Learning numbers in Korean, a language spoken primarily in South Korea and North Korea, is essential for anyone looking to understand the language and culture deeply. Korean uses two distinct number systems: the Native Korean system and the Sino-Korean system. Each system has specific uses, such as telling time, counting objects, or discussing dates. This lesson aims to provide a comprehensive guide to both Korean number systems, including pronunciation tips, structure explanations, and practical applications.

Introduction to Korean Numerals

Korean numerals consist of the Native Korean system, used for numbers 1 through 99 and for counting age, hours, and objects, and the Sino-Korean system, used for dates, minutes, seconds, money, and numbers above 100. Understanding these numbers is crucial for various everyday contexts and engaging more deeply with Korean culture.

Native Korean Numbers (1-19)

The Native Korean system is often used for counting tangible items and age. Here are the basic Native Korean numbers with their phonetic pronunciations:

1. 하나 (Hana) – [ha-na] – One
2. 둘 (Dul) – [dul] – Two
3. 셋 (Set) – [set] – Three
4. 넷 (Net) – [net] – Four
5. 다섯 (Daseot) – [da-seot] – Five
6. 여섯 (Yeoseot) – [yeo-seot] – Six
7. 일곱 (Ilgop) – [il-gop] – Seven
8. 여덟 (Yeodeol) – [yeo-deol] – Eight
9. 아홉 (Ahop) – [a-hop] – Nine
10. 열 (Yeol) – [yeol] – Ten

For numbers 11-19, you add 열 (ten) before the single digit (e.g., 열하나 (Yeol hana) – 11).

Counting in Tens (20-90)

Learning to count by tens is essential for forming larger Native Korean numbers:

• 스물 (Seumul) – [sɯ.mul] – 20
• 서른 (Seoreun) – [sʌ.ɾɯn] – 30
• 마흔 (Maheun) – [ma.hɯn] – 40
• 쉰 (Swin) – [swin] – 50
• 예순 (Yesun) – [je.sun] – 60
• 일흔 (Ilheun) – [il.hɯn] – 70
• 여든 (Yeodeun) – [jʌ.dɯn] – 80
• 아흔 (Aheun) – [a.hɯn] – 90

To form compound numbers 20-99, combine the tens (e.g., 스물 (Seumul) for 20) with the units (e.g., 스물하나 (Seumul hana) for 21).

Sino-Korean Numbers (1-19)

The Sino-Korean system is used for dates, currency, addresses, phone numbers, and numbers above 100. Here are the basic Sino-Korean numbers:

1. 일 (Il) – [il] – One
2. 이 (I) – [ee] – Two
3. 삼 (Sam) – [sam] – Three
4. 사 (Sa) – [sa] – Four
5. 오 (O) – [o] – Five
6. 육 (Yuk) – [yuk] – Six
7. 칠 (Chil) – [chil] – Seven
8. 팔 (Pal) – [pal] – Eight
9. 구 (Gu) – [gu] – Nine
10. 십 (Sip) – [sip] – Ten

To form numbers 11-19, add 십 (ten) before the unit (e.g., 십일 (Sip il) for 11).

Counting in Tens (20-90)

Learning to count by tens is essential for forming larger Sino-Korean numbers:

• 이십 (Isip) – [i.ɕip̚] – 20
• 삼십 (Samsip) – [sam.ɕip̚] – 30
• 사십 (Sasip) – [sa.ɕip̚] – 40
• 오십 (Osip) – [o.ɕip̚] – 50
• 육십 (Yuksip) – [juk̚.ɕip̚] – 60
• 칠십 (Chilsip) – [tɕʰil.ɕip̚] – 70
• 팔십 (Palsip) – [pʰal.ɕip̚] – 80
• 구십 (Gusip) – [ku.ɕip̚] – 90

For compound numbers above 20, combine the tens and the units (e.g., 이십일 (Isip il) for 21).

Larger Numbers in Sino-Korean

For larger quantities, dates, and financial transactions, knowing higher denominations is crucial:

• 백 (Baek) – [baek] – 100
• 천 (Cheon) – [cheon] – 1,000
• 만 (Man) – [man] – 10,000
• 십만 (Sip man) – [sip man] – 100,000
• 백만 (Baek man) – [baek man] – 1,000,000 (One million)
• 천만 (Cheon man) – [cheon man] – 10,000,000 (Ten million)
• 억 (Eok) – [eok] – 100,000,000 (One hundred million)

Practice and Exercises

1. Listening and Pronunciation Practice: Use audio resources or language learning apps to familiarize yourself with the pronunciation of Korean numbers in both systems. Practice speaking them aloud.
2. Writing and Reading: Practice writing numbers in Hangul to enhance your reading and writing skills in Korean.
3. Practical Application: Try to use numbers in everyday situations, such as discussing prices, dates, or quantities, to reinforce your learning.

Tips for Effective Learning

• Consistent Practice: Regular practice with numbers will help solidify your understanding and improve recall.
• Flashcards: Use flashcards with numbers on one side and their Hangul script on the other to test your memory.
• Language Exchange: Practice speaking with native speakers or fellow learners. Using numbers in conversation will help you become more comfortable with their pronunciation and usage.

Conclusion

Mastering numbers in Korean, including both the Native and Sino-Korean systems, is a crucial step towards achieving fluency in the language. By starting with the basics, gradually moving to more complex numbers, and consistently practicing, you’ll enhance your ability to communicate effectively in Korean. Remember, patience and consistent practice are your best tools for learning this beautiful and culturally rich language.