안녕하세요 (Annyeonghaseyo), fellow learners of the Korean language! Today, we’re embarking on an intriguing aspect of Korean linguistics – the two distinct number systems: Sino- Korean numbers and the Native Korean numbers (only go up to 99). For numbers above 99, Sino-Korean numbers are used.
Why, you ask? Well, I have no idea why. To make learning Korean even harder! Don’t worry, I’ll try to explain as best as I can when to use which ones..
At first glance, the idea of navigating two separate ways to count and express numbers in a single language might seem daunting. However, understanding these systems is not only fascinating but also crucial for anyone looking to gain proficiency in Korean.
The presence of two number systems in Korean is a testament to the rich history and cultural influences that have shaped the language. The Sino-Korean system, derived from Chinese numerals, is used in a variety of contexts including dates, money, addresses, and phone numbers. On the other hand, the Native Korean system, which is purely Korean, is employed for counting age, hours, months (in certain contexts), and quantities.
I still remember my initial encounters with Korean numbers – toggling between the two systems felt like a mental gymnastics exercise. But with time, understanding when and how to use each system became second nature, and it will for you too!
In this post, we will delve deep into both the Sino-Korean and Native Korean number systems, exploring their origins, uses, and the nuances that come with them. Whether you are a beginner or have been studying Korean for a while, mastering these number systems is a key step in your journey to fluency.
So, let’s count our way through this fascinating topic and unlock a new level of understanding in Korean language and culture!
Sino-Korean numbers
The Sino-Korean number system, deeply rooted in the history and language of Korea, offers a fascinating glimpse into the cultural and linguistic integration between Korea and China. Understanding its origins and characteristics is essential for grasping how these numbers are used in modern Korean.
Historical Roots
- The Sino-Korean number system originated from Chinese numerals and was integrated into the Korean language through historical contact between Korea and China.
- These numbers have been used in Korea for centuries, reflecting the long-standing influence of Chinese culture and language on the Korean Peninsula.
Integration into Korean Language
- Despite their Chinese origin, Sino-Korean numbers are fully integrated into the Korean language and are used extensively in modern Korean society.
- They coexist with the native Korean number system, each serving specific functions in daily communication.
- Sino-Korean numbers are most commonly used in contexts that require precision and clarity, such as in mathematical operations, monetary transactions, dates, addresses, and phone numbers.
- The system is decimal-based, similar to the system used in English, with base numbers for one through ten, which are then combined to form larger numbers.
Sino Korean Numbers 0 – 10
| 일 | One |
| 이 | Two |
| 삼 | Three |
| 사 | Four |
| 오 | Five |
| 육 or 륙 | Six |
| 칠 | Seven |
| 팔 | Eight |
| 고 | Nine |
| 십 | Ten |
| 백 | Hundred |
| 천 | Thousand |
| 만 | Ten thousand |
*Note – Number six can have different spelling. When saying it on it’s own, you say 육 but when saying 오륙 (5 6) it is 륙.
Also, number 4 is considered unlucky in Korea as it has the same sound as Sino Korean word for “death”. In elevators you’d usually have F instead of 4.
Sino Korean Numbers 11 – 10,000
From numbers 11 and through to 99 is very easy! Just think of it as a adding up numbers using the numbers 일 through to 십.
For example:
삼 + 십 = 3 + 10 =30
십 + 구 = 10 + 9 = 19
칠 + 십 + 이 = 7 + 10 + 2 =72
팔 + 십 + 삼 = 8 + 10 + 3 = 83
Same with the rest of the numbers
삼백이 = 3 + 100 + 2 = 302
천구백구십사 = 1000 + 9 + 100+ 9 + 10 + 4 = 1994
Sino Korean Numbers 100,000 +
- 100,000: 십만
- 1,000,000: 백만
- 10,000,000: 천만
- 100,000,000: 일억
- 1,000,000,000: 십억
- 1,000,000,000,000: 일조
There are two ways to say “zero” in Korean. One is 영 and the other is 공. Similar to English, we often say “oh” or “zero.”
In Korean, they use them similarly. Where you might say “oh” in English – like in Korean phone numbers – you would use 공.
But 영 is used when you would need to say “zero,” like in math problems.
Usage in daily life
The Sino-Korean number system is deeply woven into the fabric of everyday life in Korea. Its practical applications are numerous, making it an essential aspect of daily communication for anyone living in or interacting with Korean culture. Here are some of the key areas where Sino-Korean numbers are predominantly used:
Dates and Time:
- Calendar Dates: Sino-Korean numbers are used to express years, months, and days. For instance, “2024년 5월 10일” (i-cheon-i-ship-sa-nyeon oh-wol ship-il) means “May 10, 2024.”
- Time: While hours are typically expressed in Native Korean, minutes and seconds are denoted using Sino-Korean numbers, as in “3시 15분” (se-shi ship-oh-bun) for “3:15.”
Money and Financial Transactions:
- Sino-Korean numbers are used in all monetary transactions. Prices in shops, restaurants, and other places are all quoted using this system. For example, “오천 원” (ocheon won) means “5,000 won.”
Addresses and Phone Numbers:
- Addresses in Korea use Sino-Korean numbers to specify building numbers, floors, and apartment numbers. For example, “서울특별시 강남구 테헤란로 123번” (Seoul-teukbyeolsi Gangnam-gu Teheran-ro il-i-sam-beon).
- Phone numbers are also expressed using the Sino-Korean system, such as “010-1234-5678” (공일공-일이삼사-오육칠팔).
Measurements and Quantities:
- Measurements like weight, distance, and volume typically use Sino-Korean numbers. For example, “이킬로그램” (i-killogram) for “2 kilograms” and “삼리터” (sam-liteo) for “3 liters.”
Understanding and becoming comfortable with the Sino-Korean number system is crucial for anyone learning Korean, especially for practical everyday use. It’s not just a language feature but a key to navigating various aspects of life in Korea.
In the following section, we will explore the Native Korean number system, used in a different but equally important set of everyday contexts.
Native Korean numbers
Alongside the Sino-Korean system, the Native Korean number system is primarily used for counting objects, age, hours, and in some contexts, months. It plays a crucial role in everyday language in Korea. This system is deeply rooted in the Korean language and is used in various aspects of daily life. The Native Korean number system is purely Korean, with no influence from Chinese numerals.
| 하나 | One |
| 둘 | Two |
| 셋 | Three |
| 넷 | Four |
| 다섯 | Five |
| 여섯 | Six |
| 일곱 | Seven |
| 여덟 | Eight |
| 아홉 | Nine |
| 열 | Ten |
| 스물 | Twenty |
| 서른 | Thirty |
| 마흔 | Forty |
| 쉰 | Fifty |
| 예순 | Sixty |
| 일흔 | Seventy |
| 여든 | Eighty |
| 아흔 | Ninety |
To form numbers, just combine the numbers that end with zero (10,20,30 etc) with the numbers from one to nine.
- 열하나 – Eleven
- 스물셋 – Twenty three
- 서른여섯 – Thirty six
- 마흔여덟 – Fourty eight
- 쉰둘 – Fifty two
- 예순넷 – Sixty four
- 일흔아홉 – Seventy nine
- 여든다섯 – Eighty five
- 아흔일곱 – Ninety seven
Beyond 99
Typically, for numbers beyond 99, the Sino-Korean system is used because the Native system becomes increasingly complex and less practical.
Usage
The Native Korean number system, deeply rooted in Korean culture, is widely used in various aspects of everyday life. Its application is particularly prominent in the following contexts:
Counting Age:
- In Korea, age is typically counted using Native Korean numbers. For example, “저는 스물셋살이에요” (Jeoneun seumulset-salieyo) means “I am twenty-three years old.”
Telling Time (Hours):
- When telling time, hours are expressed using Native Korean numbers, while minutes and seconds are usually in Sino-Korean. For example, “세 시 삼십 분” (se si samship bun) means “3:30.”
Counting Months:
- For counting months, especially in informal contexts or in traditional settings, Native Korean numbers are used. For example, “한 달” (han dal) means “one month”.
Counting Objects and People:
- Native Korean numbers are used with counters when counting objects, animals, or people. For example, “다섯 명” (daseot myeong) means “five people,” and “책 여섯 권” (chaek yeoseot gwon) means “six books.”
Culinary Measurements and Recipes:
- In cooking and traditional recipes, quantities of ingredients are often measured using Native Korean numbers. For instance, “두 컵” (du keop) means “two cups,” and “세 숟가락” (se sutgarak) translates to “three spoons.”
By understanding and using the Native Korean number system in these contexts, learners can deeply immerse themselves in Korean culture and daily life, enhancing their language skills and cultural understanding.
When to use Sino-Korean numbers and when to use Native Korean numbers
The general rule of thumb is Sino-Korean is used for “numbers” and native Korean is used for “counting”.
- For numbers above 100, use Sino-Korean.
- For hour time (“o’clock”), age, and for counting things (2 apples, 15 people), use native Korean.
- For everything else (including minutes, seconds, months, years, phone numbers, money, addresses etc.), use Sino-Korean.
You can use these guidelines to determine which one to use, for example, when talking about a number of a page (“please turn to page 45”), use Sino-Korean, but
Activity 1
Which Korean number system would you use for the below?
a) Minutes & Seconds
b) Hour time (o’clock)
c) Years
d) Above 100
e) Phone numbers
f) Counting (things)
g) Money
Activity 2
Write down the numbers using the Sino – Korean system.
a) 59
b) 67
c) 5004
d) 10858
e) 32498
Activity 3
Write down the numbers using the Native Korean system.
a) 47
b) 75
c) 81
d) 32
e) 25
f) 18
Answers 1
a) Minutes & Seconds – Sino Korean
b) Hour time (o’clock) – Native Korean
c) Years – Sino Korean
d) Above 100 – Sino Korean
e) Phone numbers – Sino Korean
f) Counting (things) – Native Korean
g) Money – Sino Korean
Answers 2
a) 59 – 오십구
b) 67 – 육십칠
c) 5004 – 오천사
d) 10858 – 만팔백오십팔
e) 32498 – 삼만이천사백구십팔
Answers 3
a) 47 – 마흔일곱
b) 75 – 일흔다섯
c) 81 – 여든하나
d) 32 – 서룬들
e) 25 – 스물여섯
f) 18 – 열여덟
Conclusion
We’ve now journeyed through the fascinating landscape of Korean numbers, exploring both the Sino-Korean and Native Korean systems. Understanding these two number systems is more than just a linguistic achievement; it’s a key that unlocks a deeper understanding of Korean culture and daily life. Whether it’s discussing dates, handling money, telling time, counting objects, or celebrating birthdays, these numbers are integral to navigating various aspects of Korean society.
Remember, the key to mastering these systems lies in practice and application. Don’t be daunted by the dual system; instead, embrace it as a unique feature of the Korean language that enriches your learning experience.
Call to Action:
- Practice Daily: Incorporate both number systems into your daily Korean practice. Try labeling items in your home with their Korean number names, or practice by converting numbers you encounter in your daily life into Korean.
- Join Our Community: If you haven’t already, join our community of Korean language learners. Subscribe to our blog, follow us on social media, and engage with fellow learners. Share your experiences, challenges, and triumphs in learning Korean numbers.
- Leave a comment: Participate in our online discussions.
Learning a new language opens up a window to understanding a new culture, and the Korean number systems are a perfect example of this. Keep practicing, stay curious, and enjoy the journey of learning Korean. 감사합니다 (Gamsahamnida) for joining us on this educational adventure, and we look forward to seeing your progress in mastering Korean numbers and more!