Korean Numbers: Native vs Sino
Korean is one of the few languages that uses two completely separate number systems in daily life. Native Korean numbers and Sino-Korean numbers each have specific situations where they are required, and mixing them up sounds immediately wrong to native speakers. This guide breaks down both systems and explains exactly when to use each one.
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Sino-Korean Numbers (일, 이, 삼...)
Sino-Korean numbers are borrowed from Chinese and follow a perfectly logical base-10 pattern. They are used for dates, money, phone numbers, addresses, minutes, seconds, and math.
Sino-Korean compound numbers work just like Chinese: 11 = 십일 (ship-il, ten-one), 23 = 이십삼 (i-ship-sahm, two-ten-three), 45 = 사십오 (sa-ship-oh, four-ten-five). The pattern is completely regular with no exceptions.
Native Korean Numbers (하나, 둘, 셋...)
Native Korean numbers are the original counting words of the Korean language. They are used for counting objects (with counters), telling hours, and stating your age. These numbers only go up to 99 in practical use.
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Shortened Forms Before Counters
When native Korean numbers appear directly before a counter word, some of them change form. This is one of the trickiest parts of the system for learners.
A quick example: "three bottles" is 세 병 (se byeong), not 셋 병. "Two people" is 두 명 (du myeong), not 둘 명. The shortened form always comes before the counter.
When to Use Which System
Here is a clear breakdown of which number system to use in common situations:
- Sino-Korean: Dates (삼월 십오일, March 15), money (오천 원, 5,000 won), phone numbers, minutes/seconds, floor numbers, math
- Native Korean: Counting objects with counters (사과 세 개, three apples), hours (두 시, 2 o'clock), age (스물다섯 살, 25 years old)
Telling Time: Both Systems Together
Korean time is a perfect example of both systems working together. Hours use native Korean numbers while minutes use Sino-Korean numbers:
- 두 시 삼십 분 (du si samship bun) — 2:30 (native "two" + Sino "thirty minutes")
- 열한 시 오십오 분 (yulhan si oship-o bun) — 11:55
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between native Korean and Sino-Korean numbers?
Korean has two complete number systems. Native Korean numbers (하나, 둘, 셋...) come from the original Korean language and are used for counting objects, telling age, and hours. Sino-Korean numbers (일, 이, 삼...) were borrowed from Chinese and are used for dates, money, phone numbers, minutes, and math.
Which Korean number system should I learn first?
Learn Sino-Korean numbers first if you are a practical learner — they cover dates, money, addresses, and phone numbers, which you need immediately for daily life. However, both systems are essential. Native Korean numbers are used for counting things and telling your age, which also comes up constantly.
Why do native Korean numbers change form before counters?
The numbers 하나 (1), 둘 (2), 셋 (3), 넷 (4), and 스물 (20) shorten to 한, 두, 세, 네, and 스무 when placed before a counter word. This is simply a grammatical rule that makes speech flow more smoothly. For example, you say 한 개 (han gae, one thing), not 하나 개.
How do you say your age in Korean?
Age uses native Korean numbers with the counter 살 (sal). For example, 스물다섯 살 (seumul-daseot sal) means "25 years old." However, in very formal contexts or on documents, Sino-Korean numbers may be used with 세 (se) instead: 이십오 세 (isibo se).
Do native Korean numbers go beyond 99?
Native Korean numbers technically exist up to 99, but in modern Korean, they are rarely used beyond about 50 in everyday speech. For larger numbers, Sino-Korean numbers are always used. Even for numbers in the 30-49 range, Sino-Korean is becoming more common in casual speech.