The Korean language is a fascinating example of a dual language system, where both native Korean numbers (referred to as pure Korean numbers) and Sino-Korean numbers (derived from Chinese characters) coexist, enriching the linguistic landscape. Here’s a closer look at how these two systems, particularly Korean numbers, are used across different contexts
Sino/ Native
일/ 하나
이/ 둘
삼/ 셋
사/ 넷
오/ 다섯
Korean Numbers, Indicating Quantity
When Koreans express large quantities or specific numerical values, Sino-Korean numbers are typically used. For example:
100 pieces: 백 개
1000 pieces: 천 개
For smaller or less formal quantities, native Korean numbers are often preferred:
Ten pieces: 열 개
Hundred pieces: 백 개
Thousand pieces: 천 개
Indicating Order
When expressing order in sequences, especially in formal contexts like competitions or rankings, Sino-Korean numbers are common:
1st place: 일 등
2nd place: 이 등
3rd place: 삼 등
For more conversational or informal contexts, native Korean numbers are used:
First: 첫 번째 or 첫째
Second: 두 번째 or 둘째
Third: 세 번째 or 셋째
Indicating Time
Native Korean Numbers: In more descriptive or informal settings, native Korean numbers might be used:
Ten in the morning: 아침 열 시
Two in the afternoon: 오후 두 시
Sino-Korean Numbers: When you say minutes Sino- Korean Numbers are used
at 2: 30 – 두시 삼십분
at 4: 45 – 네시 사십오분
Indicating Date
Sino-Korean Numbers: Dates are almost exclusively expressed using Sino-Korean numbers:
January 1, 2023: 2023년 1월 1일 : 이천이십삼년 일월 일일 (Sino-Korean numbers)
Indicating Amount
Sino-Korean Numbers: Monetary values are also expressed using Sino-Korean numbers:
10,000 won: 만 원
100,000 won: 십만 원
Counting Age and People
Age: examples of how to count age from 1 year old to 30 years old using native Korean numbers
11 years old: 열한 살
12 years old: 열두 살
13 years old: 열세 살
14 years old: 열네 살
15 years old: 열다섯 살
16 years old: 열여섯 살
17 years old: 열일곱 살
18 years old: 열여덟 살
19 years old: 열아홉 살
20 years old: 스무 살
21 years old: 스물한 살
22 years old: 스물두 살
23 years old: 스물세 살
24 years old: 스물네 살
.
.
.
30 years old: 서른 살:
People:
Native Korean Numbers: When counting people, native Korean numbers are always used:
One person: 한 명
Two people: 두 명
Ten people: 열 명
Conclusion
The interplay between Sino-Korean and native Korean numbers showcases the richness and flexibility of the Korean language. Sino-Korean numbers lend precision, especially in formal, numerical, and measurable contexts, while native Korean numbers provide a more familiar, descriptive, and sometimes colloquial flavor. This dual system allows Korean speakers to choose expressions based on context, formality, and cultural nuances, making the language both complex and versatile.
Moreover, native Korean numbers play a significant role in various everyday situations, such as counting age, people, and time, maintaining the identity and unique rhythm of the Korean language. Whether it’s indicating quantities, orders, or times, the coexistence of these two linguistic systems, with a focus on Korean numbers, highlights the depth and beauty of Korean, allowing it to adapt to different contexts while preserving its rich heritage.
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