Learning the basic numbers in any language is essential, and Korean is no exception. In this guide, we will teach you how to say the numbers one to ten in both formal and informal ways. Whether you’re planning a trip to Korea or simply interested in expanding your language skills, this guide has you covered. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say One to Ten
When speaking formally in Korean, it is important to use the appropriate honorifics. Here are the formal ways to say the numbers one to ten in Korean:
- 하나 (Ha-na) – One
- 둘 (Dul) – Two
- 셋 (Seot) – Three
- 넷 (Neot) – Four
- 다섯 (Da-seot) – Five
- 여섯 (Yeot-seot) – Six
- 일곱 (Il-gop) – Seven
- 여덟 (Yeot-deol) – Eight
- 아홉 (A-hop) – Nine
- 열 (Yeol) – Ten
Remember to use these formal numbers when you are speaking to someone older, in a professional setting, or when showing respect. Now, let’s explore the informal ways to say one to ten in Korean.
Informal Ways to Say One to Ten
In casual conversations, with friends or peers of the same age, you may use informal expressions. Here are the informal ways to say the numbers one to ten in Korean:
- 한 개 (Han gae) – One
- 두 개 (Du gae) – Two
- 세 개 (Se gae) – Three
- 네 개 (Ne gae) – Four
- 다섯 개 (Da-seot gae) – Five
- 여섯 개 (Yeot-seot gae) – Six
- 일곱 개 (Il-gop gae) – Seven
- 여덟 개 (Yeot-deol gae) – Eight
- 아홉 개 (A-hop gae) – Nine
- 열 개 (Yeol gae) – Ten
Using these informal expressions is suitable for casual conversations with friends, siblings, or peers. However, it’s essential to choose the appropriate form based on the situation, relationship, and level of formality.
Tips and Examples
Here are a few tips and examples to help you master the numbers one to ten in Korean:
Tip 1: Pay Attention to Pronunciation
When learning Korean numbers, mastering the pronunciation is crucial. Take note of the following pronunciations:
The number “one” can be pronounced as “하나 (Ha-na)” in formal settings, and as “한 개 (Han gae)” in informal conversations.
By paying attention to the pronunciation, you’ll ensure that you are understood correctly, and it will also help you develop a more natural way of speaking Korean.
Tip 2: Use Counters
Korean language commonly uses counters with numbers to count different objects. Here’s an example:
“한 개의 사과 (Han gae-ui sa-gwa)” means “one apple” where “개 (gae)” is the counter for objects.
Learning counters is essential when combining numbers with nouns correctly. It adds precision and clarity to your conversations.
Tip 3: Practice Listening and Speaking
To truly master the Korean numbers, regular practice is key. Listen to native speakers, repeat the numbers out loud, and engage in conversations using them. The more you practice, the more confident you’ll become.
Example Dialogue:
Let’s see an example dialogue between two friends, Ji-hye and Min-ji, where they use the casual/informal way of saying the numbers three and seven:
Ji-hye: “어제 영화를 셋 봤어? (Eo-je yeong-hwa-reul seot bwass-eo?)”
Min-ji: “아니, 일곱 개 봤어. (Ani, il-gop gae bwass-eo.)”
Ji-hye: “정말? 어떤 영화더라? (Jeong-mal? Eo-tteon yeong-hwa-deo-ra?)”
Min-ji: “공포 영화였어. (Gong-po yeong-hwa-yeoss-eo.)”
Ji-hye asks Min-ji if she watched three movies yesterday, and Min-ji replies that she watched seven movies. They continue their conversation, discussing the genre of the movies they watched. This example showcases the casual way to express numbers in natural conversations.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve learned how to say the numbers one to ten in both formal and informal ways in Korean. Remember to choose the appropriate expression based on the level of formality, situation, and relationship. Keep practicing your pronunciation and usage of counters to enhance your Korean language skills. Language learning takes time and patience, but with regular practice, you’ll progress steadily. Enjoy exploring more of the Korean language and culture!
