Greetings! Are you interested in learning the various ways to say “thirty” in Korean? Whether you want to utilize this knowledge during your travels or simply impress your Korean friends, this guide will provide you with comprehensive information on the formal and informal ways to express the number “thirty” in the Korean language.
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The Standard Way: 서른 (Seoreun)
The most commonly used term for “thirty” in Korean is “서른” (seoreun). It is the standard way to refer to the number thirty in any context, be it formal or informal. So, if you want to say “thirty” without any regional variation, “서른” is your go-to term.
Formal Expressions
When it comes to formal situations or speaking with people you do not know well, it’s important to use proper honorific language. Here are some formal ways to say “thirty” in Korean:
1. 서른 (Seoreun)
As mentioned earlier, “서른” (seoreun) is the standard term for “thirty” in Korean and can be used in formal settings as well.
2. 서른 한 개 (Seoreun Han Gae)
In Korean, “한 개” (han gae) means “one unit.” So, saying “서른 한 개” (seoreun han gae) emphasizes the quantity while being polite and formal. This expression is often used in official documents or when counting things formally.
3. 서른 개 (Seoreun Gae)
If you want to use a more concise expression, you can say “서른 개” (seoreun gae). This is a formal and shorter way to convey “thirty.” It is commonly used when counting items in formal contexts like business meetings or presentations.
Informal Expressions
When speaking with friends, family, or in casual situations, you can opt for more informal expressions of the number “thirty” in Korean. Let’s take a look at some options:
1. 서른이 (Seoreuni)
Adding the particle “이” (i) after the number “thirty” turns it into an informal expression. So, “서른이” (seoreuni) is a casual way to say “thirty” among peers and acquaintances.
2. 서른 살 (Seoreun Sal)
In Korean, “살” (sal) means “years old.” Therefore, “서른 살” (seoreun sal) directly translates to “thirty years old.” While this expression refers to age, it is commonly used as a casual way to mention the number itself.
3. 삼십 (Samsip)
Though less frequently used, “삼십” (samsip) is another informal term for “thirty” in Korean. It is more colloquial and may be encountered in casual conversations or informal writing.
Regional Variations
While not specifically applicable to the number “thirty,” it’s worth noting that Korean dialects can introduce regional variations in counting systems. However, in most regions, the standard terms mentioned above will be understood and accepted. To ensure clarity, let’s highlight a few regional variations:
In some parts of South Korea, particularly the Gyeongsang region, you may come across the expression “마흔” (maheun) instead of “서른” (seoreun) for “thirty.” Keep in mind that using “서른” (seoreun) is still widely understood, even in areas where “마흔” (maheun) is more prevalent.
Tips and Examples
Here are a few additional tips and examples to reinforce your understanding of how to say “thirty” in Korean:
- Tip 1: Pay attention to context. Ensure you choose the appropriate formal or informal expression based on the specific situation and the person you are addressing.
- Tip 2: Practice listening to native speakers or watching Korean content to familiarize yourself with the pronunciation and usage of these expressions.
- Example 1: If you are asked, “How old are you?” and you want to respond “I am thirty,” you can say, “서른 살이에요” (seoreun salieyo) in a polite setting or “서른이에요” (seoreuniyeo) casually.
- Example 2: When counting objects, such as apples, you can say “서른 개의 사과” (seoreun gaeui sagwa), which means “thirty apples.”
- Example 3: If you want to say “I have thirty books,” you can say “책 서른 권 있어요” (chaek seoreun gwon isseoyo) in a polite manner or “책 서른 개 있어” (chaek seoreun gae isseo) informally.
Congratulations! You have now learned various formal and informal ways to say “thirty” in Korean. Remember to adapt your expressions based on the formality of the situation and feel free to explore more Korean numbers and vocabulary to expand your language skills. Enjoy your Korean language journey!
