Korean Numbers Demystified: Counting Like a Native Speaker

 

Introduction

Numbers are a fundamental part of any language, and Korean is no exception. However, Korean numbers come with a twist: there are two distinct numbering systems—Sino-Korean numbers (derived from Chinese) and native Korean numbers (unique to Korea). Each system has specific uses, and learning when to use them is essential for becoming proficient in the language.

If you’ve ever wondered how to count in Korean, why there are two numbering systems, or how to avoid common mistakes, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know. By the end of this post, you’ll be confident in counting, telling time, and even shopping in Korea!

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The Two Numbering Systems in Korean

1. Sino-Korean Numbers

Sino-Korean numbers are based on Chinese characters and are used in many formal and practical contexts. These include dates, money, addresses, phone numbers, and counting beyond 100.

Sino-Korean Numbers (0–10):

• 0: 영 (yeong) or 공 (gong)
• 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)

Counting Beyond 10:

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

2. Native Korean Numbers

Native Korean numbers are used for counting smaller quantities, like people, objects, and ages (in informal settings). They are generally used for numbers below 100.

Native Korean Numbers (1–10):

• 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)

Counting Beyond 10:

• 11: 열하나 (yeol-hana)
• 20: 스물 (seumul)
• 30: 서른 (seoreun)

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When to Use Each System

Understanding when to use Sino-Korean or native Korean numbers is key.

Context	System	Example
Age (formal settings)	Sino-Korean	"I am 25 years old" = 저는 25살입니다 (jeoneun isip-o salimnida)
Age (informal settings)	Native Korean	"I am 25 years old" = 스물다섯 살 (seumul-daseot sal)
Counting objects	Native Korean	"Three apples" = 사과 세 개 (sagwa se gae)
Money	Sino-Korean	"10,000 won" = 만 원 (man won)
Time (hours)	Native Korean	"3 o'clock" = 세 시 (se si)
Time (minutes/seconds)	Sino-Korean	"30 minutes" = 삼십 분 (samsip bun)

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Special Rules and Exceptions

1. Native Numbers Change Form When Counting
   When combined with counters (like 개 for objects), some native Korean numbers undergo slight changes:

   • 하나 → 한 (han)
   • 둘 → 두 (du)
   • 셋 → 세 (se)
   • 넷 → 네 (ne)

   Example:

   • "One apple" = 사과 한 개 (sagwa han gae)
   • "Two books" = 책 두 권 (chaek du gwon)

2. The Role of Counters
   Korean numbers are often paired with counters to indicate the type of object being counted.

   • 개 (gae): General counter for things
   • 명 (myeong): People
   • 마리 (mari): Animals
   • 권 (gwon): Books

3. Zero (0)

   • 영 (yeong): Used in mathematics and formal contexts.
   • 공 (gong): Used in phone numbers.

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Practical Applications

1. Telling Time
   Korean uses a combination of both systems for telling time:

   • Hours: Native Korean (e.g., 3 o’clock = 세 시)
   • Minutes: Sino-Korean (e.g., 30 minutes = 삼십 분)

2. Shopping
   Prices are always expressed in Sino-Korean numbers.

   • Example:
     • "This costs 5,000 won." = 이것은 오천 원이에요 (igeoseun ocheon wonieyo).

3. Phone Numbers
   Phone numbers are read using Sino-Korean numbers, with pauses between groups.

   • Example: 010-1234-5678 = 공일공 (gong-il-gong) 일이삼사 (il-i-sam-sa) 오육칠팔 (o-yuk-chil-pal).

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Tips for Learning Korean Numbers

1. Practice Counting Daily
   Start by counting objects around you. For example, count books, chairs, or even fingers.

2. Use Flashcards
   Create flashcards for both numbering systems and test yourself regularly.

3. Memorize Counters
   Focus on learning the most commonly used counters first, such as 개 (objects) and 명 (people).

4. Listen and Repeat
   Use Korean language apps or YouTube videos to hear numbers spoken by native speakers.

5. Apply Numbers in Real-Life Scenarios
   Practice saying prices, ages, or times in Korean whenever possible.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Mixing Systems Incorrectly

   • Example of an error: 열 칠 (native + Sino) instead of 십칠 (correct Sino-Korean).

2. Forgetting Counters

   • Saying "세 사과" instead of "사과 세 개."

3. Mispronouncing Sino Numbers

   • For example, pronouncing 육 (yuk) incorrectly as yoog.

4. Using Native Numbers for Large Quantities

   • Use Sino-Korean for anything over 100.

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Fun Facts About Korean Numbers

1. Korean New Year and Age:
   In traditional Korean age calculation, everyone turns a year older on the first day of the lunar new year, making age discussions even more interesting.

2. Lucky and Unlucky Numbers:

   • The number 4 (사, sa) is considered unlucky because it sounds like "death" in Sino-Korean.

3. Efficient Big Numbers:
   Korean uses 만 (man, 10,000) as a counting unit, simplifying large numbers compared to English.

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Conclusion

Mastering Korean numbers may seem daunting, but breaking them into manageable steps makes the process much easier. By learning the two numbering systems and their specific contexts, you’ll gain confidence in everything from telling time to negotiating prices at a market.

Remember, practice is key. Incorporate numbers into your daily life, and soon enough, counting in Korean will become second nature. So, grab a notebook, start practicing, and let the numbers guide you deeper into the beautiful world of the Korean language!