General Counter 개 (Counting Things)
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use the counter '개' to count almost any inanimate object in Korean.
- Use native Korean numbers (하나, 둘, 셋) with 개: 사과 한 개 (one apple).
- Drop the final vowel of numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, and 20: 한, 두, 세, 네, 스무.
- Place the counter directly after the noun or the number: 사과 세 개.
Overview
Korean, unlike English, employs a system of counters (수량사, suryangsa) to quantify nouns. This system reflects a fundamental linguistic principle: objects are not simply counted; they are categorized and specified by their unit. While you might say "two apples" directly in English, Korean requires you to specify the type of unit being counted.
The counter 개 (gae) serves as the foundational general counter for inanimate objects. It is your primary tool for quantifying a vast array of everyday items when a more specific counter is either unknown or unnecessary. Mastering 개 is crucial at the A1 level, as it unlocks the ability to count most physical items you encounter.
This system is inextricably linked to Korea's dual number system, which distinguishes between Native Korean numbers (고유어 수, goyueo su) and Sino-Korean numbers (한자어 수, hanjaeo su). Native Korean numbers are primarily used for counting physical objects, people, and age, typically up to 99. Sino-Korean numbers, derived from Chinese characters, are reserved for larger numbers, money, dates, measurements, and addresses.
Crucially, 개 exclusively pairs with Native Korean numbers for quantities within the 1-99 range, forming a distinct numerical unit. Understanding 개 therefore necessitates an understanding of this inherent linguistic categorization and the correct number system to apply.
The existence of counters highlights Korean's emphasis on precision and classification. Each counter serves to clarify the nature or form of the item being counted, even 개, which acts as the ultimate categorizer for "generic things." This grammatical structure isn't an arbitrary addition; it's an essential component of conveying clear and natural-sounding quantities in Korean. Without the correct counter, simply stating a number can feel incomplete or grammatically awkward to a native speaker, much like saying "apple three" instead of "three apples."
How This Grammar Works
개 follows a distinct grammatical structure that diverges from English. Rather than placing the number directly before the noun, Korean positions the noun first, then the number, and finally the appropriate counter. This forms the essential Noun + Native Korean Number + Counter pattern.사과 세 개 (sagwa se gae), literally meaning "apple three 개." Here, 개 functions as a grammatical marker, transforming the raw number into a quantifiable unit directly associated with the preceding noun. It acts similarly to classifiers found in other languages, enabling precise communication about discrete items. Merely stating 사과 셋 (sagwa set)—"apple three" without the counter—would sound incomplete and unidiomatic, as it lacks the unit specification.하나 (one), 둘 (two), 셋 (three), 넷 (four)—and 스물 (twenty). These numbers undergo a specific morphological shortening (often colloquially called a "haircut") when they are immediately followed by any counter, including 개. This change isn't random; it facilitates smoother pronunciation and a more natural rhythmic flow in spoken Korean.-나, -ㄹ, -ㅅ) before the counter, becoming 한, 두, 세, 네, and 스무 respectively. Failing to apply this mandatory change results in speech that sounds unpolished and unidiomatic to native speakers.책, chaek), you must say 책 한 개 (chaek han gae), not 책 하나 개. Similarly, "two pencils" (연필, yeonpil) become 연필 두 개 (yeonpil du gae), never 연필 둘 개. "Four items" (물건, mulgeon) are 물건 네 개 (mulgeon ne gae), not 물건 넷 개.개 an indispensable element for quantifying objects.Formation Pattern
Noun + Native Korean Number + 개 requires strict adherence to specific rules concerning number choice and modification. You must exclusively use Native Korean numbers for quantities up to 99 when using 개. Sino-Korean numbers are not interchange able in this context. The core structure is as follows:
개
개. They are phonologically driven to ease pronunciation.
하나 | hana | 한 | han | One | Drops -나 before a counter |
둘 | dul | 두 | du | Two | Drops -ㄹ before a counter |
셋 | set | 세 | se | Three | Drops -ㅅ before a counter |
넷 | net | 네 | ne | Four | Drops -ㅅ before a counter |
스물 | seumul | 스무 | seumu | Twenty | Drops -ㄹ before a counter |
다섯 (five), 열 (ten), 서른 (thirty), 마흔아홉 (forty-nine)), their form remains unchanged when followed by 개. A mandatory space is always inserted between the number and the counter 개. For example, it is 한 개, not 한개.
케이크 한 개, keikeu han gae), the number 하나 becomes 한 before 개. This is a non-negotiable change. If you omit the modification, 케이크 하나 개 would be grammatically incorrect and sound unnatural to native speakers.
펜 세 개, pen se gae), 셋 transforms into 세. The omission of the final ㅅ sound aids in smoother pronunciation when directly preceding the counter. 펜 셋 개 would be incorrect.
공책 다섯 개, gongchaek daseot gae), 다섯 retains its original form. There are no phonological rules requiring modification for numbers other than those specified above. Thus, 다섯 개 is the correct form.
책 스무 개, chaek seumu gae), 스물 changes to 스무. This modification is consistent with the pattern seen in the single-digit numbers and ensures proper flow in spoken language. 책 스물 개 would be incorrect.
개.
When To Use It
개 functions as the most versatile and frequently employed general counter in Korean. Its primary application is for small, discrete, inanimate objects that lack a more specific, established counter. It acts as the default unit marker, making it an indispensable tool for A1 learners, as it covers a broad spectrum of items encountered daily.개 is often a safe initial choice for inanimate items.개 is correctly and commonly used:- Small, Handheld Inanimate Objects: This is the quintessential domain of
개. It applies to items that are easily managed or held. Examples include fruits (사과 두 개– two apples), candies (사탕 세 개– three candies), small electronic devices, stationery, and packaged goods. If an object is typically purchased, consumed, or handled individually,개is almost certainly the appropriate counter. 저는 연필 한 개와 지우개 두 개를 샀어요.(jeoneun yeonpil han gaewa jiugae du gaereul sasseoyo.) – I bought one pencil and two erasers. (Standard, polite해요체.)커피 네 개 만들어 주세요.(keopi ne gae mandeureo juseyo.) – Please make four coffees. (Used for individual cups of coffee, common in cafes.)- Ambiguous or Unspecified Items: When the specific counter for an object is unknown, or when the object itself is vague (e.g., "item" or "thing"),
개serves as a reliable default. Native speakers frequently employ개in casual conversation or when speaking rapidly, even if a more precise counter might technically exist. This highlights its role as a linguistic "catch-all" for quantifiable units. 이거 몇 개 필요하세요?(igeo myeot gae piryohaseyo?) – How many of these items do you need? (Very polite, general inquiry.)저기 있는 물건 한 개만 가져와.(jeogi inneun mulgeon han gaeman gajyeo wa.) – Just bring one of those things over there. (Casual해체command to a peer.)- General Units of Quantity (Casual Usage): While specialized counters exist for containers like bottles (
병,byeong), cups (잔,jan), or bowls (그릇,geureut),개can sometimes be used more generally in very casual or simplified speech to refer to a single unit of something. For example,물 한 개(mul han gae) for "one water" might be understood contextually as "one bottle/cup of water." While물 한 병or물 한 잔is more precise, the use of개is not uncommon in informal settings. 맥주 세 개 주문했어.(maekju se gae jumunhaesseo.) – I ordered three beers. (Casual, implying three bottles or cans.)콜라 한 개만 줄래?(kolla han gaeman jullae?) – Can you give me one coke? (Casual해체request between friends.)
개 is not universally applicable. It is strictly for inanimate objects. Using 개 for people or animals is grammatically incorrect, highly inappropriate, and can be offensive.명/분 for people, 마리 for animals) must be used instead. The domain of 개 encompasses the vast category of non-living, countable items, making its widespread use in daily transactions and conversations a key element for A1 learners.Common Mistakes
개. Recognizing these typical pitfalls and understanding why they are errors will significantly accelerate your progress toward natural and accurate Korean expression. These are not merely grammatical deviations; they signal a fundamental misunderstanding of Korean counting principles.- 1Using Sino-Korean Numbers with
개: This is arguably the most frequent and jarring error. The counter개strictly requires Native Korean numbers (하나,둘,셋, etc.) for quantities up to 99. Employing Sino-Korean numbers (일,이,삼, etc.) with개in this context is grammatically incorrect and sounds highly unnatural. It reveals a failure to grasp the essential distinction within the dual number system.
- ❌
저는 빵 이 개를 먹었어요.(jeoneun ppang i gaereul meogeosseoyo.) – (Incorrect, uses Sino-Korean이with개.) - ✅
저는 빵 두 개를 먹었어요.(jeoneun ppang du gaereul meogeosseoyo.) – I ate two pieces of bread. (Correct, uses Native Korean두.) - Why it's wrong: Sino-Korean numbers are used for specific contexts (money, dates, measurements, larger numbers). Using them with
개for individual items contradicts the established linguistic pairing and sounds like a literal translation error.
- 1Forgetting the Morphological Shortening of
하나,둘,셋,넷,스물: A significant and common oversight is neglecting to transform하나,둘,셋,넷, and스물into their shortened forms (한,두,세,네,스무) when immediately preceding개. This makes your Korean sound clunky and incorrect, interrupting the natural phonetic flow.
- ❌
콜라 하나 개 있어요.(kolla hana gae isseoyo.) – (Incorrect,하나is not shortened.) - ✅
콜라 한 개 있어요.(kolla han gae isseoyo.) – I have one coke. (Correct,하나becomes한.) - ❌
사과 넷 개 주세요.(sagwa net gae juseyo.) – (Incorrect,넷is not shortened.) - ✅
사과 네 개 주세요.(sagwa ne gae juseyo.) – Please give me four apples. (Correct,넷becomes네.) - Why it's wrong: The shortening is a mandatory phonological assimilation for smoother pronunciation. Omitting it creates a phonetic clash that sounds distinctly foreign to native speakers.
- 1Incorrect Word Order (Noun + Number + Counter): While less prevalent than number-related errors, some learners instinctively place the number-counter unit before the noun, mirroring English structure. Remember, the immutable Korean pattern is Noun + Number + Counter.
- ❌
두 개 커피 마셨어.(du gae keopi masyeosseo.) – (Incorrect, word order reversed.) - ✅
커피 두 개 마셨어.(keopi du gae masyeosseo.) – I drank two coffees. (Correct, Noun + Number + Counter.) - Why it's wrong: Korean typically introduces the main concept (the noun) before specifying its attributes (quantity). Reversing this order disrupts the natural flow of information.
- 1Overgeneralizing
개to People or Animals:개is exclusively for inanimate objects. Applying it to living beings is gravely inappropriate. Using개for people is considered disrespectful and objectifying, while for animals, it's simply nonsensical. Specific counters are mandatory for these categories.
- ❌
학생 다섯 개 있어요.(haksaeng daseot gae isseoyo.) – (Incorrect, treats students as inanimate objects.) - ✅
학생 다섯 명 있어요.(haksaeng daseot myeong isseoyo.) – There are five students. (Correct, uses명for people.) - ❌
강아지 한 개 봤어.(gangaji han gae bwasseo.) – (Incorrect, treats puppy as inanimate object.) - ✅
강아지 한 마리 봤어.(gangaji han mari bwasseo.) – I saw one puppy. (Correct, uses마리for animals.) - Why it's wrong: This error demonstrates a fundamental failure to recognize the categorical nature of Korean counters. Living beings require specialized counters out of respect and grammatical correctness.
- 1Forgetting to Space Between Number and Counter: Though seemingly minor, proper spacing is a grammatical rule in written Korean. There must always be a space between the modified Native Korean number and
개.
- ❌
책두개(Incorrect, no space) - ✅
책 두 개(Correct, with space) - Why it's wrong: While understandable, consistent failure to space correctly marks written Korean as amateurish. It's a fundamental convention of orthography.
개, you can effectively avoid these common pitfalls and develop fluent, natural-sounding Korean counting abilities.Real Conversations
To truly grasp 개, observing its application in authentic Korean conversations is essential. 개 is ubiquitous in daily life, appearing in various contexts from transactional exchanges to casual chats. You will encounter it across different speech levels, including formal polite (합니다체, hamnidache), informal polite (해요체, haeyoche), and casual (해체, haeche). The core Noun + Native Number + 개 structure, along with the necessary number modifications, remains consistent regardless of the formality.
**1. Ordering Food or Drinks (Transactional, 해요체 / 하세요체):
**This is perhaps the most common scenario where 개 is used, particularly in restaurants, cafes, or convenience stores.
- Scenario: You are at a cafe and want two pieces of cake and one coffee.
- You: 케이크 두 개 하고 커피 한 개 주세요. (keikeu du gae hago keopi han gae juseyo.) – "Two pieces of cake and one coffee, please." (Notice 두 for two and 한 for one.)
- Server: 네, 케이크 두 개랑 커피 한 개 맞으시죠? (ne, keikeu du gaerang keopi han gae majeusi jyo?) – "Yes, two cakes and one coffee, correct?"
- Scenario: Buying snacks at a convenience store.
- You: 과자 세 개랑 주스 한 개 계산해주세요. (gwaja se gaerang juseu han gae gyesanhaejuseyo.) – "Please ring up three snacks and one juice." (세 for three, 한 for one.)
**2. Shopping for Goods (Transactional, 해요체 / 을게요):
**When purchasing items, especially smaller consumer goods, 개 is consistently used.
- Scenario: At a clothing store, you decide to buy two shirts.
- You: 셔츠 두 개 살게요. (syeocheu du gae salgeyo.) – "I'll buy two shirts." (두 for two.)
- Scenario: Asking about the quantity of an item in a store.
- You: 이거 아직 몇 개 남았어요? (igeo ajik myeot gae namasseoyo?) – "How many of these are still left?" (몇 개 translates to "how many [items]")
**3. Casual Conversation Among Friends (해체):
**In informal settings, 개 maintains its function, often appearing in abbreviated or less formal sentence structures.
- Scenario: Your friend asks how many pieces of candy you have.
- Friend: 사탕 몇 개 있어? (satang myeot gae isseo?) – "How many candies do you have?"
- You: 다섯 개 있어. (daseot gae isseo.) – "I have five." (No modification for 다섯.)
- Scenario: Discussing an upcoming task with a friend.
- You: 숙제 세 개 남았어. (sukje se gae namasseo.) – "I have three assignments left." (세 for three.)
**4. Texting/Messaging (Informal):
**In digital communication, 개 is frequently used for brevity and clarity, especially when making plans or confirming quantities.
- 콜라 두 개 사 올게. (kolla du gae sa olge.) – "I'll buy two cokes and bring them." (Here, 개 refers to individual cans or bottles, using it as a general unit.)
- 내일까지 파일 세 개 보내야 돼. (naeilkkaji pail se gae bonaeya dwae.) – "I have to send three files by tomorrow." (세 for three.)
These examples clearly demonstrate that 개 is not confined to textbook exercises; it is a fundamental and active part of daily Korean communication. Its correct application signifies a foundational understanding of numerical expression in the language.
Quick FAQ
개 and Korean counting in general, addressing common points of confusion for A1 learners.- Q: Can I use
개for absolutely everything inanimate if I'm unsure or forget a specific counter? - A: For most small, discrete inanimate objects,
개is highly versatile and generally acceptable. Native speakers frequently default to개in casual speech, especially when a precise counter isn't immediately recalled or deemed necessary. However, for people (명/분) or animals (마리), using개is strictly incorrect and highly inappropriate, potentially even offensive. For larger, more complex items such as vehicles (대,daefor cars,척,cheokfor ships) or machinery, while개might be understood, using the specific counter is more precise and natural. For instance,자동차 한 개(jadongcha han gae) could imply a toy car, whereas자동차 한 대(jadongcha han dae) unambiguously refers to a real vehicle. Always prioritize specific counters when you know them, but leverage개as your reliable general counter for generic "things."
- Q: What about numbers over 99? Do I still use Native Korean numbers with
개? - A: Generally, no. While Native Korean numbers technically extend up to 99, for quantities of 100 and above, Koreans almost exclusively transition to Sino-Korean numbers even when counting objects. This pragmatic shift occurs because Native Korean numbers become increasingly long and cumbersome for larger quantities (e.g., "ninety-nine" is
아흔아홉,aheunahop). In contrast, Sino-Korean numbers offer concise terms for powers of ten (백,baekfor 100;천,cheonfor 1,000;만,manfor 10,000). Therefore, you would say사과 백 개(sagwa baek gae) for "one hundred apples," combining a Sino-Korean number with개. You would not say사과 온 개(using the rarely used Native Korean온for 100). The pattern for larger quantities becomesSino-Korean Number + 개, demonstrating a practical linguistic adaptation.
- Q: Is there a fundamental difference between
한 개and하나? When should I use each? - A: Yes, there is a crucial and distinct difference in their grammatical function and usage.
하나(hana) is the base, unmodified Native Korean cardinal number "one." You use하나when stating the number in isolation (e.g., counting aloud: "하나, 둘, 셋..."), or when it functions as a standalone noun meaning "one thing" or "a single item" without explicitly counting another noun. For example,하나만 주세요.(hanaman juseyo.) – "Please give me just one." In contrast,한 개(han gae) specifically refers to the number "one" when it is actively quantifying an object using the counter개. Here,하나undergoes its mandatory morphological shortening to한before개. You use한 개when you are counting a specific object (e.g.,책 한 개,chaek han gae– "one book"). They are not interchangeable in counting contexts;한 개is a numerical unit, while하나is simply the number itself or an unspecified single entity.
- Q: Does the spacing matter? Should I write
한개or한 개? - A: Yes, spacing is grammatically significant in Korean orthography. Korean grammar rules mandate a space between the modified Native Korean number and its counter. Therefore, you must always write
한 개,두 개,세 개, etc., with a clear space. While한개might be understood in informal contexts, it is considered grammatically incorrect in written Korean and should be avoided to maintain proper linguistic standards. Consistent correct spacing is a hallmark of proficient written Korean.
- Q: Can using
개ever be considered rude or less respectful? - A: Using
개for its intended purpose—quantifying inanimate objects—is entirely neutral and not inherently rude. However, its perceived formality or respectfulness can vary subtly based on the context and the inherent value or status of the item being counted. For example, if a prestigious item (like an expensive piece of art) has a more specific, albeit less common, counter, using개might make the item sound somewhat less significant or more casual. Consider자동차 한 개(jadongcha han gae) versus자동차 한 대(jadongcha han dae). While the former is understandable,한 대sounds more appropriate for a real car, whereas한 개might evoke the image of a toy. The key is to match the counter's specificity and common usage to the context and nature of the object to convey the appropriate nuance. For people or animals, as previously stated, using개is always inappropriate and disrespectful.
Native Number + 개 Formation
| Number | Base Form | With Counter | English |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
하나
|
한 개
|
One
|
|
2
|
둘
|
두 개
|
Two
|
|
3
|
셋
|
세 개
|
Three
|
|
4
|
넷
|
네 개
|
Four
|
|
5
|
다섯
|
다섯 개
|
Five
|
|
10
|
열
|
열 개
|
Ten
|
|
20
|
스물
|
스무 개
|
Twenty
|
Meanings
The counter '개' is the universal tool for counting inanimate objects, abstract concepts, or items that don't have a specific specialized counter.
Inanimate objects
Used for physical items like pens, apples, or chairs.
“펜 한 개”
“의자 네 개”
Abstract items
Used for ideas or non-physical things.
“생각 한 개”
“문제 두 개”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
Noun + Number + 개
|
사과 한 개
|
|
Negative
|
Noun + Number + 개 + 안/못
|
사과 한 개 안 먹어
|
|
Question
|
Noun + 몇 개 + Verb?
|
사과 몇 개 있어요?
|
|
Short Answer
|
Number + 개
|
세 개요
|
|
Counting
|
Noun + Number + 개 + 씩
|
사과 한 개씩
|
|
Emphasis
|
Noun + Number + 개 + 도
|
한 개도 없어요
|
Formality Spectrum
사과 두 개가 있습니다. (General statement)
사과 두 개 있어요. (General statement)
사과 두 개 있어. (General statement)
사과 두 개임. (General statement)
The '개' Universe
Fruit
- 사과 apple
Stationery
- 펜 pen
Abstract
- 이유 reason
Examples by Level
사과 한 개 주세요.
Please give me one apple.
펜 두 개 있어요.
I have two pens.
이거 세 개 주세요.
Please give me three of these.
책 네 개 있어요.
I have four books.
몇 개 필요해요?
How many do you need?
다섯 개만 주세요.
Please give me only five.
스무 개가 너무 많아요.
Twenty is too many.
열 개를 샀어요.
I bought ten.
문제가 세 개 남았어요.
There are three problems left.
이유가 두 개 있어요.
There are two reasons.
열두 개를 준비해야 해요.
I need to prepare twelve.
서른 개가 넘어요.
It exceeds thirty.
이 기계는 부품이 열 개 필요합니다.
This machine requires ten parts.
상품을 다섯 개씩 포장하세요.
Pack the products five by five.
그 계획에는 단점이 몇 개 있어요.
That plan has a few drawbacks.
한 개도 안 남았어요.
Not even one is left.
그의 논리에는 허점이 한두 개가 아닙니다.
There is more than one flaw in his logic.
수백 개의 별이 보입니다.
Hundreds of stars are visible.
수천 개의 의견이 접수되었습니다.
Thousands of opinions have been received.
개별적으로 한 개씩 확인하세요.
Check them one by one individually.
수만 개의 데이터 포인트가 분석되었습니다.
Tens of thousands of data points were analyzed.
그는 수십 개의 프로젝트를 동시에 진행합니다.
He manages dozens of projects simultaneously.
한 개를 얻으면 한 개를 잃는 법이죠.
You win one, you lose one.
무수히 많은 개개의 사례가 존재합니다.
Countless individual cases exist.
Easily Confused
Learners use '개' for people.
Learners use '개' for animals.
Learners use '개' for books.
Common Mistakes
일 개
한 개
사람 한 개
사람 한 명
개 한 개
개 한 마리
한개
한 개
하나 개
한 개
둘 개
두 개
셋 개
세 개
책을 한 개 샀어요
책을 한 권 샀어요
커피를 한 개 주세요
커피를 한 잔 주세요
자동차 두 개
자동차 두 대
집을 세 개 지었어요
집을 세 채 지었어요
꽃을 다섯 개 샀어요
꽃을 다섯 송이 샀어요
종이를 열 개 주세요
종이를 열 장 주세요
Sentence Patterns
저는 ___ ___ 개 있어요.
___ ___ 개 주세요.
___가 ___ 개 필요해요.
이것은 ___ 개가 아니에요.
Real World Usage
김밥 두 개 주세요.
이거 한 개 얼마예요?
사과 3개 삼.
제 강점은 세 개가 있습니다.
티켓 두 개 필요해요.
수량: 2개
Number Changes
People and Animals
When in Doubt
Politeness
Smart Tips
Always say the number + 개 + 주세요.
Remember the 1, 2, 3, 4 rule.
Use '개' for abstract problems.
Use '개' for each item in a list.
Pronunciation
Linking
When '개' follows a consonant, the sound links.
Rising
몇 개? ↗
Questioning quantity
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of '개' as 'Gae-t it' (Get it). If you want to 'get' an item, you need to count it with '개'!
Visual Association
Imagine a giant 'G' shaped magnet (for Gae) picking up random objects like apples, pens, and books. The magnet only works on things that aren't alive.
Rhyme
One is Han, two is Du, add a Gae, it's good for you!
Story
Min-su goes to the store. He sees one apple (사과 한 개). He sees two pens (펜 두 개). He asks the clerk, 'How many?' (몇 개?). The clerk smiles and says, 'Three!' (세 개).
Word Web
Challenge
Look around your room right now. Count 5 items using the 'Noun + Number + 개' pattern out loud.
Cultural Notes
Using the correct counter is a sign of education and respect for the language.
The counter '개' comes from the Hanja '個'.
Conversation Starters
가방에 뭐가 있어요?
사과 좋아해요?
오늘 쇼핑했어요?
한국어 공부가 어려워요?
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
사과 ___ 개
사람 세 ___
Find and fix the mistake:
책 두 개 있어요.
Arrange the words in the correct order:
All words placed
Click words above to build the sentence
Three pens.
Answer starts with: 펜 세...
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
스물 개 -> ___ 개
이유가 ___ 개 있어요.
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercises사과 ___ 개
사람 세 ___
Find and fix the mistake:
책 두 개 있어요.
개 / 주세요 / 두 / 사과
Three pens.
사과, 사람, 고양이
스물 개 -> ___ 개
이유가 ___ 개 있어요.
Score: /8
Practice Bank
10 exercises모자 ___ 샀어요. (I bought one hat.)
의자 ___ 필요해요. (I need four chairs.)
Select the correct phrase:
Select the correct phrase:
두 개 빵 주세요.
오렌지 육 개 주세요.
Match the number to the phrase:
이거 ___ 주세요. (Please give me three of these.)
Select the correct phrase:
가방 셋 개 있어요.
Score: /10
FAQ (8)
Almost everything inanimate. Do not use it for people or animals.
It's a rule for native Korean numbers when followed by a counter.
It is neutral. It works in almost all situations.
People will understand you, but it might sound unnatural.
Not really. '개' is the only one used this broadly.
Yes, always write '한 개', not '한개'.
No, always use native Korean numbers.
Yes, '개' works for abstract concepts like reasons or problems.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
ko (個)
Japanese has more specific counters for different shapes.
gè (个)
Chinese 'gè' is even more universal than Korean '개'.
Stück
German doesn't require a counter for every noun.
pièce
French grammar is not based on classifiers.
unidad
Spanish lacks the mandatory classifier structure.
qit'a
Arabic has a complex gender and number system.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Related Grammar Rules
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