Welcome to our guide on how to say numbers in Korean! Whether you’re a beginner learning the language or simply curious about Korean culture, knowing how to count from 1 to 10 is essential. In this guide, we’ll cover both formal and informal ways of counting, while also providing useful tips, examples, and regional variations. So, let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say Numbers 1-10
Formal Korean is used in official settings, respectful conversations, and when speaking to strangers or people older than you. Here’s a list of how to say numbers 1 to 10 in formal Korean:
- 1 – 하나 (hana)
- 2 – 둘 (dul)
- 3 – 셋 (set)
- 4 – 넷 (net)
- 5 – 다섯 (daseot)
- 6 – 여섯 (yeoseot)
- 7 – 일곱 (ilgop)
- 8 – 여덟 (yeodeolb)
- 9 – 아홉 (ahop)
- 10 – 열 (yeol)
Informal Ways to Say Numbers 1-10
Informal Korean is commonly used in casual conversations among friends, family members, or people of the same age group. Here’s a list of how to say numbers 1 to 10 in informal Korean:
- 1 – 하나 (hana)
- 2 – 둘 (dul)
- 3 – 셋 (set)
- 4 – 넷 (net)
- 5 – 다섯 (daseot)
- 6 – 여섯 (yeoseot)
- 7 – 일곱 (ilgop)
- 8 – 여덟 (yeodeolb)
- 9 – 아홉 (ahop)
- 10 – 열 (yeol)
In informal Korean, the pronunciation for numbers 1-4 differs slightly compared to formal Korean. While the pronunciation of numbers 5-10 remains the same.
Tips and Examples
Here are some helpful tips and examples to enhance your understanding of counting in Korean:
1. Intonation Matters
In Korean, the intonation or pitch of your voice can change the meaning of words. When counting, make sure to emphasize the final syllable to indicate it is a number. For example:
하나 (hana) – one
하나? (hana?) – Is it one?
2. Counting Objects with Sino-Korean Numbers
In addition to the native Korean numbers (1-10), Sino-Korean numbers are used for counting objects, money, addresses, and phone numbers. For example:
한 개 (han gae) – one item
두 시간 (du sigan) – two hours
세 층 (se cheung) – third floor
사람 네 명 (saram ne myeong) – four people
3. Regional Variations
While the basic numbers remain the same throughout Korea, there might be regional variations in pronunciation for certain numbers. However, these regional differences are minor and won’t hinder your communication with native Korean speakers.
Example: In some dialects, “일곱” (ilgop) might be pronounced as “여덟” (yeoded) and “여덟” (yeodeolb) might be pronounced as “일곱” (ilgop).
However, for the purpose of learning, it’s advisable to stick to the standard pronunciation.
In Conclusion
Congratulations! Now you know how to count from 1 to 10 in Korean, both formally and informally. Remember, the more you practice, the easier it will become. Don’t hesitate to use these numbers in everyday conversations or while traveling in Korea. Understanding numbers is a fundamental skill that will help you navigate various situations. Keep exploring the beautiful Korean language and immerse yourself in the fascinating culture!
