[Learn][Korean] How to Count in Korean: A Complete Guide

count in korean

Korean numbers are an essential part of daily conversations, whether you're telling your age, counting objects, reading time, or handling money. Unlike English, Korean has two number systems: Native Korean numbers and Sino-Korean numbers. Each system is used in different contexts, so learning when to use them is just as important as memorizing the numbers themselves.

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1. Native Korean Numbers (고유어 수)

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Native Korean numbers are primarily used for counting small quantities, expressing age, and telling the hour in time.

Basic Native Korean Numbers

Numver	Korean
1	하나 (hana)
2	둘 (dul)
3	셋 (set)
4	넷 (net)
5	다섯 (daseot)
6	여섯 (yeoseot)
7	일곱 (ilgop)
8	여덟 (yeodeol)
9	아홉 (ahop)
10	열 (yeol)

 

For numbers beyond ten, simply combine 열 (yeol) + single digits:

• 11: 열하나 (yeolhana)
• 12: 열둘 (yeoldul)
• 13: 열셋 (yeolset)
• 20: 스물 (seumul)
• 30: 서른 (seoreun)
• 40: 마흔 (maheun)
• 50: 쉰 (swin)
• 60: 예순 (yesun)
• 70: 일흔 (ilheun)
• 80: 여든 (yeodeun)
• 90: 아흔 (aheun)

When to Use Native Korean Numbers

• Counting small objects (e.g., apples, books, people)
• Saying your age (e.g., "I am 25 years old" → 스물다섯 살)
• Telling the hour in time (e.g., "2 o’clock" → 두 시)

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2. Sino-Korean Numbers (한자어 수)

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Sino-Korean numbers are based on Chinese characters and are used for dates, money, phone numbers, and minutes/seconds in time.

Basic Sino-Korean Numbers

Number	Korean
1	일 (il)
2	이 (yee)
3	삼 (sam)
4	사 (sa)
5	오 (o)
6	육 (yuk)
7	칠 (chil)
8	팔 (pal)
9	구 (gu)
10	십 (sip)

 

For numbers beyond ten, use a multiplicative structure:

• 11: 십일 (sipil) → 10 + 1
• 12: 십이 (sipi) → 10 + 2
• 20: 이십 (isip) → 2 × 10
• 30: 삼십 (samsip) → 3 × 10
• 100: 백 (baek)
• 1,000: 천 (cheon)
• 10,000: 만 (man)

When to Use Sino-Korean Numbers

• Counting large numbers (e.g., 1,000 won → 천 원)
• Reading dates (e.g., December 25 → 12월 25일)
• Telling minutes and seconds in time (e.g., "3:45" → 세 시 사십오 분)
• Phone numbers and addresses

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3. How to Read Time in Korean

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Telling time in Korean requires using both Native and Sino-Korean numbers:

• Native Korean numbers → for hours
• Sino-Korean numbers → for minutes and seconds

Basic Structure:

[Hour] + 시 + [Minute] + 분

Examples:

• 1:30 → 한 시 삼십 분 (han si samsip bun)
• 2:45 → 두 시 사십오 분 (du si sasipo bun)
• 11:10 → 열한 시 십 분 (yeolhan si sip bun)

For AM and PM, add:

• 오전 (ojeon) → AM
• 오후 (ohu) → PM

Example:

• 9:15 AM → 오전 아홉 시 십오 분 (ojeon ahop si sipo bun)
• 6:30 PM → 오후 여섯 시 삼십 분 (ohu yeoseot si samsip bun)

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4. Common Mistakes & Tips

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1. Numbers 1-4 and 20 change slightly before counters
   • 하나 → 한 (e.g., 한 개)
   • 둘 → 두 (e.g., 두 명)
   • 셋 → 세 (e.g., 세 시)
   • 넷 → 네 (e.g., 네 살)
   • 스물 → 스무 (e.g., 스무 살)
2. Don't mix the two systems incorrectly
   • ❌ "삼 시" (wrong) → 세 시 (correct)
   • ❌ "두십 분" (wrong) → 이십 분 (correct)
3. Be mindful of pronunciation changes
   • 육 (yuk) → 유 when combined (e.g., 육월 → 유월 for June)
   • 십육 (sip-yuk) → 심뉵 (simnyuk) for 16

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5. Summary: When to Use Each Number System

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Context	Native Korean	Sino-Korean
Counting objects	✅️	❌️
Age	✅️	❌️
Hours in time	✅️	❌️
Minutes & seconds	❌️	✅️
Dates (months & days)	❌️	✅️
Money & prices	❌️	✅️
Phone numbers	❌️	✅️

 

Learning both number systems is key to fluency in Korean. Start by memorizing Native Korean numbers up to 20 and Sino-Korean numbers up to 100, then practice using them in daily life.

Understanding these two number systems will help you navigate Korea smoothly, whether you're ordering food, reading a clock, or shopping. Keep practicing, and soon counting in Korean will feel natural.