소수
sosu[ˈsʰo̞(ː)sʰu]
The English phrase 'decimals' is translated into Korean as 소수 (sosu).
소수 refers to numbers that use a decimal point to show a fractional part of a whole.
Which one should you use?
The word 소수 is a homonym in a mathematical context. It can mean both 'decimal' and 'prime number' depending on the specific topic being discussed. To specifically refer to the 'decimal point' itself, use the term 소수점.
How do you pronounce it?
sosu
What mistakes should you avoid?
Because the Korean word for 'decimal' is identical in spelling and pronunciation to the word for 'prime number' (also 소수), be careful to ensure the mathematical context is clear to avoid confusion.
Did you know?
- The term 소수 can also be understood as 'minority' in certain linguistic contexts, as it shares the same Hanja roots as 'small number'.
- If you are studying number theory, you must specify your context, as the term 소수 for 'prime number' is derived from different Hanja than the word for 'decimal'.
- Because of the linguistic overlap, Korean students often use extra-linguistic cues, like pointing to a specific part of a number, to ensure they are discussing 'decimals' and not 'prime numbers'.
Examples in context
- 소수는 점을 찍어서 표현해요.sosuneun jeomeul jjigeoseo pyohyeonhaeyo.Decimals are expressed by adding a dot.
- 이 문제는 소수 계산이에요.i munjeneun sosu gyesanieyo.This problem is a decimal calculation.
- 소수를 정확하게 적어야 해요.sosureul jeonghwakhage jeogeoya haeyo.You must write the decimals accurately.
Example conversation
Minjun and Minji are studying math together at a cafe.
- 민준 Min-jun민지야, 이 소수 문제를 풀 수 있어?Minji-ya, i sosu munjereul pul su isseo?Minji, can you solve this decimal problem?
- 민지 Min-ji응, 소수점 위치가 조금 헷갈려.Eung, sosujeom wichiga jogeum hetgallyeo.Yes, but the decimal point position is a bit confusing.
- 민준 Min-jun내가 소수 계산을 도와줄게.Naega sosu gyesaneul dowajulge.I will help you with the decimal calculations.
- 민지 Min-ji정말 고마워, 민준아.Jeongmal gomawo, Minjun-a.Thank you so much, Minjun.
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.
