Korean Numbers Demystified: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners

 

Introduction

Numbers are a fundamental part of any language, and Korean is no exception. However, unlike many other languages, Korean has two distinct numbering systems: Sino-Korean and Native Korean. Understanding when and how to use each system can be challenging for beginners, but mastering Korean numbers is essential for everyday tasks like shopping, telling time, or counting objects.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive deep into both numbering systems, explain their uses, and provide practical examples to help you navigate the fascinating world of Korean numbers.

---

Why Does Korean Have Two Numbering Systems?

The dual-number system in Korean reflects the language's rich history and cultural influences.

1. Sino-Korean Numbers: These numbers are derived from Chinese characters and are primarily used for dates, money, addresses, phone numbers, and measurements.
2. Native Korean Numbers: These numbers are uniquely Korean and are used for counting items, people, and age (in informal contexts).

Learning when to use each system is key to communicating effectively in Korean.

---

The Basics of Sino-Korean Numbers

Numbers 1 to 10:

Number	Korean (Hangeul)	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

How It Works:

• Sino-Korean numbers are highly systematic. To form numbers above 10, you combine 십 (ten) with the units:
  • 11: 십일 (sip-il)
  • 25: 이십오 (i-sip-o)

Key Uses of Sino-Korean Numbers:

1. Phone Numbers:
   • "010-1234-5678" → 공일공 일이삼사 오육칠팔 (gong-il-gong il-i-sam-sa o-yuk-chil-pal)
2. Money:
   • 1,000원 → 천 원 (cheon won) → "1,000 won"
3. Dates:
   • 2025년 1월 8일 → 이천이십오년 일월 팔일 (i-cheon-i-sip-o-nyeon il-wol pal-il) → "January 8, 2025"

---

The Basics of Native Korean Numbers

Numbers 1 to 10:

Number	Korean (Hangeul)	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

How It Works:

• Native Korean numbers are more limited and primarily used for counting. For numbers above 10, you combine 열 (ten) with the units:
  • 11: 열하나 (yeol-hana)
  • 15: 열다섯 (yeol-daseot)

Key Uses of Native Korean Numbers:

1. Counting Objects:
   • Apples: 사과 다섯 개 (sagwa daseot gae) → "5 apples"
2. Counting People:
   • People: 사람 세 명 (saram se myeong) → "3 people"
3. Age (Informal):
   • 나는 스물다섯 살이에요. (Naneun seumul-daseot sal-ieyo.) → "I am 25 years old."

---

Comparing Sino-Korean and Native Korean Numbers

Context	Use Sino-Korean?	Use Native Korean?
Phone Numbers	Yes	No
Prices (Money)	Yes	No
Telling Time (Minutes)	Yes	No
Telling Time (Hours)	No	Yes
Counting Objects	No	Yes
Age (Formal)	Yes	No
Age (Informal)	No	Yes

---

Practical Examples

Shopping:

• Q: "How much is this?" → "이거 얼마예요?" (Igeo eolma-yeyo?)
• A: "5,000 won" → "오천 원이에요." (O-cheon won-i-eyo.)

Ordering Food:

• "I’d like 3 bowls of noodles." → "국수 세 그릇 주세요." (Guksu se geureut juseyo.)

Telling Time:

• "It’s 3:15 PM." → "오후 세 시 십오 분이에요." (Ohu se si sip-o bun-i-eyo.)

Talking About Age:

• Formal: "I am 30 years old." → "저는 삼십 살입니다." (Jeoneun samsip sal-imnida.)
• Informal: "I’m 30." → "나 서른 살이야." (Na seoreun sal-iya.)

---

Challenges and Tips for Learning Korean Numbers

Common Challenges:

1. Mixing Systems: Beginners often confuse when to use Sino-Korean versus Native Korean numbers.
2. Pronunciation: Numbers like 여덟 (yeodeol, 8) can be tricky to pronounce.
3. Counting Words: Using the correct counting word (e.g., 개 for objects, 명 for people) adds complexity.

Tips for Mastery:

1. Practice Daily: Incorporate numbers into everyday conversations.
2. Use Flashcards: Create visual aids to memorize both systems.
3. Listen and Repeat: Watch Korean dramas or listen to native speakers to hear numbers in context.
4. Focus on Context: Pay attention to when each system is used.
5. Practice Counting: Start with simple tasks like counting objects around you.

---

Cultural Insights

1. Lucky and Unlucky Numbers:

   • The number 4 (사, sa) is considered unlucky because it sounds like the word for death (사, sa) in Chinese.
   • The number 8 (팔, pal) is often seen as lucky.

2. Everyday Conversations:
   Koreans frequently use numbers in greetings, such as asking about time or prices.

3. Respect and Politeness:
   When discussing age, formal language is expected in professional or unfamiliar settings.

---

Conclusion

Korean numbers may seem complex at first, but they are incredibly logical once you understand their systems and applications. By learning both Sino-Korean and Native Korean numbers, you’ll unlock the ability to navigate daily life in Korea, from shopping to telling time and beyond.

With consistent practice and a focus on real-life examples, you’ll gain confidence in using Korean numbers naturally and effectively. Keep practicing, and soon, numbers will become second nature in your Korean language journey!