Mastering how to count using Korean numbers is one of the most important steps to fully understanding Korean. South Korea uses numbers as part of everyday life, from simple tasks like ordering coffee to filling out forms and paying bills.
The Korean number system is unique because it uses two systems: native Korean numbers and Sino-Korean numbers. Both have roles in communication and are used in a wide range of situations.
Let’s break them down and find out how they’re used to communicate things.
Contents
- Native Korean Numbers vs. Sino-Korean Numbers
- Native Korean Numbers
- Sino-Korean Numbers
- The Daily Uses of Korean Numbers
- 1. Telling Time
- 2. Talking About Age
- 3. Phone Numbers
- 4. Korean Currency and Prices
- 5. Counting People
- 6. Counting Objects
- 7. Dates and Calendar
- 8. Bus Numbers and Addresses
- 9. Math and School Subjects
- 10. Teams and Study Groups
- Final Words
Native Korean Numbers vs. Sino-Korean Numbers
Knowing the difference between these two is important when you learn Korean numbers. Let’s explore what sets these two systems apart and how they work:
Native Korean Numbers
The native Korean number system is used when counting people, expressing age in casual conversations, and counting objects. These numbers are rooted in the Korean language and don’t have the influence of any Chinese characters.
The native Korean system is also used mainly for numbers from one to 99, counting words, and Korean counters.
A few examples are:
- 1 – hana (하나)
- 2 – dul (둘)
- 3 – set (셋)
- 4 – net (넷)
- 5 – daseot (다섯)
After five, the pattern is easier to remember with repetitive endings:
- 6 – yeoseot (여섯)
- 7 – ilgop (일곱)
- 8 – yeodeol (여덟)
- 9 – ahop (아홉)
- 10 – yeol (열)
Sino-Korean Numbers
The Sino-Korean number system is originally from the Chinese language. They’re used in more formal or structured settings, such as time, prices, and formal documents, and counting numbers from 100 above. They’re based on Chinese characters, and you’ll find them on the Korean currency, street signs, and bills.
Examples:
- 1 – il (일)
- 2 – i (이)
- 3 – sam (삼)
- 4 – sa (사)
- 5 – o (오)
The Daily Uses of Korean Numbers
The two Korean number systems are used together in different ways and contexts. Knowing when to use Sino-Korean numbers or native Korean numbers can help you better understand Korean.
Here are some examples:
1. Telling Time
For hours, use native Korean numbers. The minutes and seconds use Sino-Korean numbers.
Example:
3:30 = se si samsip bun (세 시 삼십 분)
You should know both systems so you can combine them seamlessly when you need to tell someone the time.
2. Talking About Age
When you talk to someone about age every day, use the native Korean word for it with the counter sal (살).
Example:
- 25 years old = seumul-daseot sal (스물다섯 살)
- 30 years old = seoreun sal (서른 살)
However, Sino-Korean numbers are used in formal documents, such as university forms and bank papers.
3. Phone Numbers
Phone numbers use the Sino-Korean system. Every digit is read.
Example:
010-1234-5678 = gong-il-gong il-i-sam-sa o-yuk-chil-pal (공일공–일이삼사–오육칠팔)
4. Korean Currency and Prices
The Sino-Korean system is used for all prices in Korean won.
Examples:
- 1,000₩ = cheon won (천 원)
- 10,000₩ = man won (만 원)
Understanding this number system makes shopping in Seoul smooth and easy.
5. Counting People
When counting people, use native Korean numbers with the counter myeong (명) to indicate the number of people.
Examples:
- 2 people = du myeong (두 명)
- 3 people = se myeong (세 명)
Replace myeong with bun (분) for polite speech.
6. Counting Objects
When counting objects, most inanimate objects use native Korean numbers with the counter gae (개).
Examples:
- 5 apples = daseot gae (다섯 개)
- 8 pens = yeodeol gae (여덟 개)
Other common Korean counter words include kwon (권) for books, mari (마리) for animals, and byeong (병) for bottles.
Example:
- 5 books = daseot gwon (다섯 권)
- 3 bottles of water = se byeong (세 병)
Counter words are one of the most common everyday uses, especially when ordering food or shopping.
7. Dates and Calendar
Use the Sino-Korean system when you’re talking about months, days, and years.
Examples:
- June 15 = yuwol sib-o il (유월 십오일)
- 2025 = i-cheon-i-sib-o nyeon (이천이십오 년)
8. Bus Numbers and Addresses
You’ll need the Sino-Korean number system when you use public transportation or when you write your home address.
Take these for example:
- Bus 360 = sambaek-yuksip beon beoseu (삼백육십 번 버스)
- Address: 142 Teheran-ro = baek-sasip-i beonji (백사십이 번지)
9. Math and School Subjects
Anything involving mathematical operations, exams, and textbooks uses Sino-Korean numbers. Number words like sam plus sa neun o (삼 더하기 사는 오 = 3 + 4 = 7) are quite common.
10. Teams and Study Groups
Schools and workplaces use Sino-Korean numbers for team names or study groups. Group Three is jo sam (조삼) and Team Four is tim sa (팀사). It’s easier to track groups for projects and assignments when the Sino-Korean number system is used.
Final Words
Understanding the Sino-Korean and Native Korean number systems, along with the Korean alphabet, can lead to fluency. Korean counting is a part of daily life, and it’s much easier to count when you know how to read Korean.
When you practice both systems in real-life situations, you build a strong routine as you learn the Korean way of counting. To become more fluent, reinforce your skills with videos, flashcards, and a language partner. Time, effort, and the right study techniques can help you count and communicate more effectively.