하나
hana[ha̠na̠]
하나 (hana) is the number one in the native Korean counting system.
하나 is used when counting objects or people in the native Korean way. In the standard counting sequence, 하나 (one) is followed by 둘 (two) and 셋 (three).
Which one should you use?
While 하나 is used for counting objects or people, 일 (il) is the number one used in Sino-Korean contexts such as dates, phone numbers or math.
How does it change in a sentence?
When 하나 is the subject of a sentence, the subject marker '-가' is attached to form 하나가. When it is the direct object of a verb, the object marker '-를' is attached to form 하나를.
How do you pronounce it?
hana
Did you know?
- The Middle Korean form of the word was ᄒᆞ낳 (hònàh), featuring a different vowel shape that has since disappeared from the modern Korean writing system.
- The word 하나 is used in the common phrase 하나뿐인, which describes something that is 'the only one' and often carries a deep emotional sense of preciousness.
- While 하나 means 'one', the phrase 하나하나 (hana-hana) is used to mean 'one by one' or 'each and every single detail'.
Examples in context
- 하나씨, 반갑습니다.Nice to meet you, Ms. Hana.
- 하나, 뭐 할 거야?Hana, what are you going to do?
- 사과가 하나 있어요.sagwaga hana isseoyo.There is one apple.
- 하나씩 천천히 말해 주세요.hanassik cheoncheonhi malhae juseyo.Please say them one by one, slowly.
- 남은 건 하나뿐이에요.nameun geon hanappun-ieyo.There is only one left.
Example conversation
Seoyeon and Hyeonwoo are ordering coffee at a cafe.
- 서연 Seo-yeon현우 씨, 뭐 마실래요?Hyeonwoo ssi, mwo masillaeyo?Hyeonwoo, what would you like to drink?
- 현우 Hyeon-woo저는 아이스 아메리카노 하나 주세요.jeoneun aiseu amerikano hana juseyo.One iced americano for me, please.
- 서연 Seo-yeon저도 같은 걸로 하나 주문할게요.jeodo gateun geollo hana jumunhalgeyo.I'll order one of the same thing too.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo네, 같이 주문해요.ne, gachi jumunhaeyo.Yes, let's order together.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 하나, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 하나, CC BY-SA 4.0.
