Day 3 – Korean Numbers
Hello learners! Today we’re going to learn about Korean numbers. Interestingly, Korean has two number systems: Native Korean numbers and Sino-Korean numbers. Each system is used in different situations, so learning both is important.
1. Native Korean Numbers (1-10)
Native Korean numbers are used for counting objects, people, age, time, and more.
- 하나 (하-나) [hana] = 1
- 둘 (둘) [dul] = 2
- 셋 (셋) [set] = 3
- 넷 (넷) [net] = 4
- 다섯 (다-섯) [daseot] = 5
- 여섯 (여-섯) [yeoseot] = 6
- 일곱 (일-곱) [ilgop] = 7
- 여덟 (여-덟) [yeodeol] = 8
- 아홉 (아-홉) [ahop] = 9
- 열 (열) [yeol] = 10
2. Sino-Korean Numbers (1-10)
Sino-Korean numbers (Chinese-origin numbers) are used for dates, money, phone numbers, and addresses.
- 일 (일) [il] = 1
- 이 (이) [i] = 2
- 삼 (삼) [sam] = 3
- 사 (사) [sa] = 4
- 오 (오) [o] = 5
- 육 (육) [yuk] = 6
- 칠 (칠) [chil] = 7
- 팔 (팔) [pal] = 8
- 구 (구) [gu] = 9
- 십 (십) [ship] = 10
When to Use Each Number System
- Native Korean Numbers are used for:
- Counting objects (up to 99)
- Telling time (hours only)
- Counting people’s age
- Counting animals
- Sino-Korean Numbers are used for:
- Money
- Phone numbers
- Addresses
- Dates (days, months, years)
- Minutes in time
- Numbers above 100
Examples of Usage
- Age:
저는 스물다섯 살이에요. [jeoneun seumuldaseot sarieyo] (I am 25 years old.) - Money:
이천 원이에요. [icheon wonieyo] (It's 2,000 won.) - Time:
지금 세 시 삼십 분이에요. [jigeum se si samsip punieyo] (It's now 3:30.)Note: Hours use Native Korean numbers, minutes use Sino-Korean numbers! - Date:
오늘은 이천이십삼년 십일월 십오일이에요. [oneureun icheonisipsam-nyeon sipilwol siboirieyo] (Today is November 15, 2023.)
Practice Time!
Try to say these numbers in Korean:
- Your age
- Today’s date
- The current time
- Your phone number (using Sino-Korean numbers)
Cultural Note
In Korea, everyone turns one year old at birth, and everyone gets a year older on New Year’s Day (not on their birthday). This traditional age counting system is called “Korean Age.” However, in 2023, Korea officially switched to the international age system for official purposes, though you may still hear people refer to their Korean age in conversation.
Tomorrow we’ll learn basic Korean food vocabulary and how to order at a restaurant! Keep practicing your numbers!
