Korean Numbers Explained: Mastering Sino-Korean and Native Korean Numbers

 

Introduction

Numbers are an essential part of any language, and Korean is no exception. However, Korean numbers can be tricky for beginners because there are two numbering systems: Sino-Korean and Native Korean. Each system has its unique purpose and rules, but with a bit of practice, you can quickly learn when and how to use them.

In this guide, we’ll break down the two numbering systems, explain their uses, and provide plenty of examples so you can confidently count in Korean.

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Why Does Korean Have Two Number Systems?

The two number systems reflect Korea’s rich history and cultural influences.

1. Sino-Korean Numbers

   • Derived from Chinese.
   • Used for dates, money, phone numbers, addresses, and measurements.

2. Native Korean Numbers

   • Original to Korea.
   • Used for counting items, age, and hours in time.

Understanding when to use each system is the key to mastering Korean numbers.

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Sino-Korean Numbers

Sino-Korean numbers are straightforward because they follow a logical pattern. Here are the basic numbers:

Number	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

How to Form Larger Numbers:

1. Combine numbers with 십 (10):

   • 11 → 십일 (sip-il)
   • 25 → 이십오 (i-sip-o)

2. Combine hundreds and thousands:

   • 100 → 백 (baek)
   • 1,000 → 천 (cheon)
   • 10,000 → 만 (man)

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Native Korean Numbers

Native Korean numbers are less systematic but commonly used in everyday life. Here are the basic numbers:

Number	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

Unique Rules:

1. Numbers change slightly when combined with counters:

   • 하나 → 한 (e.g., 한 명, one person)
   • 둘 → 두 (e.g., 두 개, two things)
   • 셋 → 세 (e.g., 세 번, three times)

2. Native Korean numbers rarely go beyond 99.

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When to Use Sino-Korean vs. Native Korean

Context	System	Examples
Counting items	Native Korean	사과 두 개 (sagwa du gae) → "Two apples"
Age (formal)	Native Korean	스물다섯 살 (seumul-daseot sal) → "25 years old"
Hours (time)	Native Korean	한 시 (han si) → "1 o’clock"
Minutes and seconds (time)	Sino-Korean	십오 분 (sip-o bun) → "15 minutes"
Dates	Sino-Korean	삼월 (sam-wol) → "March"
Phone numbers	Sino-Korean	010-삼사오구-팔칠육이 (gong-il-gong-sam-sa-o-gu-pal-chil-yuk-i)

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Common Counters in Korean

In Korean, numbers are often paired with counters that specify what you’re counting.

1. 개 (gae): For general items

   • 사과 세 개 (sagwa se gae) → "Three apples"

2. 명 (myeong): For people

   • 친구 두 명 (chingu du myeong) → "Two friends"

3. 시간 (sigan): For hours

   • 두 시간 (du sigan) → "Two hours"

4. 층 (cheung): For floors of a building

   • 삼 층 (sam cheung) → "Third floor"

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Tips for Practicing Korean Numbers

1. Start Small: Memorize the numbers from 1 to 10 in both systems before moving on to larger numbers.
2. Practice Counting: Use everyday objects around you to practice numbers and counters.
3. Listen to Korean Media: Pay attention to how numbers are used in conversations, dramas, and songs.
4. Drill Dates and Times: Practice saying the time and date in Korean to reinforce both systems.
5. Use Flashcards: Create cards for each number and their respective contexts to make learning fun.

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Examples of Korean Numbers in Action

1. Counting Items:

   • 책 다섯 권 있어요. (Chaek daseot gwon isseoyo.) → "There are five books."

2. Telling Time:

   • 지금은 두 시 삼십 분이에요. (Jigeumeun du si samsip bun-ieyo.) → "It’s 2:30 right now."

3. Buying Things:

   • 물 두 병 주세요. (Mul du byeong juseyo.) → "Please give me two bottles of water."

4. Talking About Age:

   • 저는 스물네 살이에요. (Jeoneun seumul-ne sal-ieyo.) → "I am 24 years old."

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Common Mistakes

1. Mixing Systems: Avoid combining Sino-Korean and Native Korean numbers inappropriately.

   • Incorrect: 열이 분 (yeol-i bun) → Mixing Native Korean (열) with Sino-Korean (분).
   • Correct: 십이 분 (sip-i bun).

2. Forgetting Counters: In Korean, counters are essential when counting objects or people.

3. Mispronouncing Numbers: Pay attention to the subtle differences between sounds like "pal" (8) and "bal" (foot).

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Fun Facts About Korean Numbers

1. Lucky Numbers: In Korea, the number 8 is considered lucky because it sounds similar to wealth or prosperity in Chinese.
2. Unlucky Numbers: The number 4 (사) is avoided in some contexts because it sounds like "death" in Korean and Chinese.

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Conclusion

Korean numbers might seem challenging at first, but they’re incredibly rewarding to learn. By understanding the two systems and their specific uses, you’ll be able to count confidently in any situation. With consistent practice, you’ll quickly master this essential aspect of the Korean language.

Happy learning, and remember: 하나, 둘, 셋… 시작! (One, two, three... go!)