Hello there! If you’re interested in learning how to say numbers in Korean, you’ve come to the right place. Numbers are an essential part of any language, and knowing how to express them in Korean will come in handy in various situations. Whether you’re traveling to South Korea, planning to study Korean, or simply curious, this guide will help you master the art of counting in Korean. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Formal vs. Informal Ways of Counting
In Korean, just like in any language, there are formal and informal ways of counting. The choice between the two depends on the level of politeness and familiarity you wish to convey. Let’s explore both options:
Formal Way:
The formal way of counting in Korean is used when you’re speaking to someone older, in a professional setting, or anyone you wish to show respect towards. Here’s an overview of the numbers from 1 to 10 in their formal form:
하나 (hana) – One
둘 (dul) – Two
셋 (set) – Three
넷 (net) – Four
다섯 (daseot) – Five
여섯 (yeoseot) – Six
일곱 (ilgop) – Seven
여덟 (yeodeolb) – Eight
아홉 (ahop) – Nine
열 (yeol) – Ten
Informal Way:
The informal way of counting in Korean is more commonly used among friends, family members, or acquaintances of similar age. Here are the numbers from 1 to 10 in their casual form:
하나 (hana) – One
둘 (dul) – Two
셋 (set) – Three
넷 (net) – Four
다섯 (daseot) – Five
여섯 (yeoseot) – Six
일곱 (ilgop) – Seven
여덟 (yeodeolb) – Eight
아홉 (ahop) – Nine
열 (yeol) – Ten
Number Tips and Examples
Now that we’ve covered the basic formal and informal ways of counting in Korean, let’s dive into some useful tips and examples to enhance your understanding:
1. Counting Objects:
When counting objects in Korean, you should use the native Korean numbers for counting from 1 to 99. For instance:
한 개의 사과 (han gaeui sagwa) – One apple
두 개의 책 (du gaeui chaek) – Two books
아홉 개의 고양이 (ahop gaeui goyang-i) – Nine cats
2. Counting People:
When counting people in Korean, you need to use the Sino-Korean numbers from 1 to 99. In this case, the counter word명 (myeong) is commonly used. Let’s see some examples:
한 명의 학생 (han myeong-ui haksaeng) – One student
두 명의 친구 (du myeong-ui chingu) – Two friends
아홉 명의 여행객 (ahop myeong-ui yeohaenggaek) – Nine travelers
3. Beyond 10:
Once you’ve mastered counting from 1 to 10, you’re ready to delve into larger numbers. The pattern in Korean follows a logical order, making it easier to count in larger increments. Here’s an example:
스물 하나 (seumul hana) – Twenty-one
서른 둘 (seoreun dul) – Thirty-two
마흔 셋 (maheun set) – Forty-three
여든 넷 (yeodeun net) – Eighty-four
백 일곱 (baek ilgop) – One hundred seven
Regional Variations in Counting
Korean is primarily spoken in South Korea and North Korea, with some variations in the language. However, when it comes to counting, the differences between the two are minimal. The numbers we’ve covered so far are widely understood in both regions, so you won’t encounter any significant discrepancies in counting.
Congratulations! You’ve reached the end of our comprehensive guide on how to say numbers in Korean. You’ve learned the formal and casual ways of expressing numbers, along with some useful tips and examples. Now, it’s time to practice and expand your Korean vocabulary. Enjoy your journey of mastering the Korean language, and happy counting!
