Korean Numbers Master

Korean Number Systems

Korean uses two number systems: Sino-Korean (of Chinese origin) and Native Korean. Understanding when to use each system is crucial for mastering Korean numbers.

Sino-Korean Numbers (한자어 숫자)

• Used for dates, money, phone numbers, and measurements
• Applied with many counters of Chinese origin
• Generally used for numbers above 99
• Examples: 일 (il, one), 이 (i, two), 삼 (sam, three)
• How to Count Two-Digit Numbers:

  In Sino-Korean, two-digit numbers are formed by combining the tens digit with the units digit. Here's how you count them:

  Steps:

  • Tens Place: Use the Sino-Korean number for the tens, followed by the word "십" (sip), which means ten.
    • 10 = 십
    • 20 = 이십
    • 30 = 삼십
    • ... and so on up to 90 = 구십
  • Units Place: Add the number for the units after the "십."
    • Example: 21 = 이십일 (20 + 1)
  • If There’s No Units: Just say the tens (e.g., 40 = 사십).

  Additional Examples:

  • 11 = 십일 (10 + 1)
  • 25 = 이십오 (20 + 5)
  • 38 = 삼십팔 (30 + 8)
  • 47 = 사십칠 (40 + 7)
  • 59 = 오십구 (50 + 9)

Native Korean Numbers (고유어 숫자)

• Usage:
  • Used for counting up to 99 and with native Korean counters
  • Applied for age and time expressions
  • Often used in everyday conversations
• Examples: 하나 (hana, one), 둘 (dul), 셋 (set), 넷 (net), 다섯 (daseot), 여섯 (yeoseot), 일곱 (ilgop), 여덟 (yeodeol), 아홉 (ahop), 열 (yeol)
• How to Count Two-Digit Numbers:

  In Native Korean numbers, the system is different because Native Korean numbers are typically only used for counting up to 99, and there are no specific words for tens or multiples of ten like in Sino-Korean. Instead, Native Korean numbers are used with counters or in specific contexts, such as age and time expressions.

  Rules for Counting Two-Digit Numbers in Native Korean:

  • Native Korean numbers do not have a standalone way to express "tens" like Sino-Korean numbers.
  • Numbers are usually expressed individually or in combination with counters.
  • After 10, combinations are less commonly used in daily conversation, and Sino-Korean numbers are preferred for practicality.

  Key Numbers to Remember:

  • 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)

  How to Form Two-Digit Numbers:

  • From 11 to 19: Combine 열 (10) with the unit number.
    • 11 = 열하나 (yeol hana)
    • 12 = 열둘 (yeol dul)
    • 13 = 열셋 (yeol set)
    • 14 = 열넷 (yeol net)
    • 15 = 열다섯 (yeol daseot)
    • ... up to
    • 19 = 열아홉 (yeol ahop)
  • From 20 to 99: Use the base for tens (e.g., 스물, 서른, 마흔) and add the units number.
    • 20 = 스물 (seumul)
    • 21 = 스물하나 (seumul hana)
    • 22 = 스물둘 (seumul dul)
    • 23 = 스물셋 (seumul set)
    • 30 = 서른 (seoreun)
    • 31 = 서른하나 (seoreun hana)
    • 40 = 마흔 (maheun)
    • 50 = 쉰 (swin)
    • 99 = 아흔아홉 (aheun ahop)
• Important Notes:
  • Native Korean numbers are most commonly used in counting (e.g., age, objects, people, etc.), but for calculations or measurements, Sino-Korean numbers are preferred.
  • After 99, only Sino-Korean numbers are used.

Usage Tips

• Learn which number system to use in different contexts
• Practice using both systems regularly
• Pay attention to how numbers are used in various situations
• Remember that some expressions may use a mix of both systems