Learn Korean Numbers: Native vs. Sino-Korean Counting Explained for Beginners

 


Why Are There Two Korean Number Systems?

If you're trying to learn Korean, one of the most surprising discoveries is that there are two number systems! Yes—Korean uses both native Korean numbers and Sino-Korean (Chinese-based) numbers, and each has specific uses.
Let’s break it down so you’ll never mix them up again.

1. Native Korean Numbers (고유어 숫자)

Used for:

  • Counting objects (1–99)

  • Hours (in time)

  • Age (in casual speech)

  • Counting things and people

Native Numbers 1–10:

Number

Korean

Romanization

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




Example Sentences:

  • 사과 세 개 주세요. (Please give me three apples.)

  • 저는 스물다섯 살이에요. (I’m 25 years old.)

2. Sino-Korean Numbers (한자어 숫자)

Used for:

  • Dates

  • Minutes and seconds

  • Phone numbers

  • Money

  • Floors, addresses

  • Numbers above 100

Sino-Korean Numbers 1–10:

NumberKoreanRomanization
1일 il
2이i
3삼sam
4사sa
5오o
6육yuk
7칠chil
8팔pal
9구gu
10십sip

Example Sentences:

  • 오늘은 5월 3일입니다. (Today is May 3rd.)

  • 전화번호는 010-2345-6789입니다. (Phone number is...)

  • 커피는 4,500원이에요. (The coffee is 4,500 won.)

When to Use Which? Quick Chart

SituationUse
Age (casual)             Native
Age (formal, ID)               Sino
Hours             Native
Minutes/Seconds               Sino
Money               Sino
Counting items  Native (with counters)
Phone numbers               Sino

Pro Tips to Remember

  • Use native numbers for counting things or time (hours).

  • Use Sino-Korean for everything else, especially over 100.

  • Many Koreans switch between systems intuitively. Don't worry—just get comfortable with basic examples!

Practice Challenge

  1. 몇 시예요? (Use native numbers)

  2. 생일이 언제예요? (Use Sino-Korean)

  3. 사과 두 개, 물 한 병 주세요. (Use native numbers)

  4. 오늘은 2025년 5월 13일입니다. (Use Sino-Korean)

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