Explanation at your level:
Hello! Today we learn a special Korean word: 개 (ge). It helps us count things! Imagine you have one apple. You say 'apple ha-na ge'. Or maybe two eggs? You say 'egg du ge'. So, ge is like a little helper for counting small, round things like fruit or eggs. It comes after the number and the thing you are counting. It's easy and very useful!
The Korean counter 개 (ge) is used for counting individual items, especially those that are small and round, like fruits (apples, oranges) or eggs. When you want to say 'three apples,' you would say '사과 세 개' (sagwa se gae). Notice that we use the native Korean numbers (하나, 둘, 셋...) before ge. This counter is essential for basic shopping and everyday descriptions. For example, asking 'How many eggs?' would be '달걀 몇 개?' (dalgyal myeot gae?). Mastering ge helps you communicate quantities clearly.
The sino-Korean counter 개 (ge) is a fundamental element in Korean for enumerating discrete objects. Its usage is widespread for items typically characterized by being small and having a somewhat rounded or compact form. Common collocations include fruits (과일 몇 개 - gwa-il myeot gae - how many fruits?), eggs (달걀 두 개 - dalgyal du gae - two eggs), and candies (사탕 세 개 - satang se gae - three candies). Remember, it's typically paired with native Korean numbers (하나, 둘, 셋...). Understanding ge is crucial for practical communication, from grocery shopping to describing the contents of a container.
The counter 개 (ge), derived from Chinese characters, plays a significant role in Korean enumeration, particularly for discrete items. While its core meaning is 'item' or 'piece,' its application extends to various small objects, often those with a roundish or individual form. You'll frequently encounter it in contexts like purchasing produce ('사과 다섯 개 주세요' - sagwa daseot gae juseyo - Please give me five apples) or discussing inventory ('재고가 몇 개 남았어요?' - jaegoga myeot gae namasseoyo? - How many items are left in stock?). Its usage highlights the importance of counters in Korean grammar, often requiring the use of native Korean numerals. Be mindful of its specific application compared to other counters.
The character 個 (ge) functions as a vital sino-Korean counter in Korean, denoting individual units of discrete objects. Its semantic range typically covers small, often rounded items such as fruits, eggs, or manufactured goods like buttons or batteries. Contextually, ge is employed when a precise count of individual pieces is required. For instance, in a retail setting, a customer might inquire about the price per unit: '이거 한 개 얼마예요?' (igeo han gae eolmayeyo? - How much is one of these?). The grammatical structure invariably involves the noun preceding the number and the counter: Noun + Number + 개. Mastery of ge is essential for nuanced quantitative expression in Korean, distinguishing it from counters used for abstract concepts or different object shapes.
The character 個 (ge), an integral part of the sino-Korean lexicon, serves as a primary enumerator for discrete entities in Korean. Its etymological roots point to the concept of an individual unit or 'piece,' which informs its application to a wide array of objects, particularly those that are small, self-contained, and often spherical or ovular. Beyond its common use for fruits and eggs, ge can appear in more specialized contexts, such as counting components in a technical manual or enumerating specific items in a legal document. The grammatical construction Noun + Number + 개, typically employing native Korean numerals, is standard. Understanding the subtle distinctions between ge and other counters, like 'che' (채) for houses or 'beon' (번) for occurrences, is key to achieving linguistic mastery and appreciating the intricate system of Korean quantification. Its presence underscores the historical linguistic interplay between Korean and Chinese.
Word in 30 Seconds
- A common Korean counter derived from Chinese characters.
- Used for counting small, discrete items, especially round ones like fruits and eggs.
- Typically follows the noun and a native Korean number (e.g., 사과 세 개 - three apples).
- Essential for everyday communication in shopping, cooking, and describing quantities.
Hey there! Let's dive into the super useful Korean counter, 個 (ge). You'll see this character pop up all the time when you're counting things in Korean. It's like a little helper that tells you how many of something you have, especially when those things are small and roundish. Think of a basket of apples, a carton of eggs, or even individual candies – ge is your go-to counter for them!
It's a sino-Korean word, meaning it comes from Chinese characters, which is super common in Korean vocabulary. While it looks like just a character, in Korean, it functions as a crucial grammatical element for counting. Understanding how to use counters like ge is a big step in becoming fluent, as it's essential for everyday conversations and transactions. So, get ready to count some delicious fruits and eggs!
The character 個 originates from ancient China. Its earliest forms depicted a person standing within a gate or enclosure, symbolizing individuality or a single unit. Over centuries, its meaning evolved to represent a 'unit,' 'individual,' or 'piece,' making it a perfect candidate for a counter word.
When Chinese characters (Hanja) were adopted into Korean, 個 (ge) came along with them. In Korean, it retained its core meaning of a single unit or item. It became a fundamental part of the Korean counting system, particularly for objects that are naturally discrete and often round or compact. While many native Korean counters exist, sino-Korean counters like ge are prevalent due to the historical influence of Chinese language and culture on Korea. It's a testament to how language borrowing can enrich a counting system, providing specific nuances for different types of objects.
You'll find 個 (ge) used in a wide range of everyday situations. Its primary function is to count small, discrete items. The most classic examples are fruits like apples (사과 ge), oranges (귤 ge), or fruits in general (과일 ge), and eggs (달걀 ge). It's also used for things like candies (사탕 ge), buttons (단추 ge), and even small toys.
Beyond inanimate objects, ge can sometimes be used to count people, especially in more formal or enumerative contexts, though native Korean counters like 'myeong' (명) are more common for people. For instance, you might see it in official documents or when listing individuals. When using ge, it typically follows the number and the noun it modifies, like 'number + noun + ge'. For example, 'three apples' would be '사과 se ge' (사과 세 개). Remember, it's often used with native Korean numbers (hana, dul, set...) rather than the sino-Korean numbers (il, i, sam...) when counting objects this way.
While 個 (ge) itself isn't frequently part of idiomatic expressions in the way some other words are, its role as a counter for individual units is fundamental to many numerical expressions. Think of it as the building block for quantifying things.
Here are some common ways you'll encounter it, which function *like* expressions:
- 하나 (hana): This is the native Korean word for 'one,' and when used with ge, it signifies 'one item.' Example: 사과 하나 (sagwa hana) - 'one apple'.
- 두 개 (du gae): Using the native Korean number 'two' (dul) with ge. Example: 달걀 두 개 (dalgyal du gae) - 'two eggs'.
- 몇 개 (myeot gae): Asking 'how many?' for these types of items. Example: 이거 몇 개 있어요? (igeo myeot gae isseoyo?) - 'How many of these do you have?'
- 전부 다 합쳐서 세 개 (jeonbu da hapchyeoseo se gae): 'All together, three items.' This shows summing up multiple units.
- 개수 (gaesu): This noun means 'quantity' or 'count,' directly derived from ge. Example: 개수가 맞나요? (gaesuga mannayo?) - 'Is the count correct?'
- 하나하나 (hana-hana): This reduplication means 'one by one,' emphasizing individual attention. Example: 하나하나 세어 보세요. (hana-hana se-eo boseyo.) - 'Count them one by one.'
In Korean, 個 (ge) is a counter noun. It's placed after the noun it quantifies and after the number. So, the structure is typically: Noun + Number + 개 (ge). For example, 'three apples' is '사과 (sagwa) + 세 (se) + 개 (ge)'. It's important to note that when using ge, you almost always use the native Korean number system (하나, 둘, 셋, 넷... hana, dul, set, net...).
Pronunciation: The character is pronounced 'ge' (개). It sounds similar to the 'gae' in 'gate' but with a slightly softer initial consonant, almost like a 'g' sound followed immediately by an 'ae' sound. When combined with numbers, the pronunciation remains consistent. For instance, 'se gae' (세 개) sounds like 'seh gae'. There aren't really plural forms for ge itself; the number indicates plurality. It's a countable noun in the sense that it's used for counting discrete items.
Rhyming words: Words ending in 'ae' (ㅐ) sound like 'gae', 'dae', 'bae', 'nae', 'rae', 'sae', 'wae'. While these don't directly rhyme in terms of meaning, they share the vowel sound.
Fun Fact
The character '個' is used as a counter in multiple East Asian languages, including Chinese, Japanese (as 'ko'), and Korean (as 'ge'), highlighting a shared linguistic heritage.
Pronunciation Guide
Sounds like 'keh' with a short 'e' sound, similar to the start of 'kettle'.
Sounds like 'geh' with a soft 'g' sound, similar to the start of 'get'.
Common Errors
- Pronouncing the initial consonant too hard like a strong 'k'. It's softer, closer to 'g'.
- Using an English 'ay' sound instead of the Korean 'ae' (ㅐ) vowel.
- Confusing it with other similar-sounding words or counters.
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Easy to read when combined with numbers.
Straightforward placement after noun and number.
Commonly used, easy to practice.
Frequently heard in daily life.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Native Korean Number System
하나, 둘, 셋, 넷, 다섯, 여섯, 일곱, 여덟, 아홉, 열
Counter Noun Placement
Noun + Number + Counter (e.g., 책 세 권 - book three volumes)
Object Particle Usage
사과를 세 개 샀어요. (I bought three apples.) - '를' is the object particle.
Examples by Level
사과 하나.
apple one.
Use native Korean numbers with 'ge'.
달걀 두 개.
egg two.
'ge' follows the number.
이거 세 개.
this three.
Pointing to items.
과일 몇 개?
fruit how many?
'myeot' means 'how many'.
하나 더 주세요.
one more please give.
Requesting one additional item.
이거 한 개예요.
this one is.
Stating the quantity.
네 개 있어요.
four have.
Indicating possession.
맛있는 거 두 개.
delicious thing two.
Describing the items.
저는 사과 세 개를 샀어요.
I apple three bought.
Object particle 'reul' (를) used.
이 바구니에 달걀이 몇 개 있나요?
This basket in eggs how many are there?
Question about quantity.
귤 다섯 개 주세요.
Tangerine five please give.
Common phrase for ordering.
이것은 작은 장난감 두 개입니다.
This is small toy two is.
Describing items.
하나에 천 원이에요.
One for 1000 won is.
Price per item.
그 상자 안에 뭐가 몇 개 들어있어요?
That box inside what how many are inside?
Inquiring about contents.
어제 사탕 열 개를 먹었어요.
Yesterday candy ten ate.
Past tense usage.
이것은 개수가 많지 않아요.
This quantity not many is.
Expressing scarcity.
이 과일 가게에서는 사과 한 개에 1,000원입니다.
This fruit store in apple one for 1,000 won is.
Specifying price per unit.
계란판에 보통 열두 개가 들어있어요.
Egg carton in usually twelve are inside.
Standard packaging quantity.
선물로 작은 인형을 두 개 샀어요.
As a gift small doll two bought.
Context of gift-giving.
각각의 버튼은 개별적으로 작동합니다.
Each button individually works.
Emphasizing individual function.
이 책은 모두 몇 권인가요? 아, 이건 권이 아니라 개로 세어야 해요.
This book is how many volumes? Ah, this is not volumes but items should count.
Distinguishing between counters.
그는 친구들에게 초콜릿을 한 개씩 나눠주었습니다.
He to friends chocolate one by one gave.
Distributing items individually.
이 제품은 원래 포장된 상태로 다섯 개가 한 세트입니다.
This product originally packaged state in five are one set.
Describing a set or package.
지금 당장 필요한 개수가 몇 개인지 정확히 알아야 해요.
Right now needed quantity how many is exactly must know.
Emphasizing the need for exact count.
이 농장에서는 유기농 사과를 재배하여 개당 높은 가격에 판매합니다.
This farm in organic apples grow per item high price sell.
Using 'gae-dang' (개당) for 'per item'.
각각의 부품은 엄격한 품질 검사를 거쳐야 하며, 불량 개수는 최소화해야 합니다.
Each part strict quality inspection must undergo, defective items must minimize.
Referring to defective items.
이 소프트웨어는 라이선스 한 개당 최대 세 명의 사용자를 허용합니다.
This software license one per maximum three users allows.
Licensing terms.
그는 수집품을 하나하나 소중히 다루며 관리했습니다.
He collectibles one by one carefully handled and managed.
Emphasizing careful individual handling.
이번 프로젝트에는 총 20개의 핵심 모듈이 포함되어 있으며, 각 모듈은 독립적으로 기능합니다.
This project in total 20 key modules are included, each module independently functions.
Counting key components.
판매된 상품의 총 개수를 파악하기 위해 재고 시스템을 업데이트해야 합니다.
Sold goods total quantity to understand inventory system must update.
Updating sales data.
새로운 디자인의 전구는 기존 모델보다 에너지 효율이 높으며, 개당 수명이 두 배입니다.
New design light bulb old model than energy efficiency higher, per item lifespan twice.
Comparing product specifications.
회의 참석자들에게 나눠줄 자료는 총 15개입니다.
Meeting attendees to distribute materials total 15 are.
Preparing materials for a meeting.
해당 제품은 개별 포장되어 있어 유통 및 관리가 용이하며, 소비자는 필요한 만큼만 구매할 수 있습니다.
The product individually packaged making distribution and management easy, consumers needed amount only can buy.
Discussing ease of distribution and consumer choice.
이 연구에서는 실험 대상 표본의 개수를 늘려 통계적 유의성을 확보하고자 했습니다.
This research in experimental subject sample's number increase statistical significance secure aimed.
Increasing sample size for statistical significance.
각 에피소드는 독립적인 이야기 구조를 가지지만, 전체적인 맥락에서 개별 에피소드의 연계성은 중요합니다.
Each episode independent story structure has, but overall context in individual episodes' linkage is important.
Interconnectedness of individual episodes.
그는 수십 년간 모아온 희귀 우표들을 하나하나 분류하며 그 가치를 재평가했다.
He decades collected rare stamps one by one classifying their value re-evaluated.
Detailed classification of a collection.
이 계약 조건에 따르면, 각 라이선스 키는 단 한 개의 시스템에서만 활성화될 수 있습니다.
This contract terms according to, each license key only one system from activated can be.
Strict activation limits per license.
전체 생산량 중 불량품의 개수를 줄이기 위한 공정 개선이 시급합니다.
Total production defective items' number to reduce process improvement is urgent.
Urgency of reducing defect rates.
이 예술 작품은 여러 개의 작은 조각들이 모여 하나의 거대한 이미지를 형성하는 콜라주 기법을 사용했습니다.
This artwork multiple small pieces gather one huge image form collage technique used.
Artistic technique using numerous small components.
각 팀은 할당된 예산 내에서 필요한 자원의 개수를 파악하여 보고해야 합니다.
Each team allocated budget within needed resources' number identify and report must.
Resource planning within budget constraints.
그의 논문은 수많은 초기 문헌들을 참조하여 각 사본의 고유한 개체성을 분석하고, 이를 통해 해당 시대의 문화적 맥락을 조명한다.
His thesis numerous early documents referencing each copy's unique individuality analyzing, through this that era's cultural context illuminates.
Analyzing the 'individuality' or 'discrete entity' of each copy.
이 복잡한 알고리즘은 수백만 개의 데이터 포인트를 처리하며, 각 포인트의 개별적인 특성을 고려하여 최적의 결과를 도출합니다.
This complex algorithm millions of data points processing, each point's individual characteristics considering optimal results derives.
Processing individual characteristics of data points.
고고학적 발굴에서 발견된 유물들은 개별적인 출토 위치와 상태를 상세히 기록하여, 당시 사회 구조를 재구성하는 데 활용됩니다.
Archaeological excavation in discovered artifacts individual excavation location and condition detailed recording, thereby that time's social structure reconstructing in utilized.
Documenting the individual provenance of artifacts.
이 법안은 각 조항의 적용 범위를 명확히 하고, 잠재적인 해석의 여지를 최소화하기 위해 개별적인 사례 연구를 포함하고 있습니다.
This bill each clause's scope clarifying, potential interpretation room minimizing for individual case studies including.
Including individual case studies for clarity.
그의 문학 비평은 작품 속 개별 상징들의 상호작용을 심층적으로 분석함으로써, 작가의 복잡한 세계관을 드러낸다.
His literary criticism work's individual symbols' interaction deeply analyzing by, author's complex worldview reveals.
Analyzing the interaction of individual symbols.
회사는 각 분기별 실적을 개별적으로 평가하여, 성과에 따른 보상을 차등 지급할 계획입니다.
Company each quarterly performance individually evaluating, performance according to rewards differentially pay plans.
Differentiated rewards based on individual performance.
이 역사적 기록물들은 개별적인 필사본의 희소성과 중요성을 고려하여 특별히 보존 처리되었습니다.
These historical records individual manuscripts' rarity and importance considering specially preservation treated.
Preservation based on the rarity of individual manuscripts.
각각의 참가자는 자신의 경험을 바탕으로 한 독창적인 아이디어를 발표해야 하며, 이는 전체 프로젝트의 질적 향상에 기여할 것입니다.
Each participant their experience based on original ideas present must, and this overall project's qualitative improvement contribute will.
Contribution of individual original ideas to overall quality.
Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"하나하나"
One by one; individually.
그는 모든 질문에 대해 하나하나 답변했다. (He answered each question one by one.)
neutral"개수를 세다"
To count the number of items.
선물 받은 물건들의 개수를 세어 보았다. (I counted the number of gifts I received.)
neutral"개수 파악"
To grasp or ascertain the quantity.
창고에 있는 물품의 개수 파악이 시급하다. (It is urgent to ascertain the quantity of goods in the warehouse.)
formal"개수 제한"
A limit on the quantity of items.
이 상품은 1인당 개수 제한이 있습니다. (There is a quantity limit of one per person for this product.)
neutral"불량 개수"
The number of defective items.
생산 과정에서 불량 개수를 최소화해야 한다. (The number of defective items must be minimized during the production process.)
neutral"개당"
Per item; each.
이 사과는 개당 1,500원입니다. (This apple costs 1,500 won per item.)
neutralEasily Confused
Sounds identical to the Korean word for 'dog'.
'개' (counter) is a grammatical particle used for counting items. '개' (dog) is a noun referring to the animal. Context is crucial for differentiation.
사과 세 개 주세요. (Please give me three apples.) vs. 저기 개가 있어요. (There is a dog over there.)
Both can sometimes count entities, but have different primary uses.
'개' is for objects, especially small/round ones. '명' is the standard polite counter for people. Using '개' for people can sound impersonal or even rude in many contexts.
사과 세 개 (three apples) vs. 사람 세 명 (three people).
Both are counters for physical items.
'개' is general for small, discrete items. '벌' is specifically used for sets of clothing (like a suit) or sometimes for machines.
양복 한 벌 (one suit) vs. 단추 한 개 (one button).
Both can count small units.
'개' is for general items. '점' is typically used for points (in scores), dots, or sometimes small, distinct items like stars or marks.
시험 10점 (10 points on a test) vs. 별 다섯 개 (five stars - here '개' is used for the visual objects).
Sentence Patterns
Noun + Native Number + 개
사과 세 개 주세요. (Please give me three apples.)
Demonstrative + 개
이거 두 개 있어요. (I have two of these.)
Interrogative (몇) + 개
이거 몇 개예요? (How many of these are there?)
Noun + 개당 + Price/Value
사과 개당 1,000원입니다. (Apples are 1,000 won per piece.)
Number (native) + 개 + 씩
하나씩 나눠주세요. (Please distribute them one by one.)
Word Family
Nouns
Related
How to Use It
Formality Scale
Common Mistakes
While sino-Korean numbers are used in some contexts, native Korean numbers are standard when using counters like 'ge' for everyday objects.
The standard order is Noun + Number + Counter.
'Ge' is for physical, countable items. Other counters exist for time, problems, books, etc.
Korean has many counters, and choosing the right one is crucial. 'Ge' is primarily for small, roundish items.
Simply saying '사과 세' (sagwa se) is grammatically incomplete when referring to countable items.
Tips
Apple Gecko Count
Imagine a gecko (ge-) eating a pile of apples. The gecko counts them: 'One apple, two apples...' Use this image to remember 'ge' for apples!
Shopping Buddy
When you're at a Korean market, practice asking for quantities using '개'. '사과 다섯 개 주세요!' (Five apples, please!) is a great phrase to use.
Counter Culture
Recognize that Korean has many counters! '개' is common, but be aware of others like '명' for people or '마리' for animals to sound more natural.
Number Power!
Always pair '개' with native Korean numbers (하나, 둘, 셋...) for everyday counting. This is a key grammar rule!
Soft Start
Remember the 'g' sound in 'ge' (개) is soft, not a hard 'k'. Practice saying 'ge-ae' to get the sound right.
Don't Mix Up Your Numbers!
Avoid using Sino-Korean numbers (일, 이, 삼) with '개'. Stick to Hana, Dul, Set!
Shared Heritage
The character '個' is used in Chinese and Japanese too! It shows how languages share roots and concepts.
Visual Counting
Find pictures of fruits or small objects online. Cover the numbers and try to count them in Korean using '개'.
The Magic Trio
Remember the essential structure: Noun + Number + 개. Master this trio, and you'll be counting like a pro!
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of a 'gecko' eating a round 'apple' – the gecko counts the apples one by one.
Visual Association
Imagine a small, round 'geode' (ge-ode) being counted.
Word Web
Challenge
Go to a grocery store (or look at pictures online) and try to count different fruits and eggs using 'ge'.
Word Origin
Chinese (漢字)
Original meaning: The character originally depicted a person within a gate, signifying an individual or a unit.
Cultural Context
None. It's a neutral counting term.
In English, we use general terms like 'item,' 'piece,' or specific units like 'apple,' 'egg.' The Korean system requires a specific counter based on the object's shape and nature.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Grocery Shopping
- 사과 세 개 주세요. (Sagwa se gae juseyo.) - Please give me three apples.
- 이거 한 개 얼마예요? (Igeo han gae eolmayeyo?) - How much is one of these?
- 달걀은 몇 개 있어요? (Dalgyareun myeot gae isseoyo?) - How many eggs are there?
Cooking
- 설탕 두 개 넣으세요. (Seoltang du gae neoeuseyo.) - Add two spoonfuls of sugar. (Note: '개' is informal here, '스푼' is better)
- 양파 한 개만 필요해요. (Yangpa han gae-man piryohaeyo.) - I only need one onion.
- 이 재료는 모두 몇 개 준비해야 하나요? (I jaeryoneun modu myeot gae junbihaeya hanayo?) - How many of these ingredients do we need to prepare in total?
Retail Purchase
- 이 펜은 한 개에 500원입니다. (I pen-eun han gae-e 500 won-imnida.) - This pen is 500 won each.
- 이 상품은 개수 제한이 있습니다. (I sangpum-eun gaesu jehan-i itseumnida.) - There is a quantity limit for this product.
- 총 몇 개를 구매하셨나요? (Chong myeot gae-reul gumaehasyeonnayo?) - How many items did you purchase in total?
Inventory/Counting
- 창고에 물건 개수를 파악해야 합니다. (Changgo-e mulgeon gaesureul paakhaeya hamnida.) - We need to ascertain the quantity of items in the warehouse.
- 불량 개수가 너무 많아요. (Bulyang gaessuga neomu manayo.) - The number of defective items is too high.
- 각 부품의 개수를 정확히 세어주세요. (Gak bupumui gaessureul jeonghwakhi seeojuseyo.) - Please count the number of each part accurately.
Conversation Starters
"오늘 시장에서 과일 몇 개 샀어요?"
"이거 한 개만 빌려줄 수 있어요?"
"선물로 뭘 몇 개 준비하면 좋을까요?"
"어제 먹었던 사탕, 혹시 몇 개 남았어요?"
"이 제품은 개당 가격이 어떻게 돼요?"
Journal Prompts
오늘 본 물건들 중에서 '개'로 셀 수 있는 것을 5가지 적어보고, 각각 몇 개인지 써보세요.
요리할 때 꼭 필요한 재료가 있다면, 그것을 몇 개 준비해야 하는지 '개'를 사용해서 문장으로 만들어 보세요.
만약 당신이 가게 주인이라면, 손님에게 상품의 '개당' 가격을 어떻게 설명하겠어요?
가장 좋아하는 과일 몇 개를 사러 간다고 상상하고, 그 상황을 한국어로 묘사해보세요.
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questions'개' is used for small, discrete items, often round like fruits or eggs. For other items, different counters are used: '명' (myeong) for people, '마리' (mari) for animals, '자루' (jaru) for long, thin objects like pens, '채' (chae) for houses, etc. When in doubt for small, individual items, '개' is often a safe bet.
Almost always. While sino-Korean numbers (일, 이, 삼) are used in specific contexts like dates, phone numbers, or money, native Korean numbers are standard when counting objects with counters like '개'.
Technically, yes, in some very specific enumerative contexts (like listing individuals in a report). However, for general conversation, '명' (myeong) is the standard and polite counter for people.
'개' is a counter used *with* numbers to count items (e.g., '사과 세 개' - three apples). '개수' (gaesu) is a noun meaning 'quantity' or 'count' itself (e.g., '개수가 많다' - the quantity is large).
You say '한 개' (han gae), using the native Korean number '하나' (hana) which shortens to '한' (han) before a noun/counter.
It's most common for round or small, discrete items, but its usage is broader than just 'round.' Think of any small, individual 'piece' or 'unit' – '개' is often applicable.
'개당' (gaedang) is derived from '개' and means 'per item' or 'each.' It's used to specify price, cost, or quantity on an individual basis (e.g., '개당 500원' - 500 won per item).
The standard order is Noun + Number + Counter. However, sometimes the noun can be omitted if it's clear from context, and you might just say the number + counter (e.g., '세 개 주세요' - Give me three (items)).
Test Yourself
사과 ____ 개 주세요.
We use the native Korean number '하나' (one) with the counter '개' for counting items.
Which phrase means 'three eggs'?
The correct order is Noun + Native Number + Counter: 달걀 (egg) + 세 (three) + 개 (counter).
The counter '개' is primarily used for counting abstract concepts like time or ideas.
'개' is used for discrete, physical items, often small and round. Abstract concepts use different counters.
Word
Meaning
This exercise practices matching English quantities with their Korean equivalents using the 'ge' counter.
The correct sentence structure is Noun (귤) + Number (다섯) + Counter (개) + Verb (주세요).
이 제품은 ____ 다섯 개가 한 세트입니다.
'개별' (individual) fits best here, meaning each product is individually packaged as part of a set of five.
Which sentence correctly uses '개당'?
'개당' (per item) typically follows the noun it modifies, indicating price or quantity per unit.
In formal contexts, 'ge' can sometimes replace native Korean counters for people.
While 'ge' can count people in some very specific enumerations, 'myeong' (명) is the standard and preferred counter for people in most contexts, especially formal ones.
각 ____의 개체성을 분석하여 논문의 깊이를 더했습니다.
'개별' (individual) is used here to refer to the distinct nature or individuality of each item being analyzed.
The sentence means 'Each individual resource is essential and must be secured.'
Score: /10
Summary
Master '개' (ge) to confidently count small items in Korean, from apples to eggs!
- A common Korean counter derived from Chinese characters.
- Used for counting small, discrete items, especially round ones like fruits and eggs.
- Typically follows the noun and a native Korean number (e.g., 사과 세 개 - three apples).
- Essential for everyday communication in shopping, cooking, and describing quantities.
Apple Gecko Count
Imagine a gecko (ge-) eating a pile of apples. The gecko counts them: 'One apple, two apples...' Use this image to remember 'ge' for apples!
Shopping Buddy
When you're at a Korean market, practice asking for quantities using '개'. '사과 다섯 개 주세요!' (Five apples, please!) is a great phrase to use.
Counter Culture
Recognize that Korean has many counters! '개' is common, but be aware of others like '명' for people or '마리' for animals to sound more natural.
Number Power!
Always pair '개' with native Korean numbers (하나, 둘, 셋...) for everyday counting. This is a key grammar rule!
Example
リンゴを三個買いました。
Related Content
Related Grammar Rules
More food words
〜ほど
B1About; approximately; degree.
~ほど
B1About, approximately; to the extent of ~.
豊富な
B1Abundant, rich in.
ふんだんに
B1Lavishly; abundantly; generously (e.g., using ingredients).
足す
B1To add (e.g., to a sum, to ingredients).
添加物
B1Additive.
〜てから
B1After doing ~.
~てから
B1After doing (an action).
熟成させる
B1To age; to mature (food).
熟成した
B1Aged; matured.
