Do Koreans use different counting systems for different situations?
When learning a new language, understanding how to count is one of the foundational skills that can significantly enhance your communication ability. If you are curious about how to count in Korean, this guide is designed to provide you with all the essential information you need. We will explore the unique counting system in Korean, including its two different numeral systems, their applications, and tips for mastering counting in Korean.
Understanding the Korean Counting System
Korean utilizes two numeral systems: native Korean numerals and Sino-Korean numerals. Both systems have their own unique uses and mastering them will allow you to count effectively in various contexts. Here is a brief overview of each system:
Native Korean Numerals
The native Korean counting system is primarily used for counting items, age, and some everyday activities. Here’s how to count from one to ten in the native Korean system:
| Number | Korean (Native) |
|————|——————–|
| 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) |
Sino-Korean Numerals
The Sino-Korean system, derived from Chinese, is used for dates, money, addresses, phone numbers, and various other applications. Here’s how to count from one to ten in the Sino-Korean system:
| Number | Korean (Sino) |
|————|——————-|
| 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 Count in Korean from 11 to 100
Continuing Native Korean Counting
In native Korean, numbers from 11 to 19 are formed by combining the words for ten (열, yeol) with the numbers one through nine. Here’s how it works:
- 11 = 열하나 (yeolhana)
- 12 = 열둘 (yeoldul)
- 13 = 열셋 (yeolset)
- 14 = 열넷 (yeolnet)
- 15 = 열다섯 (yeoldaseot)
- 16 = 열여섯 (yeolyeoseot)
- 17 = 열일곱 (yeolilgop)
- 18 = 열여덟 (yeolyeodeol)
- 19 = 열아홉 (yeolahop)
For count 20 and beyond in the native system, “스물” (seumul) is used for 20, “서른” (seoreun) for 30, and “마흔” (maheun) for 40, continuing up to 90 (“아흔” (aheu)).
Continuing Sino-Korean Counting
In the Sino-Korean system, counting from 11 to 19 is straightforward, as you simply add the numbers one through nine to “십” (sip), which means ten. For example:
- 11 = 십일 (sibil)
- 12 = 십이 (sibi)
- 13 = 십삼 (sipsam)
- 14 = 십사 (sipsa)
- 15 = 십오 (sibo)
- 16 = 십육 (sibyuk)
- 17 = 십칠 (sipchil)
- 18 = 십팔 (sippal)
- 19 = 십구 (sipgu)
Forming Higher Numbers in Korean
Once you have grasped the basics of counting in Korean, it’s important to know how larger numbers are formed.
For native Korean:
- 20 = 스물 (seumul)
- 30 = 서른 (seoreun)
- 40 = 마흔 (maheun)
- 50 = 쉰 (swin)
- 60 = 예순 (yesun)
- 70 = 일흔 (ilheun)
- 80 = 여든 (yeodeun)
- 90 = 아흔 (aheu)
For Sino-Korean:
- 100 = 백 (baek)
- 200 = 이백 (ibaek)
- 300 = 삼백 (sambaek)
- 400 = 사백 (sabaek)
- 500 = 오백 (obaek)
- 600 = 육백 (yukbaek)
- 700 = 칠백 (chilbaek)
- 800 = 팔백 (palbaek)
- 900 = 구백 (gubaek)
For Examples of Higher Counting:
| Number | Native Korean | Sino-Korean |
|————|——————–|—————–|
| 21 | 스물하나 (seumulhana) | 이십일 (isipil) |
| 35 | 서른다섯 (seoreundaseot) | 삼십오 (samsibo) |
| 68 | 예순여덟 (yesunyeodeol) | 육십팔 (yuksipal) |
| 100 | 백 (baek) | 백 (baek) |
Practical Applications of Counting in Korean
Mastering how to count in Korean isn’t just about knowing numbers but being able to use them effectively in various contexts. Here are a few practical applications:
Telling Time in Korean
In Korean, time is expressed using the Sino-Korean system. For example:
- 1:00 = 한시 (hansi)
- 2:00 = 두시 (dusi)
- 3:00 = 세시 (sesi)
Hours can be combined with the word “분” (bun) for minutes. For example, 2:30 would be 두시 삼십 분 (dusi samsip bun).
Shopping and Currency
When shopping, knowing how to count in Korean is essential for handling money and understanding prices. For example:
- If an item costs 2,000 won, you would say 이천 원 (ichun won).
Dates and Ages
Korean dates are typically expressed using the Sino-Korean numeral system, like the following:
- 2023년 10월 1일 (2023-nyeon 10-wol 1-il), meaning October 1, 2023.
When talking about age, native Korean numerals are used:
- “저는 스물다섯 살입니다.” (Jeoneun seumul daseot salimnida) means “I am twenty-five years old.”
Tips for Learning How to Count in Korean
Learning to count in Korean can be a fun yet challenging endeavor. Here are some tips to make the process smoother:
Practice Regularly
The more you practice counting in both native and Sino-Korean, the easier it will become. Try counting everyday objects around you or keeping track of the time.
Use Flashcards
Create flashcards for both native and Sino-Korean numbers to help reinforce learning. On one side, write the number (1, 2, 3), and on the other side, write the Korean word (하나, 둘, 셋).
Engage with Korean Media
Watching Korean dramas, listening to Korean songs, or using Korean educational apps can expose you to counting in different contexts, improving your understanding and retention.
Conclusion
Mastering how to count in Korean is an important step in learning the language and can open doors to more complex concepts and conversations. Whether you are counting objects, telling time, or handling money, knowing both native and Sino-Korean numerals will enhance your proficiency in the language. With practice, patience, and the right resources, you will be counting confidently in no time.
For further reading on Korean language fundamentals, you may explore sources such as Learn Korean Language, or check resources on KoreanClass101 for additional insights and learning materials.
