One of the first things that trips up Korean learners: you learn the numbers μΌ, μ΄, μΌ (1, 2, 3) β and then someone asks your age and suddenly those numbers are completely wrong. That's because Korean has two separate number systems, and knowing which one to use is essential for sounding natural.
The Two Systems at a Glance
Sino-Korean π¨π³
il
i
sam
sa
o
sip
baek
cheon
Native Korean π°π·
hana
dul
set
net
daseot
yeol
seumul
seoreun
When to Use Each System
| Situation | System | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Dates & months | Sino-Korean | μΌμ (March = 3rd month) |
| Money & prices | Sino-Korean | μ€μ² μ (5,000 won) |
| Phone numbers | Sino-Korean | 곡-μΌ-곡... |
| Floor numbers | Sino-Korean | μΌ μΈ΅ (3rd floor) |
| Age (formal) | Sino-Korean | μ΄μμ€ μΈ (25 years old) |
| Age (casual) | Native Korean | μ€λ¬Όλ€μ― μ΄ (25 years old) |
| Counting objects | Native Korean | μ¬κ³Ό λ κ° (2 apples) |
| Hours of time | Native Korean | λ μ (2 o'clock) |
| Minutes of time | Sino-Korean | μΌμ λΆ (30 minutes) |
| People in a group | Native Korean | μΈ λͺ (3 people) |
β° Classic example: "It's 2:30" in Korean = λ μ (native: 2 o'clock) μΌμ λΆ (Sino: 30 minutes). Two systems in one sentence!
Why Does Korean Have Two Systems?
Sino-Korean numbers came from Chinese (via Classical Chinese influence) over a thousand years ago, similar to how English borrowed Latin and French words. Native Korean numbers are the original Korean counting system.
Over time, both systems stuck β but they naturally divided into different roles. Sino-Korean became dominant for larger numbers and formal contexts, while native Korean stayed for everyday counting of things and people.
The One Rule That Trips Everyone Up
Native Korean numbers 1β4 change form when followed by a counter word:
- νλ (one) β ν κ° (one thing)
- λ (two) β λ λͺ (two people)
- μ (three) β μΈ μ (three cups)
- λ· (four) β λ€ μ (four o'clock)
This is one of the trickiest parts of Korean numbers β but once you see the pattern, it clicks fast.
The Easy Shortcut for Beginners
If you're just starting out, learn Sino-Korean first (μΌ, μ΄, μΌ...) β it covers money, dates, and phone numbers, which you'll use constantly as a traveler or beginner. Then gradually add native Korean numbers as you get comfortable.
Practice Korean Numbers + 90 More Words π’
Our 100 Korean Words guide covers numbers, greetings, food, travel and more β with example sentences and practice questions.
Get the Guide on Gumroad β