하나, 둘, 셋
hana, dul, set
The English phrase "one, two, three" is translated into Korean as 하나, 둘, 셋 (hana, dul, set).
This specific sequence is used when counting objects or people, or when counting down to start an activity.
Which one should you use?
While 하나, 둘, 셋 is used for counting items, the Sino-Korean numbers 일, 이, 삼 are used for things like dates, phone numbers and money.
How does it change in a sentence?
This sequence uses the native Korean number system rather than the Sino-Korean system.
How do you pronounce it?
hana, dul, set
Did you know?
- The number 셋 is found in some historical linguistic theories as having a possible connection to the Hebrew name שֵׁת, though this remains a subject of academic debate.
- When counting people, 하나, 둘, 셋 is rarely used alone. Instead, Koreans add a counting word called a classifier, such as 명 for people, turning 'one person' into 한 명.
- In Korean sports or exercise, the count 하나, 둘, 셋 is often shouted with a specific rhythmic cadence to keep the group in sync during stretching or calisthenics.
Examples in context
- 하나, 둘, 셋 하면 뛰자.hana, dul, set hamyeon ttiuja.Let's jump on one, two, three.
Example conversation
Subin and Hyunwoo are getting ready to start a race.
- 수빈 Su-bin현우야, 준비됐어?Hyunwoo-ya, junbi dwaesseo?Hyunwoo, are you ready?
- 현우 Hyeon-woo응, 준비됐어.Eung, junbi dwaesseo.Yes, I'm ready.
- 수빈 Su-bin하나, 둘, 셋 하면 달리는 거야!hana, dul, set hamyeon dallineun geoya!We run on one, two, three!
- 현우 Hyeon-woo알았어, 가자!Arasseo, gaja!Got it, let's go!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 둘, 셋, 하나, CC BY-SA 4.0.
