Easy way to start Counting Korean Number, one to ten

Introduction to Korean Numbers

Did you know Korean has two ways to say numbers? That's right! There's 'Sino-Korean', which came from Chinese, and 'Native Korean'. Both are used in different situations. Learning numbers is one of the first steps in learning any language, and Korean is no different. So, let's start our fun journey into Korean numbers!

 

 

Sino-Korean Numbers: The Basics

The Sino-Korean number system is derived from Chinese and is commonly used in contexts like money, dates, phone numbers, and measurements. Unlike the Native Korean system, which has a unique word for numbers up to ninety-nine, the Sino-Korean system is based on multiples of ten, similar to the decimal system used in English.

 

Here are the Sino-Korean numbers from one to ten:

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)

 

cf. 100 - 백(baek), 1000 - 천(cheon), 10000 - 만(man)

 

So, if you want to say '3000 won' in Korean, it would be '삼천 원 (samcheon won)'. Similarly, if you're giving your phone number, you'll use the Sino-Korean numbers. 

 

Native Korean Numbers: Getting Started

The Native Korean number system is used for counting age, the number of items, and hours in telling time. Unlike the Sino-Korean system which is based on tens, the Native Korean system has unique words for each number from one to ninety-nine.

 

Here are the Native Korean numbers from one to ten:

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)

 

So, if you're counting items, like 'two apples', it would be '사과 둘 (sagwa dul)'. Similarly, if you're telling your age, like 'I am twenty-five years old', you'll say '나는 스물다섯 살입니다 (naneun seumul-daseot sal-imnida)'. 

 

Comparing Sino-Korean and Native Korean Numbers

Let's compare the Sino-Korean and Native Korean number systems. You use Sino-Korean numbers for dates, money, phone numbers, and measurements. For example, if you want to say '3000 won', it would be '삼천 원 (samcheon won)' in Sino-Korean.

 

On the other hand, Native Korean numbers are used for counting items and telling ages. If you're saying 'I have two cats', you would say '고양이 둘 있어요 (goyangi dul isseoyo)' in Native Korean.

 

Interestingly, when telling time, both systems are used! Sino-Korean is used for minutes and Native Korean for hours. So 'three thirty' would be '세 시 삼십 분 (se shi samsip bun)'.

 

Practical Use Cases for Korean Numbers

Let's look at some practical situations where you might use Korean numbers.

Ordering Food: If you're at a restaurant and want to order two bowls of bibimbap, you would say '비빔밥 둘 주세요 (bibimbap dul juseyo)'. Here, '둘 (dul)' is the Native Korean number for 'two'.

 

Asking for Prices: When you're shopping and want to know the price of an item, you could ask '이거 얼마예요? (igeo eolmayeyo?)'. If the seller replies '삼천 원 (samcheon won)', they mean '3000 won', using Sino-Korean numbers.

 

Telling Time: If someone asks you for the time and it's three thirty, you would say '지금 세 시 삼십 분이에요 (jigeum se shi samsip bunieyo)'. Here, '세 (se)' is the Native Korean number for 'three' and '삼십 (samsip)' is the Sino-Korean number for 'thirty'.

 

Giving an Address: When giving your address, you'll use Sino-Korean numbers. For example, '서울시 종로구 삼천번지 (seoulshi jongrogu samcheonbeonji)' means '3000, Jongro-gu, Seoul'.

 

Common mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Let's discuss common mistakes made by learners when using Korean numbers and how to avoid them.

 

Mixing up the two systems: This is perhaps the most common mistake. Remember, Sino-Korean is used for dates, money, phone numbers, and measurements, while Native Korean is used for counting items and ages. For example, if you're 25 years old, it's '스물다섯 살 (seumul-daseot sal)', not '이십오 살 (isip-o sal)'.

 

Incorrect pronunciation: Some numbers sound similar, like '이 (i, two)' and '일 (il, one)', or '사 (sa, four)' and '십 (ship, ten)'. Practice listening and repeating to distinguish them.

 

Miscounting items: In Native Korean, counting changes after '넷 (net, four)'. From '다섯 (daseot, five)' onwards, the construction of the numbers is different. Don't assume '다섯 (daseot)' is '둘 (dul, two)' plus '셋 (set, three)'!

 

Using wrong numbers for age: Koreans consider a newborn baby as 'one year old', not 'zero'. So, always add one year to your age when you're in Korea.

 

Practice Makes Perfect: Exercises to Master Korean Numbers

Practicing Korean numbers can be fun and engaging! Here are some exercises and activities you can try:

 

Flashcards: Write the Korean numbers on one side of a card, and the corresponding English numbers on the other. Shuffle the cards and try to match them up. For example, '하나(hana, one)', '둘(dul, two)', '셋(set, three)', '넷(net, four)', and so on.

 

Number Hunt: Try to identify Korean numbers in your everyday life, like on TV, in books, or on street signs. Write them down and translate them into English.

 

Role-play: Pretend you're at a Korean market. Practice ordering food, asking for prices, or telling the time in Korean. For example, '비빔밥 둘 주세요(bibimbap dul juseyo, two bibimbap, please)', '이거 얼마예요?(igeo eolmayeyo?, how much is this?)', '지금 세 시 삼십 분이에요(jigeum se shi samsip bunieyo, it's three thirty now)'.

 

Conclusion: The Importance of Mastering Korean Numbers

Mastering Korean numbers is crucial for anyone interested in the Korean language, culture, or travel. Numbers are everywhere - in addresses, menus, schedules, prices, and more. By understanding both the Sino-Korean and Native Korean number systems, you can navigate daily life in Korea more effectively, whether you're ordering food at a restaurant ('비빔밥 둘 주세요 - bibimbap dul juseyo - Two bibimbaps, please'), asking for directions ('삼천번지 어디예요? - samcheonbeonji eodieyo? - Where is number 3000?'), or shopping at a market ('이거 얼마예요? - igeo eolmayeyo? - How much is this?').

 

Moreover, understanding Korean numbers can help you better appreciate Korean culture, from traditional games like '윷놀이 (yutnori)' to popular TV shows. It's a key element of the language that opens up a whole new world of experiences.

 

So keep practicing and don't get discouraged by initial challenges. Remember, every expert was once a beginner. Your journey to mastering Korean numbers is a valuable part of your larger Korean learning experience.