[Learn Korean Day 4] How to Count in Korean: Native Numbers & Essential Counters
- Lee Serene
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
[Learn Korean Day 4] How to Count in Korean: Native Numbers & Essential Counters
Hello, Korean learners! Welcome to Day 4 with Instructor Soona.
In Day 3, we learned the "Sino-Korean" numbers (일, 이, 삼) to talk about money and prices. But what if you want to say "two apples" or "three cups of coffee"?
If you use Sino-Korean numbers and say "커피 삼(3) 주세요", a Korean barista will understand you, but it sounds very unnatural. To count physical objects, people, and your age, you must use the Native Korean number system.
Today, we will learn these Native numbers and the magic words called "Counters" to help you order exactly what you want!
1. Native Korean Numbers 1 to 10
Read these out loud slowly.
1. 하나 [ha-na] - One
2. 둘 [dul] - Two
3. 셋 [set] - Three
4. 넷 [net] - Four
5. 다섯 [da-seot] - Five
6. 여섯 [yeo-seot] - Six
7. 일곱 [il-gop] - Seven
8. 여덟 [yeo-deol] - Eight
(Note: The 'b' sound in 여덟 is silent! Pronounce it as [yeo-deol].)
9. 아홉 [a-hop] - Nine
10. 열 [yeol] - Ten
2. The Golden Rule of Counting: The "Counters"
In English, you can simply say "Two coffees" or "Three people." In Korean, you must use a specific measuring word called a Counter (단위 명사) depending on what you are counting.
Here are the top 5 most essential counters you need to survive in Korea:
11. 개 [gae] - For general items (apples, bags, chairs, etc.)
12. 명 [myeong] - For people
13. 잔 [jan] - For cups or glasses (coffee, water, tea)
14. 병 [byeong] - For bottles (beer, soda)
15. 마리 [ma-ri] - For animals (dogs, cats, birds)
3. How to Order: Noun + Number + Counter
Here is where the magic happens. When you combine a Native Korean number (1, 2, 3, 4) with a counter, the number changes its shape slightly to sound more natural!
하나 (1) + 개 = 한 개 [han gae]
둘 (2) + 개 = 두 개 [du gae]
셋 (3) + 개 = 세 개 [se gae]
넷 (4) + 개 = 네 개 [ne gae]
(Numbers from 5 and above do not change: 다섯 개, 여섯 개)
Let's practice making real sentences using the magic word 주세요 (Please give me):
사과 한 개 주세요. (Please give me one apple.)
아메리카노 두 잔 주세요. (Please give me two cups of Americano.)
맥주 세 병 주세요. (Please give me three bottles of beer.)
저희 네 명이에요. (We are four people. - Use this when entering a restaurant!)
4. Soona's Culture Tip: Counting Your Age
We learned that Sino-Korean numbers are for money, and Native Korean numbers are for counting items. There is one more very important use for Native Korean numbers: Your Age!
When a Korean person asks your age, you must use Native numbers with the age counter 살 [sal].
For example, if you are 20 years old (스물), you say:
"저는 스무 살이에요." (I am twenty years old.)
Don't worry if learning two number systems feels overwhelming right now. Once you practice ordering your favorite coffee a few times, "한 잔" and "두 잔" will come out of your mouth automatically!
5. Mini Pop Quiz!
Let’s test your memory!
Q1. You are at a cafe and want to order two cups of coffee.
What is the correct way to say "Two cups"?
A) 커피 이 잔 B) 커피 둘 잔 C) 커피 두 잔
Q2. You go to a restaurant with your two friends (Total: 3 people).
How do you say "Three people"?
A) 세 명 B) 셋 명 C) 삼 명
(Answers at the bottom of the page!)
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Quiz Answers: Q1 (C - 하나/둘/셋/넷 change to 한/두/세/네 before a counter), Q2 (A - 셋 becomes 세)
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