Understanding Sino-Korean numbers is crucial for mastering the Korean language. Korean uses two distinct number systems: Sino-Korean and Native Korean. This guide will help you understand when and how to use each system, with practical examples and clear explanations.
Understanding the Two Pillars: Sino-Korean vs. Native Korean Numbers
Korean employs two primary number systems: Sino-Korean and Native Korean. Sino-Korean numbers are derived from Chinese characters and are used for formal, abstract, or large quantities. Native Korean numbers, on the other hand, are used for counting people, age, and everyday objects.
Sino-Korean Numbers
| Sino-Korean | Native Korean | English |
|---|---|---|
| 일 (il) | 하나 (hana) | one |
| 이 (i) | 둘 (dul) | two |
| 삼 (sam) | 셋 (set) | three |
| 사 (sa) | 네 (ne) | four |
| 오 (o) | 다섯 (daseot) | five |
| 육 (yuk) | 여섯 (yeoseot) | six |
| 칠 (chil) | 일곱 (ilgop) | seven |
| 팔 (pal) | 여덟 (yeodeol) | eight |
| 구 (gu) | 아홉 (ahop) | nine |
| 십 (sip) | 열 (yeol) | ten |
Native Korean Numbers
| Sino-Korean | Native Korean | English |
|---|---|---|
| 일 (il) | 하나 (hana) | one |
| 이 (i) | 둘 (dul) | two |
| 삼 (sam) | 셋 (set) | three |
| 사 (sa) | 네 (ne) | four |
| 오 (o) | 다섯 (daseot) | five |
| 육 (yuk) | 여섯 (yeoseot) | six |
| 칠 (chil) | 일곱 (ilgop) | seven |
| 팔 (pal) | 여덟 (yeodeol) | eight |
| 구 (gu) | 아홉 (ahop) | nine |
| 십 (sip) | 열 (yeol) | ten |
When to Use Sino-Korean Numbers (For Formal/Abstract Concepts)
Sino-Korean numbers are used in formal contexts, such as dates, money, phone numbers, and large quantities. For example:
- Dates: 2026년 10월 5일 (2026년 10월 오일) - October 5, 2026
- Money: 50,000원 (오만 원) - 50,000 won
- Phone Numbers: 010-1234-5678 (영일영-일이삼사-오육칠팔) - 010-1234-5678
Pronunciation Guide
- 일 (il) - like the English word 'eel'
- 이 (i) - like the English word 'ee'
- 삼 (sam) - like the English word 'sam'
- 사 (sa) - like the English word 'sah'
- 오 (o) - like the English word 'oh'
- 육 (yuk) - like the English word 'yook'
- 칠 (chil) - like the English word 'cheel'
- 팔 (pal) - like the English word 'pal'
- 구 (gu) - like the English word 'goo'
- 십 (sip) - like the English word 'ship'
When to Use Native Korean Numbers (For Counting People and Age)
Native Korean numbers are used for counting people, age, and everyday objects. For example:
- Counting People: 세 명 (set myeong) - three people
- Age: 스무 살 (seomu sal) - twenty years old
- Everyday Objects: 다섯 개 (daseot gae) - five items
Pronunciation Guide
- 하나 (hana) - like the English word 'ha-na'
- 둘 (dul) - like the English word 'dul'
- 셋 (set) - like the English word 'set'
- 네 (ne) - like the English word 'neh'
- 다섯 (daseot) - like the English word 'da-seot'
- 여섯 (yeoseot) - like the English word 'yeo-seot'
- 일곱 (ilgop) - like the English word 'il-gop'
- 여덟 (yeodeol) - like the English word 'yeo-deol'
- 아홉 (ahop) - like the English word 'a-hop'
- 열 (yeol) - like the English word 'yeol'
Learn Languages with YouTube
Watch videos in your target language, auto-capture words into flashcards, and track your progress — all in one place.
See How It Works →Mastering Large Numbers: Counting Money and Beyond
Forming Large Numbers
- 100: 백 (baek) - 100
- 1,000: 천 (cheon) - 1,000
- 10,000: 만 (man) - 10,000
- 100,000: 십만 (sipman) - 100,000
- 1,000,000: 백만 (baekman) - 1,000,000
Practical Application Scenarios
Counting Money
When counting money, use Sino-Korean numbers. For example:
- 50,000원 (오만 원) - 50,000 won
- 100,000원 (백만 원) - 100,000 won
- 500,000원 (오백만 원) - 500,000 won
Reading Phone Numbers
When reading phone numbers, use Sino-Korean numbers. For example:
- 010-1234-5678 (영일영-일이삼사-오육칠팔)
Dates
When reading dates, use Sino-Korean numbers. For example:
- 2026년 10월 5일 (2026년 10월 오일) - October 5, 2026
Mini Drill: Practice Reading Numbers
-
Read the following numbers aloud using the correct system:
- 3 (삼)
- 7 (칠)
- 15 (십오)
- 20 (이십)
- 50 (오십)
- 100 (백)
- 1,000 (천)
- 10,000 (만)
- 100,000 (십만)
- 1,000,000 (백만)
-
Translate the following into Korean using the correct number system:
- 5 people
- 20 years old
- 50,000 won
- October 15, 2026
- Phone number: 010-9876-5432
Checklist for Mastering Sino-Korean Numbers
- Understand the difference between Sino-Korean and Native Korean numbers
- Know when to use each system
- Practice pronunciation of key numbers
- Form large numbers correctly
- Apply the systems in real-world scenarios (money, dates, phone numbers)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Mixing Systems: Avoid using Native Korean numbers for formal contexts and vice versa.
- Incorrect Pronunciation: Practice the pronunciation of key numbers to avoid misunderstandings.
- Ignoring Context: Always consider the context when choosing which number system to use.
By following this guide, you'll be well on your way to mastering Sino-Korean numbers and navigating the Korean language with confidence.
FAQ
Why does Korean have two number systems?
Korean has two number systems due to its historical influence from Chinese. Sino-Korean numbers are derived from Chinese characters and are used for formal, abstract, or large quantities, while Native Korean numbers are used for counting people, age, and everyday objects.
When should I use Sino-Korean numbers?
Use Sino-Korean numbers for formal contexts such as dates, money, phone numbers, and large quantities. For example, when reading dates like 2026년 10월 5일 (2026년 10월 오일) or counting money like 50,000원 (오만 원).
When should I use Native Korean numbers?
Use Native Korean numbers for counting people, age, and everyday objects. For example, when counting people like 세 명 (set myeong) or stating age like 스무 살 (seomu sal).
How do I form large numbers in Korean?
To form large numbers in Korean, use the following units: 100 (백), 1,000 (천), 10,000 (만), 100,000 (십만), and 1,000,000 (백만). For example, 50,000 is 오만 (o-man) and 1,000,000 is 백만 (baek-man).
Related phrases
Start with Metheus
Watch videos in your target language, auto-capture words into flashcards, and track your progress — all in one place.
Get Started →
