A1 · Anfänger Kapitel 4

Mastering Numbers and Counting

5 Gesamtregeln
54 Beispiele
5 Min.
Regeln in diesem Kapitel Schnelle Übung

Chapter in 30 Seconds

Unlock your potential by learning how to count everything from money to your new friends!

  • Distinguish between Sino-Korean and Native Korean number systems.
  • Apply specific counters for objects, people, and animals correctly.
  • Express quantities naturally in everyday Korean conversations.
Count on your new Korean skills!

Was du lernen wirst

Hey there, future Korean speaker! Ready to unlock a superpower that will change how you interact with everything around you? This chapter, 'Mastering Numbers and Counting,' is your key! You're about to dive deep into not one, but *two* super cool Korean number systems: Sino-Korean and Native Korean. Sounds tricky? Don't sweat it! We'll show you exactly *when* to use each one. You'll master Sino-Korean for things like money, telling time (minutes!), and dates – super handy for shopping or checking your calendar. Then, you'll tackle Native Korean numbers, perfect for counting everyday objects, people, animals, and even your age! We'll guide you through connecting these numbers with specific counters: use 개 (gae) for almost anything, 명 (myeong) or the polite 분 (bun) for people (depending on who you're talking to – respect is key!), and 마리 (mari) for all sorts of adorable creatures. Imagine this: you're at a Korean market, confidently asking for two apples (사과 두 개), or meeting new friends and casually mentioning

we are three people
(세 명). By the end of this chapter, you won't just *know* numbers; you'll be able to *use* them naturally and confidently in real-life conversations. It's easier than you think, and we're here to make it fun!

Learning Objectives

By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:

  1. 1
    By the end you will be able to: confidently order items and describe quantities of people and animals.

Kapitel-Leitfaden

Overview

Hey there, future Korean speaker! Welcome to 'Mastering Numbers and Counting,' your essential guide to unlocking a superpower that will change how you interact with everything around you. This chapter is designed to give you a solid foundation in Korean numbers, a critical component of A1 Korean grammar.
Understanding how to count is fundamental for everyday tasks, from ordering food to telling time, and mastering it will significantly boost your confidence in real-life conversations.
In this chapter, you'll dive deep into not one, but *two* distinct Korean number systems: Sino-Korean and Native Korean. While this might sound daunting, don't worry! We'll show you exactly *when* to use each system, making it much easier than you might expect.
This dual system is a unique aspect of Korean grammar for beginners, but with our clear explanations and practical examples, you'll quickly get the hang of it.
By the end of this guide, you won't just *know* numbers; you'll be able to *use* them naturally and confidently. We'll cover everything from basic counting to applying specific counters for objects, people, and animals. This foundational knowledge is crucial for progressing in your CEFR A1 Korean journey, setting you up for success in more complex grammatical structures later on.

How This Grammar Works

Korean uniquely employs two distinct number systems: Sino-Korean numbers and Native Korean numbers. Knowing which one to use is key!
Sino-Korean Numbers (일, 이, 삼...) are derived from Chinese and are used for specific contexts like money, dates, years, addresses, phone numbers, and minutes when telling time.
* 일 (il) - one
* 이 (i) - two
* 삼 (sam) - three
* 사 (sa) - four
* 오 (o) - five
* Example: 오 분 (o bun) – five minutes. 오월 이일 (owol i-il) – May 2nd.
Native Korean Numbers (하나, 둘, 셋...) are used for counting general objects, people, animals, and for stating your age. They are typically used for numbers 1 through 99. For numbers 1-4, they change form when followed by a counter.
* 하나 (hana) → 한 (han) - one
* 둘 (dul) → 두 (du) - two
* 셋 (set) → 세 (se) - three
* 넷 (net) → 네 (ne) - four
* 다섯 (daseot) - five
* Example: 사과 한 개 (sagwa han gae) – one apple. 두 명 (du myeong) – two people.
We'll also learn about Korean counters, which are words used after a number to specify what you're counting.
* 개 (gae): This is the most versatile counter, used for almost any general object.
* 연필 세 개 (yeonpil se gae) – three pencils
* 명 (myeong) / 분 (bun): Used for counting people. 명 is general, while 분 is a more polite and respectful counter.
* 친구 네 명 (chingu ne myeong) – four friends
* 선생님 두 분 (seonsaengnim du bun) – two teachers (polite)
* 마리 (mari): Used specifically for counting animals.
* 강아지 한 마리 (gangaji han mari) – one puppy

Common Mistakes

  1. 1✗ Wrong: 사과 일 개 (sagwa il gae)
✓ Correct: 사과 한 개 (sagwa han gae)
*Explanation:* Sino-Korean numbers (일, 이, 삼) are not used with general counters like 개. For counting objects, you must use Native Korean numbers, and remember that 하나 changes to 한 when followed by a counter.
  1. 1✗ Wrong: 저는 스물 한 살이에요. (jeoneun seumul han sarieyo.)
✓ Correct: 저는 스물한 살이에요. (jeoneun seumulhan sarieyo.)
*Explanation:* When stating age using Native Korean numbers, the number and the counter 살 (sal) are typically treated as one unit and pronounced together without a pause. The numbers 21-99 are formed by combining the tens (스물, 서른, etc.) with the units (하나, 둘, etc.), and these also combine, e.g., 스물하나 (seumulhana) for twenty-one.
  1. 1✗ Wrong: 선생님 세 명 (seonsaengnim se myeong)
✓ Correct: 선생님 세 분 (seonsaengnim se bun)
*Explanation:* While 명 is correct for counting people generally, 분 is the polite counter specifically used when referring to people you want to show respect to, such as teachers, elders, or superiors. Using 명 for a teacher or elder can sound disrespectful.

Real Conversations

A

A

사과 몇 개 있어요? (Sagwa myeot gae isseoyo?)

(How many apples are there?)

B

B

사과 세 개 있어요. (Sagwa se gae isseoyo.)

(There are three apples.)

A

A

이 가방 얼마예요? (I gabang eolmayeyo?)

(How much is this bag?)

B

B

이만 오천 원이에요. (Iman ocheon wonieyo.)

(It's 25,000 won.)

A

A

가족이 몇 명이에요? (Gajogi myeot myeongieyo?)

(How many people are in your family?)

B

B

네 명이에요. 아버지, 어머니, 저, 그리고 남동생 한 명 있어요. (Ne myeongieyo. Abeoji, eomeoni, jeo, geurigo namdongsaeng han myeong isseoyo.)

(There are four people. My father, mother, me, and one younger brother.)

Quick FAQ

Q

How do I know when to use Sino-Korean vs. Native Korean numbers for time?

For hours, use Native Korean numbers (한 시, *han si* - one o'clock). For minutes, use Sino-Korean numbers (오 분, *o bun* - five minutes).

Q

Do all Native Korean numbers change form when used with a counter?

No, only 하나 (han), 둘 (du), 셋 (se), and 넷 (ne) change form when directly followed by a counter. Numbers from five upwards (e.g., 다섯, 여섯) do not change.

Q

What are some common situations where I *must* use Sino-Korean numbers?

You must use Sino-Korean numbers for money (e.g., 천 원, *cheon won* - 1,000 won), dates (e.g., 십이월 이십오일, *sibiwol isiboil* - December 25th), phone numbers, and minutes.

Cultural Context

In Korea, accurately using the two number systems and appropriate counters demonstrates not only your language proficiency but also cultural awareness. The distinction between 명 and 분 for people is particularly important, as using 분 for elders or those in respected positions shows proper politeness and respect, which is highly valued in Korean society. Using Native Korean for age also highlights a personal, relatable context.

Wichtige Beispiele (8)

1

이천오백 원입니다.

Das kostet 2.500 Won.

Sino-Koreanische Zahlen: Geld, Datum und Minuten (일, 이, 삼)
2

제 번호는 공일공 삼사오륙에 칠팔구공입니다.

Meine Nummer ist 010-3456-7890.

Sino-Koreanische Zahlen: Geld, Datum und Minuten (일, 이, 삼)
3

Maekju du byeong juseyo.

Bitte gib mir zwei Flaschen Bier.

Rein-Koreanische Zahlen 1-99 (Hana, Dul, Set)
4

Jeoneun seumul-daseot sarieyo.

Ich bin 25 Jahre alt.

Rein-Koreanische Zahlen 1-99 (Hana, Dul, Set)
5

사과 두 개 주세요.

Bitte geben Sie mir zwei Äpfel.

Allgemeines Zählwort 개 (Dinge zählen)
6

이거 한 개만 살게.

Ich kaufe nur eines hiervon.

Allgemeines Zählwort 개 (Dinge zählen)
7

우리 반에 학생이 스무 명 있어요.

In unserer Klasse sind zwanzig Schüler.

Menschen zählen: Freunde vs. Respektspersonen (명 / 분)
8

식당에 손님이 세 분 오셨어요.

Drei (geehrte) Gäste sind im Restaurant angekommen.

Menschen zählen: Freunde vs. Respektspersonen (명 / 분)

Tipps & Tricks (4)

💬

Die Unglückszahl 4

Die Zahl 4 heißt 사 (sa). Das klingt genau wie das Wort für Tod. In vielen Aufzügen steht deshalb ein 'F' statt der 4: «사 층으로 오세요.»
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Sino-Koreanische Zahlen: Geld, Datum und Minuten (일, 이, 삼)
🎯

Die 1-2-3-4 Regel

Nur 1, 2, 3, 4 und 20 sind kleine Rebellen und ändern ihre Form. Die 5 bleibt immer gleich: «고양이 다섯 마리 있어요.»
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Rein-Koreanische Zahlen 1-99 (Hana, Dul, Set)
🎯

Der Universal-Joker

Hast du das spezielle Zählwort für Bücher oder Blumen vergessen? Nimm einfach 개! Das versteht jeder, es ist wie das Panzertape der koreanischen Sprache: «책 한 개 주세요.»
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Allgemeines Zählwort 개 (Dinge zählen)
💡

Die 'Big 4' Regel

Merk dir, dass die Zahlen 1, 2, 3 und 4 ihre Schreibweise IMMER ändern, wenn 명 oder 분 folgt: «한 명, 두 명, 세 명, 네 명.»
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Menschen zählen: Freunde vs. Respektspersonen (명 / 분)

Wichtige Vokabeln (6)

일 (il) one (Sino) 하나 (hana) one (Native) 개 (gae) unit/piece 명 (myeong) person (informal) 분 (bun) person (polite) 마리 (mari) animal unit

Real-World Preview

shopping-cart

At the Market

Review Summary

  • Number + Noun (for money/dates/mins)
  • Number + Counter (for objects/people/animals)
  • Native Number + 개
  • Native Number + 명/분
  • Native Number + 마리

Häufige Fehler

You used a Sino-Korean number with a counter. Always use native numbers with counters like gae.

Wrong: 삼 개 (sam gae)
Richtig: 세 개 (se gae)

When 1, 2, 3, 4, and 20 are followed by a counter, they change form (hana -> han).

Wrong: 사과 하나 개 (sagwa hana gae)
Richtig: 사과 한 개 (sagwa han gae)

Use the honorific counter 'bun' for teachers or elders to show respect.

Wrong: 선생님 두 명 (seonsaengnim du myeong)
Richtig: 선생님 두 분 (seonsaengnim du bun)

Next Steps

You've done an amazing job! Keep practicing these numbers and they will become second nature.

Count objects in your room

Continue to: Talking About Time and Schedules

Schnelle Übung (10)

Finde den Fehler im Satz.

Find and fix the mistake:

바나나 하나 개 있어요.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 바나나 한 개 있어요.
'Hana' (1) muss zu 'Han' werden, wenn es zusammen mit einem Zählwort benutzt wird.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Allgemeines Zählwort 개 (Dinge zählen)

Welcher Satz bestellt korrekt 3 Kaffees?

Wähle den richtigen Satz:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 커피 세 개 주세요.
Du musst die native Zahl 'se' (statt Sino 'sam') nutzen und die Reihenfolge Nomen + Zahl + Zählwort einhalten.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Allgemeines Zählwort 개 (Dinge zählen)

Fülle die Lücke mit dem richtigen Zähler für Freunde aus.

제 친구가 세 ___ 있어요.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 명
Nutze 명 für Freunde. 분 ist für Respektpersonen und 개 für Gegenstände.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Menschen zählen: Freunde vs. Respektspersonen (명 / 분)

Finde den Fehler beim Zählen.

Find and fix the mistake:

Studenten: 'Set myeong' (3 Personen)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Muss 'Se myeong' sein
Set (3) muss sich zu se verändern, wenn ein Zählwort wie myeong folgt.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Rein-Koreanische Zahlen 1-99 (Hana, Dul, Set)

Fülle die Lücke mit dem richtigen Zählwort für 'zwei Katzen'.

고양이 두 ___ 가 있어요.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 마리
마리 ist das Zählwort für Tiere. 개 ist für Objekte und 명 für Menschen.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Tiere zählen: 마리 (mari) verwenden

Fülle die Lücke für die Telefonnummer (010).

___일___

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 공일공
Bei Telefonnummern wird die Null als 공 ausgesprochen, nicht 영.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Sino-Koreanische Zahlen: Geld, Datum und Minuten (일, 이, 삼)

Fülle die Lücke mit der richtigen sino-koreanischen Zahl.

Der Kaffee kostet 3.000 Won: ___천 원

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 삼
3 ist 삼 (sam). Deshalb ist 3.000 삼천.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Sino-Koreanische Zahlen: Geld, Datum und Minuten (일, 이, 삼)

Füll die Lücke mit der richtigen Form von 'eins'.

Coffee ___ cup please. (kheopi ___ jan juseyo)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: han
Da ein Zählwort (jan) folgt, wird hana zu han verkürzt.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Rein-Koreanische Zahlen 1-99 (Hana, Dul, Set)

Welche Option schreibt 10.000 Won korrekt?

Wähle die richtige Phrase:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 만 원
10.000 hat ein eigenes Wort: 만. Man sagt nicht 십천 oder 일만.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Sino-Koreanische Zahlen: Geld, Datum und Minuten (일, 이, 삼)

Welcher Satz zählt zwei Lehrer korrekt?

Wähle den höflichsten und korrekten Satz:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 선생님 두 분 계세요.
Wir nutzen '두' (kurz für 2) und '분' (höflich) für Lehrer.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Menschen zählen: Freunde vs. Respektspersonen (명 / 분)

Score: /10

Häufige Fragen (6)

Ja, absolut! Du nutzt rein-koreanische Zahlen zum Zählen (z.B. 'drei Kaffees'), aber Sino-Zahlen zum Bezahlen: «만 오천 원입니다.»
Nein! Die Zahlen kommen zwar daher, aber Koreaner schreiben sie heute in Hangeul oder nutzen arabische Ziffern: «일, 이, 삼» oder «1, 2, 3».
Nein! Zeit ist ein Hybrid-System. Stunden nutzen rein koreanische Zahlen, aber Minuten sind sino-koreanisch: «지금 다섯 시 삼십 분이야.»
Dann wechseln wir zum sino-koreanischen System. 100 ist baek: «사과 백 개 있어요.»
Das ist reine Bequemlichkeit beim Sprechen! «하나 개» (hana gae) klingt abgehackt, während «한 개» (han gae) viel flüssiger über die Lippen geht.
Lieber nicht, das klingt für Koreaner sehr unnatürlich. Native Zahlen nutzt man für Zählwörter, Sino-Zahlen für Geld, Daten und Minuten: «일 개» ist falsch.
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