Welcome to this comprehensive guide on how to say the years in Korean! Whether you are learning the language for travel, studying abroad, or to connect with Korean-speaking friends and family, knowing how to express years is essential. In this guide, we will explore both the formal and informal ways of saying the years in Korean, along with some useful tips, examples, and even regional variations. So let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways of Saying the Years
When referring to years formally in Korean, we typically use the Sino-Korean numbering system. This system is based on Chinese characters and is commonly used in official documents, newspapers, and formal discussions. To express the years, Koreans count from the year 1, which is equivalent to 1982 in the Western calendar system. Here are a few examples:
Example 1: 2000년 (2000 nyeon) – Year 2000
Example 2: 1995년 (1995 nyeon) – Year 1995
Example 3: 1988년 (1988 nyeon) – Year 1988
As you notice, the word for “year” in Korean is “년 (nyeon)”. To express a specific year, we simply follow the year number with “년”. It’s important to note that in the formal setting, Koreans traditionally use both the Gregorian calendar and the Sino-Korean numbering system to indicate the year precisely.
Informal Ways of Saying the Years
In less formal or casual situations, Koreans often use a different system of counting years. This system is known as the Pure Korean numbering system and is based on native Korean numerals. While the formal system uses Chinese characters, the informal system solely relies on native Korean numbers. Let’s take a look at some examples:
Example 1: 2010년 (2010 nyeon) – Year 2010
Informal: 이천십년 (i-cheon-ship-nyeon)
Example 2: 1992년 (1992 nyeon) – Year 1992
Informal: 천구백구십이년 (cheon-gu-baek-gu-ship-i-nyeon)
Example 3: 1977년 (1977 nyeon) – Year 1977
Informal: 천구백칠십칠년 (cheon-gu-baek-chil-ship-chil-nyeon)
In the informal system, you can express the years by combining native Korean numbers. You start with the thousands place, then hundreds, tens, and finally the unit place. Remember that each place has different Korean number names, and you can find more on this topic in our guide about Korean numbers.
Additional Tips and Regional Variations
While the formal and informal methods mentioned above are widely used across Korea, it’s essential to mention that regional differences may exist. Some regions or dialects might have unique ways of pronouncing the years. For example, in the Gyeongsang Province, you may encounter slight variations like “이천십년” becoming “이첸십년” or “천구백구십이년” becoming “천구백구십니년”. These variations might be influenced by local accents or dialects.
Furthermore, remember that when you mention a year, it’s common to include the word “년 (nyeon)” after the number, regardless of the formality of the setting. This clarifies that you are referring to a specific year. For instance, if you just say “1987” without “년”, it might be ambiguous and confuse listeners.
Conclusion
Congratulations on completing this guide on how to say the years in Korean! You’ve learned about both formal and informal ways of expressing years, discovered examples in the Sino-Korean and Pure Korean systems, and even touched upon regional variations. Remember to practice pronouncing the years regularly to become more comfortable with the Korean language.
Now, armed with this knowledge, you can confidently communicate dates and years with Koreans in various settings. So go ahead and impress your Korean-speaking friends, or use this information during your next trip to South Korea. Korean culture is rich in history, and understanding how to say the years in Korean will undoubtedly enhance your experience and interactions. Happy language learning!
