Learning how to say numbers in Korean is an important step to navigate daily life, whether you’re traveling to South Korea or simply interested in the language. In this guide, we will cover both formal and informal ways to say numbers in Korean, with a focus on standard Korean language used in Seoul and other major cities. Let’s dive in and master the art of number pronunciation in Korean!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say Numbers in Korean
When speaking to someone in a formal setting or showing respect, you will use different number pronunciations compared to casual situations. Here are some useful tips and examples for formal Korean number expressions:
Counting from 1 to 10
1. 하나 (hana) – One
2. 둘 (dul) – Two
3. 셋 (set) – Three
4. 넷 (net) – Four
5. 다섯 (daseot) – Five
6. 여섯 (yeoseot) – Six
7. 일곱 (ilgop) – Seven
8. 여덟 (yeodeolb) – Eight
9. 아홉 (ahop) – Nine
10. 열 (yeol) – Ten
Counting Beyond 10
After learning the numbers from one to ten, you can easily express higher numbers by combining the words. Here’s an example of how it works, keeping in mind the Korean counting system groups numbers in sets of ten:
23 – 스물셋 (seumulset) (Twenty-three)
Counting Large Numbers in Formal Korean
To express large numbers in a formal manner, you can use the following pattern:
(Number) + (Multiplier Word) + (Number) + (Unit Word)
Here, the multiplier words are based on units of ten-thousand, while the unit words represent the actual amount. For example:
100,000 (One hundred thousand) – 십만 (sipman)
2,5 million (Two million five hundred thousand) – 이백오십만 (ibaekosipman)
Informal Ways to Say Numbers in Korean
In informal or casual settings, Korean numbers can have slight variations from formal pronunciation. Here are a few examples of how numbers are said casually:
Counting from 1 to 10 (Informal)
1. 한 (han) – One
2. 두 (doo) – Two
3. 세 (se) – Three
4. 네 (ne) – Four
5. 다섯 (daseot) – Five
6. 여섯 (yeoseot) – Six
7. 일곱 (ilgop) – Seven
8. 여덟 (yeodeolb) – Eight
9. 아홉 (ahop) – Nine
10. 열 (yeol) – Ten
Tips for Korean Number Pronunciation
Pronouncing numbers correctly can be a bit challenging for non-native speakers. Here are some tips to help you master Korean number pronunciation:
1. Pay Attention to Pronunciation Variations
Korean numbers can have slight pronunciation variations based on their position in a sentence. Try to listen carefully and mimic the pronunciation of native speakers.
2. Practice Tonal Emphasis
When saying numbers in Korean, pay attention to the tonal emphasis. Certain syllables may be pronounced with higher or lower tones, which can affect the overall meaning of the number.
3. Use Your Fingers
If you find it challenging to remember certain number words, try associating them with your fingers. Using hand gestures alongside the Korean words can help reinforce your memory.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve reached the end of this guide on how to say numbers in Korean. Remember, practice is key to mastering any language, so make use of these tips and examples to improve your pronunciation. Whether you’re counting to ten or expressing large numbers, understanding both formal and informal ways to say numbers will greatly enhance your Korean language skills. Happy learning!
