Practical Guide: How to Say and Write Numbers in Korean

The Korean language has two numeral systems: the native Korean system and the Sino-Korean system. Both systems are used in different situations and contexts. Native Korean numerals are used to express quantities, age, or to count objects, while Sino-Korean numerals are used in more formal situations such as dates, money, and phone numbers. In this practical guide, you'll learn how to say and write numbers in Korean in both systems, so you can easily navigate any situation that requires the use of numbers.

Below, you will find a list of numbers in Korean with their respective translation into Spanish and their phonetics. Pay attention to the patterns and differences between the two number systems.

korean native system

In the native Korean system, numbers are represented by specific words that are unique to this language. Here you will find the first ten numbers and their equivalents in Spanish:

• 일 (il) – one
• 이 (i) – two
• 삼 (sam) – three
• 사 (sa) – four
• 오 (o) – five
• 육 (yuk) – six
• 칠 (chil) – seven
• 팔 (pal) – eight
• 구 (gu) – nine
• 십 (yep) – ten

To form numbers greater than ten, the words from the previous list are combined logically. For example, to express the number 23 in native Korean, one would say "i-sip-sam", which literally means two-ten-three. Here are some examples to explain this process.

• 십일 (sip-il) – eleven
• 십이 (sip-i) – twelve
• 이십 (i-sip) – twenty
• 오십 (o-yep) – fifty

Sino-Korean system

The Sino-Korean system is based on Chinese numbering and has some similarities to the characters used in that language. Below, we list the first ten numbers in the Sino-Korean system and their Spanish equivalents:

• 일 (il) – one
• 이 (i) – two
• 삼 (sam) – three
• 사 (sa) – four
• 오 (o) – five
• 육 (yuk), 륙 (ryuk) – six
• 칠 (chil) – seven
• 팔 (pal) – eight
• 구 (gu) – nine
• 십 (yep) – ten

In the Sino-Korean system, to form numbers greater than ten the same rules are followed as in the native Korean system. However, in multiples of ten, the pattern changes. For example, the number thirty is said "sam-sip" instead of "sam-sip-il." After 99, the numbers continue to follow the Chinese system, using 백 (baek) for one hundred and 천 (cheon) for one thousand.

• 십일 (sip-il) – eleven
• 삼십 (sam-sip) – thirty
• 오십 (o-yep) – fifty
• 백 (baek) – hundred
• 천 (cheon) – thousand

Counting objects and people

In Korean, different words are used to count objects and people. When counting objects, the native Korean system is often used and specific suffixes are added to indicate the type of object being counted. On the other hand, the Sino-Korean system is used to count people.

To count objects, you need to use the basic form of numbers (1 through 99) and an appropriate suffix or counter for the object you are counting. Here is a list of some common counters in Korean:

• -개 (gae): general counter for items
• -병 (byeong): counter for bottles
• -장 (jang): counter for papers or letters
• -마리 (mari): counter for small animals

To count people, the Sino-Korean system is used and the suffix 명 (myeong) is added to indicate that people are being counted. For example, 삼십명 (sam-sip-myeong) means thirty people.

Ordinal numbers

Ordinal numbers in Korean are formed by adding the suffix 번째 (beonjjae) after the number. In the case of the numbers 1, 2 and 3, the ordinal numbers have an irregular shape:

• 첫째 (cheotjjae) – first
• 둘째 (duljjae) – second
• 셋째 (setjjae) – third

For ordinal numbers from 4 onwards, the Sino-Korean system is used followed by the suffix 번째 (beonjjae). For example, 네 번째 (ne beonjjae) means “fourth” and 다섯 번째 (daseot beonjjae) means “fifth.”

Review and practical use

Mastering numbers in Korean can seem challenging due to the existence of two numbering systems and the various rules for counting objects and people. However, with practice and becoming familiar with the patterns presented in this guide, you will be able to handle numbers in Korean with confidence and use them in everyday situations.

Remember that the native Korean system is mainly used to count objects and express quantities, while the Sino-Korean system has application in formal contexts such as dates, phone numbers, and money. Also, keep in mind that when counting objects and people, specific counters or suffixes are required. Finally, don't forget that ordinal numbers are also present in the Korean language and follow certain formation rules.

By following this guide and practicing regularly, you will be able to master Korean numbers and use them accurately in your daily conversations and activities. Good luck and enjoy learning Korean!