#12. Korean Numbers Explained: Native Korean Numbers

In our previous lesson, we learned the Sino-Korean system. Now, let’s master the Native Korean Numbers. These are used for "physical" counting—things you can touch, see, or experience in the moment, such as objects, people, and even your age.

The Native Korean system only goes up to 99. For 100 and above, Koreans switch back to the Sino-Korean system (Baek, Cheon, Man). Let's learn the basic building blocks first.

1. Basic Native Korean Numbers (1 to 10)

Number	Hangeul	Pronunciation
1 / 2	하나 / 둘	hana / dul
3 / 4	셋 / 넷	set / net
5 / 6	다섯 / 여섯	daseot / yeoseot
7 / 8	일곱 / 여덟	ilgop / yeodeol
9 / 10	아홉 / 열	ahop / yeol

2. When to Use Native Korean Numbers?

Think of Native Korean numbers as "counter" numbers. You use them whenever you are physically counting items or talking about traditional units of measurement.

• Age: Counting the years you've lived (e.g., Seumul-sal).
• Time (Hours): Telling the specific hour (e.g., Han-si, Du-si).
• People: Counting friends or guests (e.g., Se-myeong).
• Animals & Objects: 2 dogs (Du-mari), 3 books (Se-gwon).

3. Important: The "Shape-Shifting" Numbers

Adjectival Forms:
When numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, and 20 are placed right before a counter (like gae, myeong, or si), they change their form to make them easier to pronounce:
- Hana → Han (e.g., Han si)
- Dul → Du (e.g., Du gae)
- Set → Se (e.g., Se myeong)
- Net → Ne (e.g., Ne gwon)
- Seumul → Seumu (e.g., Seumu sal)

Pro Tip

The biggest challenge is time! Remember: Hours are Native, Minutes are Sino. For example, 2:30 is "Du-si(Native) Sam-sip-bun(Sino)". Practice this combination often as it is the most common way to use both systems at once!

 

 💡 Useful Link

#07. Korean Alphabet Chart for Beginners (Complete Hangul Chart)
#08. Korean Greetings for Beginners: Formal vs Informal
#09. How to Introduce Yourself in Korean (Step-by-Step)
#10. How to Say Thank You and Sorry in Korean
#11. Korean Numbers Explained: Sino-Korean Numbers