ieyo.)
β I am 25 years old.
π μ±
μΈ κΆμ μμ΄μ.
(Chaek se gwon-eul sat-eoyo.)
β I bought three books.
πΆ μμ΄ λ€ λͺ
μ΄ μμ΄μ.
(Ai ne myeong-i isseoyo.)
β There are four children.
β° Telling Time in Korean
Korean uses both number systems for time:
β
Hours β Native Korean numbers β°
β
Minutes & Seconds β Sino-Korean numbers β±
| Time Unit | Korean | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Hour | μ (si) | 5μ = λ€μ―μ (daseot-si) |
| Minute | λΆ (bun) | 30λΆ = μΌμ λΆ (Sam-sip bun) |
| Second | μ΄ (cho) | 10μ΄ = μμ΄ (Sip-cho) |
πΉ Example Sentences:
β° μ§κΈ λͺ μμμ? (Jigeum myeot si-yeyo?)
β What time is it now?
π μ§κΈμ μ€ν 2μ 30λΆμ΄μμ.
(Jigeumeun ohu dul-si sam-sip-bun-ieyo.)
β Itβs 2:30 PM.
π‘ Tips for Learning Korean Numbers
πΉ Memorize the first 10 numbers β These are the most common and build the foundation for bigger numbers.
πΉ Practice with real-life scenarios β Read prices in Korean, say your age in Korean, and try counting in Korean.
πΉ Use flashcards β Write numbers on one side and their Korean pronunciation on the other.
πΉ Listen to native speakers β Watch Korean dramas and listen for numbers in dialogue!
π― Practice Time!
Test your knowledge by answering these questions in the comments:
1οΈβ£ How do you say “10,000” in Korean? π’
2οΈβ£ Whatβs the Korean word for “7 oβclock”? β°
3οΈβ£ How do you say “3 books” in Korean? π
Comment your answers below! π
π₯ Want to Learn More Korean?
Expand your vocabulary with these lessons:
πΉ 50 Essential Korean Adjectives βοΈ
πΉ Daily Routine in Korean β°
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