A1 · Débutant Chapitre 4

Mastering Numbers and Counting

5 Règles totales
54 exemples
5 min
Règles dans ce chapitre Pratique rapide

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!

Ce que tu vas apprendre

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.

Guide du chapitre

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.

Exemples clés (8)

1

이천오백 원입니다.

Ça fait 2 500 wons.

Nombres Sino-Coréens : Argent, Dates et Minutes (일, 이, 삼)
2

제 번호는 공일공 삼사오륙에 칠팔구공입니다.

Mon numéro est le 010-3456-7890.

Nombres Sino-Coréens : Argent, Dates et Minutes (일, 이, 삼)
3

Maekju du byeong juseyo.

S'il vous plaît, donnez-moi deux bouteilles de bière.

Nombres Coréens Natifs 1-99 (Hana, Dul, Set)
4

Jeoneun seumul-daseot sarieyo.

J'ai 25 ans.

Nombres Coréens Natifs 1-99 (Hana, Dul, Set)
5

사과 두 개 주세요.

Donnez-moi deux pommes, s'il vous plaît.

Classificateur général 개 (Compter les choses)
6

이거 한 개만 살게.

Je vais en acheter juste un.

Classificateur général 개 (Compter les choses)
7

우리 반에 학생이 스무 명 있어요.

Il y a vingt étudiants dans notre classe.

Compter les personnes : Amis vs. Aînés (명 / 분)
8

식당에 손님이 세 분 오셨어요.

Trois clients (honorés) sont arrivés au restaurant.

Compter les personnes : Amis vs. Aînés (명 / 분)

Conseils et astuces (4)

💬

Le chiffre 4 porte malheur

Le mot sino-coréen pour 4 est 사 (sa). Ça se prononce exactement comme le mot 'mort'. Dans les ascenseurs, le bouton du 4ème étage est souvent remplacé par un 'F' : «사.»
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Nombres Sino-Coréens : Argent, Dates et Minutes (일, 이, 삼)
🎯

La règle du 1-2-3-4

Seuls 1, 2, 3, 4 et 20 sont des petits rebelles qui changent de forme. 5, 6, 7... ils restent identiques, comme dans «다섯 개».
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Nombres Coréens Natifs 1-99 (Hana, Dul, Set)
🎯

Le joker universel

T'as oublié le mot spécifique pour compter les livres ou les fleurs ? Utilise juste 개 ! Tout le monde te comprendra, c'est le couteau suisse du coréen. «책 한 개 주세요.»
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Classificateur général 개 (Compter les choses)
💡

La règle des '4 Fantastiques'

N'oublie pas que les chiffres 1, 2, 3, 4 et 20 changent de look quand ils sont suivis de 명 ou 분 : «한 명, 두 명, 세 명, 네 명, 스무 명».
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Compter les personnes : Amis vs. Aînés (명 / 분)

Vocabulaire clé (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

Erreurs courantes

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

Wrong: 삼 개 (sam gae)
Correct: 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)
Correct: 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)
Correct: 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

Pratique rapide (10)

Complète la phrase avec le bon compteur pour 'deux chats'.

고양이 두 ___ 가 있어요.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 마리
마리 est le compteur pour les animaux. 개 est pour les objets et 명 pour les humains.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Compter les animaux : utiliser 마리 (mari)

Complète la phrase avec le bon compteur pour 'deux objets'.

사과 ___ 주세요. (Donnez-moi deux pommes.)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 두 개
Le nombre natif 'dul' (2) devient 'du' quand il est placé devant un compteur.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Classificateur général 개 (Compter les choses)

Trouve l'erreur dans cette phrase.

Find and fix the mistake:

강아지 세 개를 키워요.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 강아지 세 마리를 키워요.
Les animaux doivent être comptés avec 마리, pas 개 (objets) ou 명 (humains).

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Compter les animaux : utiliser 마리 (mari)

Complète la phrase avec le bon compteur pour des amis.

제 친구가 세 ___ 있어요.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 명
On utilise 명 pour les gens en général comme les amis. 분 est pour les aînés et 개 pour les objets.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Compter les personnes : Amis vs. Aînés (명 / 분)

Complète le numéro de téléphone (010).

___일___

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 공일공
Pour les numéros de téléphone, le zéro se prononce 공, pas 영.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Nombres Sino-Coréens : Argent, Dates et Minutes (일, 이, 삼)

Remplis le vide avec le bon chiffre sino-coréen.

Le café coûte 3 000 wons : ___천 원

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 삼
3 se dit 삼 (sam). Donc, 3 000 c'est 삼천.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Nombres Sino-Coréens : Argent, Dates et Minutes (일, 이, 삼)

Quelle phrase dit correctement '2 heures' ?

Choisis la bonne expression temporelle :

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Du si (두 시)
Les heures utilisent les nombres natifs, et dul devient du devant un compteur.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Nombres Coréens Natifs 1-99 (Hana, Dul, Set)

Quelle phrase compte correctement deux professeurs ?

Choisis la phrase la plus polie et correcte :

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 선생님 두 분 계세요.
On utilise 두 (forme courte de 2) et 분 (compteur poli) pour les professeurs.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Compter les personnes : Amis vs. Aînés (명 / 분)

Trouve l'erreur dans le décompte.

Find and fix the mistake:

Étudiants : 'Set myeong' (3 personnes)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Devrait être 'Se myeong'
Set (3) doit changer en se quand il est utilisé avec un compteur comme myeong.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Nombres Coréens Natifs 1-99 (Hana, Dul, Set)

Trouve l'erreur dans la phrase.

바나나 하나 개 있어요.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 바나나 한 개 있어요.
'Hana' (1) doit se raccourcir en 'Han' lorsqu'il est utilisé avec un compteur.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Classificateur général 개 (Compter les choses)

Score: /10

Questions fréquentes (6)

Oui, absolument ! Tu utilises les nombres natifs pour compter (comme 'trois cafés'), mais le sino pour les payer : «만 오천 원».
Non ! Même s'ils viennent du Hanja, les Coréens les écrivent en Hangeul : «일, 이, 삼».
Non ! L'heure est un système hybride. Les heures utilisent les nombres natifs («5-si»), mais les minutes utilisent le sino-coréen («30-bun»).
On bascule sur le système sino-coréen. 100 se dit baek.
C'est juste pour que ce soit plus fluide à l'oral ! Dire «하나 개» (hana gae) ça accroche, alors que «한 개» (han gae) glisse tout seul.
Non, là on verra direct que t'es un touriste ! Les nombres natifs vont avec les compteurs, les nombres sino-coréens vont avec l'argent et les dates. «한 개» est correct.
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