The Korean word 숫자 (sutja) translates directly to 'number', 'figure', or 'numeral' in English. It is a foundational noun used to refer to mathematical figures, statistical data, or the concept of numbers themselves. In the Korean language, numbers hold a unique and somewhat complex position because Korea utilizes two distinct number systems: the Sino-Korean system (derived from Chinese characters) and the Native Korean system. Understanding the word 숫자 is the first step toward mastering these systems. The word itself is composed of '수' (su), meaning number, and '자' (ja), meaning character or letter. Therefore, it literally means 'number character'. When learning Korean, you will quickly realize that 숫자 is not just about counting; it represents a vast array of concepts from telling time, expressing dates, handling currency, to indicating age and quantities. The dual system often confuses beginners, but recognizing the context in which each system is used is crucial. Sino-Korean numbers (일, 이, 삼, 사...) are generally used for dates, money, addresses, phone numbers, and numbers above 99. Native Korean numbers (하나, 둘, 셋, 넷...) are used for counting physical objects, people, and expressing age. Both systems fall under the broad umbrella of 숫자. Mastery of 숫자 requires not only memorizing the vocabulary but also understanding the specific counters (단위 명사) that accompany them. This section will delve deeply into the nuances of 숫자, providing a comprehensive overview of its application in daily Korean life.
- Sino-Korean Numbers (한자어 숫자)
- Used for dates, minutes, money, measurements, and math. Examples include 일 (1), 이 (2), 삼 (3).
- Native Korean Numbers (고유어 숫자)
- Used for counting items, people, age, and hours. Examples include 하나 (1), 둘 (2), 셋 (3).
- Arabic Numerals (아라비아 숫자)
- The standard 0-9 digits used globally, which are read using either Korean system depending on context.
이 숫자는 무엇을 의미하나요?
그는 숫자에 매우 밝습니다.
비밀번호는 네 자리 숫자입니다.
숫자를 순서대로 적으세요.
정확한 숫자를 기억할 수 없습니다.
Using the word 숫자 correctly involves understanding both its grammatical function as a noun and the cultural context of counting in Korea. When you want to talk about the concept of numbers, statistics, or digits, 숫자 is your go-to word. For instance, if you are filling out a form and it asks for numerical input only, the instruction might read '숫자만 입력하세요' (Please enter numbers only). In everyday conversation, you might hear people say '숫자가 안 맞아요' (The numbers don't add up) when balancing a budget or checking inventory. It is important to differentiate 숫자 from related terms like 번호 (number, as in a sequence or ID) and 수 (a more abstract concept of quantity or mathematics). While you can say '좋아하는 숫자가 뭐예요?' (What is your favorite number?), you would not use 숫자 to ask for someone's phone number; instead, you would ask '전화번호가 뭐예요?'. Furthermore, when reading 숫자를 (numbers), the choice between Sino-Korean and Native Korean is dictated by the counter word that follows. For example, when counting apples (사과), you use the Native system: 사과 한 개 (one apple), 사과 두 개 (two apples). The numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, and 20 change their forms slightly when attached to a counter (하나 -> 한, 둘 -> 두, 셋 -> 세, 넷 -> 네, 스물 -> 스무). Conversely, when dealing with money (원), you use the Sino-Korean system: 백 원 (100 won), 천 원 (1000 won). Mastering how to use 숫자 means mastering these contextual rules. This section provides detailed examples and guidelines to help you navigate the practical application of numbers in Korean.
- Counting Items (개수)
- Use Native Korean numbers + counters (e.g., 개, 명, 마리). Example: 학생 세 명 (three students).
- Telling Time (시간)
- Hours use Native Korean, minutes use Sino-Korean. Example: 두 시 삼십 분 (2:30).
- Money & Math (돈, 수학)
- Strictly use Sino-Korean numbers. Example: 만 원 (10,000 won).
여기에 숫자를 쓰세요.
숫자가 너무 작아서 안 보여요.
이 숫자들은 작년 통계입니다.
아이들이 숫자 세는 법을 배우고 있어요.
행운의 숫자는 칠(7)입니다.
The word 숫자 and the numbers it represents are ubiquitous in Korean daily life. You will hear and see numbers everywhere: in bustling traditional markets (전통시장) where vendors shout out prices, in modern convenience stores (편의점) when the cashier tells you the total, and in subway stations where train arrival times are displayed. In educational settings, from kindergarten to university, 숫자 is a constant presence. Children learn 숫자 놀이 (number games) to grasp basic arithmetic, while university students analyze 복잡한 숫자 (complex figures) in economics or engineering classes. In the corporate world, business meetings frequently revolve around 매출 숫자 (sales figures) and 통계 숫자 (statistical numbers). When you visit a bank (은행) or government office (관공서), you will constantly interact with numbers, whether it's taking a waiting ticket (대기표) or filling out forms that require your identification number (주민등록번호). Sports broadcasts are another domain where numbers are heavily used to report scores, player statistics, and time remaining. Even in casual social settings, numbers play a crucial role. Koreans often ask about age (나이) early in a relationship to establish the correct social hierarchy and honorifics, which involves stating a specific 숫자. Furthermore, you will encounter numbers in addresses, bus routes, and apartment building designations. Because Korea is a highly digitized society, you will also frequently hear instructions related to digital interfaces, such as '인증번호 여섯 자리 숫자를 입력하세요' (Please enter the six-digit verification number). This section explores the diverse environments where you will encounter 숫자, helping you contextualize its usage.
- Markets and Shopping (시장과 쇼핑)
- Hearing prices, quantities, and discounts. Expect heavy use of Sino-Korean numbers for currency.
- Public Transportation (대중교통)
- Bus numbers, subway lines, and arrival times. Bus numbers are read in Sino-Korean.
- Banking and Admin (은행과 행정)
- Account numbers, passwords, and queue tickets. Precision is key here.
화면에 표시된 숫자를 읽어주세요.
은행 계좌번호는 긴 숫자로 되어 있습니다.
오늘 코로나 확진자 숫자가 줄었습니다.
로또 당첨 숫자를 확인했어요?
달력의 빨간색 숫자는 공휴일입니다.
Learning how to use 숫자 and the Korean number systems is notorious for causing headaches among language learners. The most common and glaring mistake is mixing up the Sino-Korean and Native Korean systems. For example, when telling time, a learner might say '이 시 삼십 분' (Two o'clock thirty minutes using only Sino-Korean) instead of the correct '두 시 삼십 분' (Native for hours, Sino for minutes). Another frequent error involves the transformation of Native Korean numbers when attached to a counter. Learners often say '사과 하나 개' instead of the correct '사과 한 개' (one apple), or '사람 셋 명' instead of '사람 세 명' (three people). Pronunciation also presents significant challenges. The Sino-Korean numbers 1 (일) and 2 (이) sound very similar, especially over the phone or in noisy environments. To avoid confusion, Koreans sometimes use '하나' (Native 1) and '둘' (Native 2) when reading out sequences of digits like phone numbers, even though Sino-Korean is technically standard for this. For instance, the month of June is 유월 (yu-wol), not 육월 (yuk-wol), and October is 시월 (si-wol), not 십월 (sip-wol), due to pronunciation ease. Furthermore, learners often struggle with large numbers because Korean groups numbers by 10,000 (만) rather than 1,000. Translating 100,000 directly might lead a learner to say '백천' (hundred thousand) instead of the correct '십만' (ten ten-thousands). Understanding these common pitfalls is essential for achieving fluency. This section highlights these frequent errors and provides strategies to overcome them.
- Mixing Systems (시스템 혼동)
- Using Sino-Korean for hours or Native Korean for minutes. Always remember: Native Hours, Sino Minutes.
- Counter Transformations (단위 명사 변형)
- Forgetting to change 하나, 둘, 셋, 넷, 스물 to 한, 두, 세, 네, 스무 before a counter.
- Large Numbers (큰 숫자)
- Grouping by thousands instead of ten-thousands (만). Practice thinking in blocks of four zeros.
잘못된 숫자를 입력했습니다.
숫자를 헷갈리지 마세요.
외국인들에게 한국어 숫자는 어렵습니다.
그는 숫자 계산에 실수가 많아요.
영수증의 숫자를 다시 확인해 보세요.
While 숫자 is the most direct translation for 'number' or 'digit', the Korean language has several other words that relate to numbers, quantities, and sequences. Understanding the subtle differences between these synonyms is key to sounding natural. The most common related word is 번호 (beonho). While 숫자 refers to the numerical digit itself (like 1, 2, 3), 번호 refers to an assigned number in a sequence, such as a phone number (전화번호), a room number (방 번호), or a password (비밀번호). You wouldn't ask for someone's '전화숫자'. Another important word is 수 (su). 수 is a broader, more abstract term meaning 'number', 'quantity', or 'amount'. It is often used in compound words or formal contexts, such as 인구수 (population number) or 학생 수 (number of students). 수치 (suchi) refers specifically to a 'numerical value' or 'figure', commonly used in medical, scientific, or economic contexts (e.g., 혈압 수치 - blood pressure reading). 기호 (giho) means 'sign' or 'symbol', which can include numbers but also encompasses mathematical operators and punctuation. 자릿수 (jaritsu) refers to the 'number of digits' (e.g., 두 자릿수 - double digits). By distinguishing between 숫자 (the digit), 번호 (the assigned sequence), and 수 (the quantity), learners can express themselves with much greater precision. This section will compare these similar words, providing clear examples to illustrate when to use each one appropriately in various contexts.
- 번호 (Beonho)
- Used for identification or sequence. Examples: 전화번호 (phone number), 비밀번호 (password).
- 수 (Su)
- Used for quantity or amount. Examples: 사람 수 (number of people), 횟수 (number of times).
- 수치 (Suchi)
- Used for numerical values or statistics. Examples: 경제 수치 (economic figures), 혈당 수치 (blood sugar level).
이 숫자와 저 번호는 다릅니다.
참가자 수가 예상보다 많습니다.
콜레스테롤 수치가 높게 나왔어요.
비밀번호는 영문과 숫자를 조합하세요.
두 자릿수 숫자로 대답해 주세요.
स्तर के अनुसार उदाहरण
숫자를 쓰세요.
Write the numbers.
숫자 (number) + 를 (object particle) + 쓰세요 (please write).
이 숫자는 칠입니다.
This number is seven.
이 (this) + 숫자 (number) + 는 (topic particle) + 칠 (seven) + 입니다 (is).
좋아하는 숫자가 뭐예요?
What is your favorite number?
좋아하는 (favorite) + 숫자 (number) + 가 (subject particle) + 뭐예요 (what is).
숫자 1부터 10까지 세어 보세요.
Please count the numbers from 1 to 10.
숫자 (number) + 부터 (from) + 까지 (to) + 세어 보세요 (try counting).
비밀번호는 숫자 네 개입니다.
The password is four numbers.
숫자 (number) + 네 (four - native) + 개 (counter for items).
숫자를 읽을 수 있어요?
Can you read the numbers?
숫자 (number) + 를 (object particle) + 읽을 수 있어요 (can read).
달력에 숫자가 많아요.
There are many numbers on the calendar.
달력에 (on the calendar) + 숫자가 (numbers) + 많아요 (are many).
전화번호 숫자를 알려주세요.
Please tell me the numbers of your phone number.
전화번호 (phone number) + 숫자 (number) + 를 알려주세요 (please tell me).
영수증에 있는 숫자를 확인하세요.
Check the numbers on the receipt.
영수증에 있는 (that are on the receipt) + 숫자 (number).
한국어는 숫자가 두 종류 있어요.
Korean has two types of numbers.
숫자가 (numbers) + 두 종류 (two types) + 있어요 (exist).
방 번호는 세 자리 숫자입니다.
The room number is a three-digit number.
세 자리 (three digits) + 숫자 (number).
숫자가 너무 작아서 안 보여요.
The numbers are too small, so I can't see them.
숫자가 (numbers) + 작아서 (because they are small) + 안 보여요 (cannot be seen).
순서대로 숫자를 적어 주세요.
Please write the numbers in order.
순서대로 (in order) + 숫자를 적어 주세요 (please write the numbers).
이 숫자는 가격을 의미합니다.
This number means the price.
숫자는 (number) + 가격을 (price) + 의미합니다 (means).
숫자 계산이 조금 어렵습니다.
Number calculation is a bit difficult.
숫자 계산 (number calculation) + 이 (subject particle).
빈칸에 알맞은 숫자를 넣으세요.
Put the correct number in the blank.
빈칸에 (in the blank) + 알맞은 (correct) + 숫자 (number).
올해 방문객 숫자가 작년보다 늘었습니다.
The number of visitors this year increased compared to last year.
방문객 숫자 (number of visitors) + 가 늘었습니다 (increased).
정확한 숫자를 기억하기가 힘드네요.
It is hard to remember the exact number.
정확한 숫자 (exact number) + 를 기억하기가 (to remember) + 힘드네요 (is hard).
통계청에서 새로운 숫자를 발표했습니다.
The Statistics Korea announced new numbers.
새로운 숫자 (new numbers) + 를 발표했습니다 (announced).
그는 숫자에 밝아서 회계 일을 잘합니다.
He is good with numbers, so he does accounting work well.
숫자에 밝다 (to be good with numbers - idiom).
비밀번호는 영문과 숫자를 섞어서 만들어야 합니다.
You must create a password by mixing English letters and numbers.
영문과 숫자 (English letters and numbers) + 를 섞어서 (by mixing).
보고서에 있는 숫자가 틀린 것 같아요.
I think the numbers in the report are wrong.
숫자가 (numbers) + 틀린 것 같아요 (seem to be wrong).
한국 사람들은 숫자 4를 싫어하는 경향이 있습니다.
Korean people tend to dislike the number 4.
숫자 4 (number 4) + 를 싫어하는 경향 (tendency to dislike).
대략적인 숫자라도 알려주시면 감사하겠습니다.
I would appreciate it if you could let me know even an approximate number.
대략적인 숫자 (approximate number) + 라도 (even if it is).
이 프로젝트의 성공 여부는 최종 숫자가 말해줄 것입니다.
The final numbers will tell whether this project is a success or not.
최종 숫자 (final numbers) + 가 말해줄 것입니다 (will tell).
단순한 숫자에 불과하지만, 그 이면에는 많은 의미가 담겨 있습니다.
It is merely a number, but it contains many meanings behind it.
숫자에 불과하다 (to be nothing more than a number).
경제 성장률을 나타내는 숫자가 하락세를 보이고 있습니다.
The numbers indicating the economic growth rate are showing a downward trend.
나타내는 숫자 (numbers that indicate).
숫자를 조작하여 장부를 위조한 혐의로 체포되었습니다.
He was arrested on charges of forging the ledger by manipulating the numbers.
숫자를 조작하여 (by manipulating the numbers).
무의미한 숫자의 나열보다는 핵심적인 통계 하나가 더 중요합니다.
One core statistic is more important than a meaningless listing of numbers.
숫자의 나열 (listing of numbers).
그 선수는 나이라는 숫자를 무색하게 만드는 활약을 펼쳤습니다.
The athlete put on a performance that made the number called 'age' pale in comparison.
나이라는 숫자 (the number called age).
설문조사 결과, 긍정적인 답변의 숫자가 압도적으로 많았습니다.
As a result of the survey, the number of positive answers was overwhelmingly large.
답변의 숫자 (number of answers).
빅데이터 분석을 통해 숨겨진 숫자의 패턴을 찾아냈습니다.
Through big data analysis, we found the hidden patterns of the numbers.
숫자의 패턴 (pattern of numbers).
기업의 가치를 단순히 재무제표상의 숫자로만 환산할 수는 없습니다.
A company's value cannot be converted merely into numbers on a financial statement.
숫자로만 환산하다 (to convert only into numbers).
정부는 실업률 숫자를 낮추기 위해 단기 일자리 창출에 급급했습니다.
The government was busy creating short-term jobs to lower the unemployment rate numbers.
실업률 숫자 (unemployment rate numbers).
이 기사는 자극적인 숫자를 내세워 독자들의 불안감을 조장하고 있습니다.
This article is promoting readers' anxiety by putting forward provocative numbers.
자극적인 숫자 (provocative numbers).
여론조사의 숫자는 표본 오차를 고려하여 신중하게 해석해야 합니다.
The numbers from public opinion polls must be interpreted carefully, considering the margin of error.
여론조사의 숫자 (numbers from public opinion polls).
그는 방대한 양의 데이터를 다루면서도 숫자 하나 틀리지 않는 꼼꼼함을 보였습니다.
While handling a vast amount of data, he showed meticulousness by not getting a single number wrong.
숫자 하나 틀리지 않다 (not getting a single number wrong).
인구 절벽이라는 위기 상황은 이미 통계 숫자를 통해 예견된 바 있습니다.
The crisis situation of the demographic cliff has already been predicted through statistical numbers.
통계 숫자 (statistical numbers).
숫자의 마술에 속지 않으려면 데이터 이면의 변수들을 통제할 줄 알아야 합니다.
To not be fooled by the magic of numbers, one must know how to control the variables behind the data.
숫자의 마술 (magic of numbers).
거시경제 지표를 나타내는 숫자들은 향후 금리 인상의 강력한 신호로 작용했습니다.
The numbers indicating macroeconomic indicators acted as a strong signal for future interest rate hikes.
지표를 나타내는 숫자 (numbers indicating indicators).
현대 자본주의 사회에서는 인간의 존엄성마저 화폐적 숫자로 치환되려는 경향이 농후합니다.
In modern capitalist society, there is a strong tendency for even human dignity to be replaced by monetary numbers.
화폐적 숫자로 치환되다 (to be replaced by monetary numbers).
양자역학의 세계에서 숫자는 결정론적 실체가 아니라 확률적 가능성의 분포를 의미할 뿐입니다.
In the world of quantum mechanics, numbers do not represent deterministic entities but merely distributions of probabilistic possibilities.
숫자는 ... 분포를 의미할 뿐이다 (numbers merely mean the distribution of...).
역사학자는 사료에 기록된 과장된 병력 숫자의 이면에 숨겨진 정치적 프로파간다를 해체해 냈습니다.
The historian deconstructed the political propaganda hidden behind the exaggerated troop numbers recorded in the historical documents.
과장된 병력 숫자 (exaggerated troop numbers).
행정 편의주의에 매몰된 관료들은 시민들의 고통을 한낱 통계청의 숫자로 타자화하는 우를 범했습니다.
Bureaucrats buried in administrative convenience committed the folly of otherizing citizens' suffering as mere numbers from the Statistics Office.
한낱 ... 숫자로 타자화하다 (to otherize as mere numbers).
피타고라스 학파에게 숫자는 우주의 질서를 관통하는 신성한 아르케(Arche) 그 자체였습니다.
To the Pythagoreans, numbers were the sacred Arche itself, penetrating the order of the universe.
숫자는 ... 아르케 그 자체였다 (numbers were the Arche itself).
알고리즘의 폭력성은 편향된 데이터 세트가 산출해낸 숫자를 절대적 진리로 맹신하는 데서 기인합니다.
The violence of algorithms stems from blind faith in the numbers produced by biased data sets as absolute truth.
산출해낸 숫자 (numbers produced).
시인은 자본의 논리가 지배하는 도시의 삭막함을 네온사인의 깜빡이는 숫자에 빗대어 노래했습니다.
The poet sang of the desolation of the city ruled by the logic of capital, comparing it to the blinking numbers of neon signs.
깜빡이는 숫자 (blinking numbers).
기후 위기의 임계점을 지시하는 숫자들은 인류에게 파국을 피하기 위한 마지막 유예 기간을 경고하고 있습니다.
The numbers indicating the tipping point of the climate crisis are warning humanity of the final grace period to avoid catastrophe.
임계점을 지시하는 숫자 (numbers indicating the tipping point).
उदाहरण
숫자를 세어 보세요.
संबंधित सामग्री
यह शब्द अन्य भाषाओं में
general के और शब्द
몇몇
A2An unspecified small number of; some or a few.
조금
A1मुझे थोड़ा पानी चाहिए। (물 조금 필요해요.)
적게
A1A little / Few
약간
A2थोड़ा; हल्का सा। छोटी मात्रा या हल्के स्तर का वर्णन करने के लिए उपयोग किया जाता है।
많이
A1बहुत / ज़्यादा। 'मैंने बहुत खाया' (많이 먹었어요)। 'मुझे आपकी बहुत याद आई' (많이 보고 싶었어요)।
잠시
A2एक पल के लिए; संक्षेप में। 'कृपया एक पल प्रतीक्षा करें।' (잠시만 기다려 주세요।) 'मैं थोड़ी देर में वापस आऊंगा।' (잠시 후에 돌아오겠습니다।)
잠깐
A2For a short time; a moment.
아까
A2थोड़ी देर पहले। मैंने उसे थोड़ी देर पहले देखा था।
대해
A2इसका अर्थ है 'के बारे में' या 'के विषय में'। इसका उपयोग किसी बातचीत या विचार के विषय को पेश करने के लिए किया जाता है।
~에 대해서
A2Concerning or regarding a particular subject; about.
