소수
sosu[ˈsʰo̞(ː)sʰu]
The English phrase "decimal numbers" is translated into Korean as 소수 (sosu).
소수 refers to numbers that use a decimal point to represent a fraction of a whole. To express decimal values, the term 점 (meaning "point") is used.
Which one should you use?
The word 소수 is a homonym. Depending on the mathematical context, it can mean either "decimal number" or "prime number".
How do you pronounce it?
sosu
What mistakes should you avoid?
When a decimal number starts with a zero, such as 0.3, you can omit the word 영 and simply say 점삼.
Did you know?
- The Korean word 소수 is a triple homonym. Depending on the Chinese characters used, it can mean 'decimal number', 'prime number' or 'a small number of people' meaning a minority.
- When reading decimals, Koreans use the Sino-Korean number system rather than the native Korean system used for counting objects.
- The word for 'point' 점 also means 'dot' or 'spot' and is used to describe everything from a freckle on a face to a point in a game score.
Examples in context
- 점일삼0.13
- 점팔오0.85
- 이 문제는 소수가 포함되어 있어요.i munjeneun sosuga pohamdoe-eo isseoyo.This problem includes decimal numbers.
- 소수를 정확하게 써야 해요.sosureul jeonghwakhage sseoya haeyo.You must write the decimal numbers accurately.
Example conversation
Minji and Minjun are studying math together at a cafe.
- 민지 Min-ji민준 씨, 이 소수가 너무 어려워요.Minjun ssi, i sosuga neomu eoryeowoyo.Minjun, this decimal number is too difficult.
- 민준 Min-jun어느 부분이 소수 계산이 안 돼요?eoneu bubuni sosu gyesani an dwaeyo?Which part of the decimal calculation is not working?
- 민지 Min-ji소수점 위치를 자꾸 틀려요.sosujeom wichireul jakku teullyeoyo.I keep getting the decimal point position wrong.
- 민준 Min-jun제가 다시 설명해 줄게요.jega dasi seolmyeonghae julgeyo.I will explain it to you again.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 소수, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 소수, CC BY-SA 4.0.
