A1 · Beginner Chapter 4

Mastering Numbers and Counting

5 Total Rules
54 examples
5 min
Rules in This Chapter Quick Practice

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!

What You'll Learn

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.

Chapter Guide

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.

Key Examples (8)

1

이천오백 원입니다.

It is 2,500 won.

Sino-Korean Numbers: Money, Dates, and Minutes (일, 이, 삼)
2

제 번호는 공일공 삼사오륙에 칠팔구공입니다.

My number is 010-3456-7890.

Sino-Korean Numbers: Money, Dates, and Minutes (일, 이, 삼)
3

Maekju du byeong juseyo.

Please give me two bottles of beer.

Native Korean Numbers 1-99 (Hana, Dul, Set)
4

Jeoneun seumul-daseot sarieyo.

I am 25 years old.

Native Korean Numbers 1-99 (Hana, Dul, Set)
5

사과 두 개 주세요.

Please give me two apples.

General Counter 개 (Counting Things)
6

이거 한 개만 살게.

I'll buy just one of these.

General Counter 개 (Counting Things)
7

우리 반에 학생이 스무 명 있어요.

There are twenty students in our class.

Counting People: Friends vs. Elders (명 / 분)
8

식당에 손님이 세 분 오셨어요.

Three (honored) guests have arrived at the restaurant.

Counting People: Friends vs. Elders (명 / 분)

Tips & Tricks (4)

💡

Memorize 1-10

Once you know 1-10, you know all numbers.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Sino-Korean Numbers: Money, Dates, and Minutes (일, 이, 삼)
💡

The 'Counter' Rule

Always remember that native numbers need a counter word like '개' or '명' to make sense.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Native Korean Numbers 1-99 (Hana, Dul, Set)
💡

Number Changes

Always remember that 1, 2, 3, 4, and 20 change their form before '개'.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: General Counter 개 (Counting Things)
💡

The 'Big 4' Rule

Remember that numbers 1, 2, 3, and 4 ALWAYS change their spelling when followed by 명 or 분. 하나→한, 둘→두, 셋→세, 넷→네.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Counting People: Friends vs. Elders (명 / 분)

Key Vocabulary (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

Common Mistakes

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

Quick Practice (10)

Choose the correct number form.

스물 개 -> ___ 개

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 스무
20 becomes '스무' before a counter.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: General Counter 개 (Counting Things)

Correct the sentence.

Find and fix the mistake:

할머니 세 명.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 할머니 세 분
Elders use '분'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Counting People: Friends vs. Elders (명 / 분)

Fill in the blank.

이유가 ___ 개 있어요.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 두
2 becomes '두' before a counter.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: General Counter 개 (Counting Things)

Choose the correct counter.

선생님 두 ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 분
Teachers use '분'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Counting People: Friends vs. Elders (명 / 분)

Fill in the blank with the correct form.

사과 ___ 개

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 한
1 becomes '한' before a counter.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: General Counter 개 (Counting Things)

Which number is correct?

1 person (casual)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 한 명
Use '한' with counters.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Counting People: Friends vs. Elders (명 / 분)

Correct the mistake.

Find and fix the mistake:

셋 명

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 세 명
3 changes to '세' before a counter.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Native Korean Numbers 1-99 (Hana, Dul, Set)

Fix the mistake.

Find and fix the mistake:

사람 한 마리

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 사람 한 명
People use '명'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Counting Animals: Use 마리 (mari)

Choose the correct counter.

사람 세 ___

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 명
People use '명'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: General Counter 개 (Counting Things)

Fill in the blank.

10 minutes is ___ 분.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 십
Minutes use Sino-Korean.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Sino-Korean Numbers: Money, Dates, and Minutes (일, 이, 삼)

Score: /10

Common Questions (6)

Historical layering.
One is native Korean, one is Sino-Korean. They serve different purposes.
For counting items, people, and hours.
Almost everything inanimate. Do not use it for people or animals.
It's a rule for native Korean numbers when followed by a counter.
No, that is very rude. Always use '분'.
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Describing Places and Actions
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Talking About Time and Schedules
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