Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 숫자 | sutja | [ˈsʰu(ː)t̚t͡ɕ͈a̠] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) [ˈsʰu(ː)t͡ɕ͈a̠] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 수 | su | [sʰu] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
Korean uses different words to distinguish between the symbol used to represent a value and the value itself. 숫자 refers specifically to the written symbols or digits used to represent numbers. In contrast, 수 refers to the abstract mathematical concept of number or a quantity of things. For example, you might see the adjective 수많은 used to mean 'countless' or 'a vast number of'.
Which one should you use?
The choice between the two forms depends on your intent: 숫자 refers specifically to the written symbols or digits used to represent numbers, while 수 refers to the abstract mathematical concept of number or a quantity of things.
How does it change in a sentence?
When used to express a quantity, 수 is often used in compounds or as a modifier, such as in 수백 (hundreds) or 수만 (tens of thousands).
How do you pronounce it?
sutja
Did you know?
- In Korea, certain 'numbers' are considered unlucky, such as the number four, because its pronunciation is similar to the word for 'death'.
- The concept of a 'number' in Korean is expressed using two entirely different numbering systems: native Korean and Sino-Korean.
- Because many different Sino-Korean words are pronounced as 수, you must rely on context to distinguish if someone is talking about a 'number' (數), 'water' (水), or even a 'head' (首).
Examples in context
- 오는 사와 육 사이의 숫자이다.Five is the number between four and six.This sentence demonstrates the use of 숫자 to identify a number between two other values.Tatoeba #13018666 by Uwe, translation #13018114 by carlosalberto
- 인간의 몸은 수많은 세포들로 구성되어 있어.A human body consists of a countless number of cells.This sentence shows how 수 can be used to describe a quantity of cells.Tatoeba #8361856 by Eunhee, translation #270630 by CM
Example conversation
Seoyeon is asking Dohyun for his phone number.
- 서연 Seo-yeon도현 씨, 전화번호 숫자 좀 알려주세요.Dohyun ssi, jeonhwabeonho sutja jom allyeojuseyo.Dohyun, please tell me the numbers of your phone number.
- 도현 Do-hyeon네, 지금 바로 적어 줄게요.ne, jigeum baro jeogeo julgeyo.Yes, I will write it down for you right now.
- 서연 Seo-yeon마지막 숫자가 정확히 무엇인가요?majimak sutjaga jeonghwakhi mueosingayo?What exactly is the last number?
- 도현 Do-hyeon아, 마지막 숫자는 7이에요.a, majimak sutjaneun ilgoyeoyo.Oh, the last number is 7.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “number” translations and entries 숫자, 수, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
