하나, 둘, 셋, 넷
hana, dul, set, net
The phrase 하나, 둘, 셋, 넷 (hana, dul, set, net) is how you say one, two, three, four in Korean.
This sequence belongs to the Native Korean numbering system and is used for counting discrete items or people in a general sense, such as when counting how many apples are in a basket. Note that when counting specific objects like books, you would use the counter 권.
Which one should you use?
There is a distinction between the Native Korean system and the Sino-Korean system. The phrase 하나, 둘, 셋, 넷 is used for counting objects or people. In contrast, the Sino-Korean sequence 일, 이, 삼, 사 is used for dates, phone numbers and money.
How do you pronounce it?
hana, dul, set, net
Did you know?
- In Korean culture, the number 'four' associated with 넷 is often avoided in elevators or hospitals because it sounds like the Sino-Korean word for 'death'.
- In certain contexts, such as when using a counter, the word 셋 for 'three' changes its form to 세 and 넷 for 'four' changes to 네.
- The number 하나 for 'one' is used in the phrase 하나뿐인, which describes something or someone that is the only one of its kind in a sentimental or precious way.
Examples in context
- 나는 개 하나 있어.I have one dog.
- 네 시에 만나자.Let's meet up at four o'clock.
- 표가 하나만 남았어요.There is only one ticket left.
- 잔을 세 개 가져다 주세요.Please bring me three glasses.
Example conversation
Hyunwoo and Jieun are preparing to take a photo together.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo지은 씨, 여기 보세요. 찍을게요.Jieun ssi, yeogi boseyo. jjigeulgeyo.Jieun, look here. I'm going to take it.
- 지은 Ji-eun네, 준비됐어요!ne, junbidwaesseoyo!Yes, I'm ready!
- 현우 Hyeon-woo하나, 둘, 셋, 넷!hana, dul, set, net!One, two, three, four!
- 지은 Ji-eun사진 잘 나왔어요?sajin jal nawasseoyo?Did the photo come out well?
