Ever felt a little lost trying to learn numbers in hangul? You’re not alone! The idea of two completely different number systems can feel a bit daunting at first. But don't worry, there's a clear logic to it, and once you get the hang of their specific roles, it all clicks into place. The two systems are Native Korean numbers and Sino-Korean numbers, and they're used for different things—one for tangible counting and the other for more abstract concepts. Learning them is a fun and rewarding journey, and this guide will make it simple.

Why Does Korean Have Two Number Systems?

Have you ever been watching a K-drama and heard a character use one word for "two" when ordering coffees, but a completely different word when talking about the price? You're not imagining it. That’s the dual number system in action, and it’s a fundamental part of the Korean language.

For English speakers, who use a single set of numbers for absolutely everything, this can seem strange. The reason for the split is rooted in history. Korea originally had its own set of numbers, which we now call the "Native" system. Over time, significant cultural exchange with China led to the adoption of another system based on Chinese characters (Hanja). This became the Sino-Korean system.

Two Tools for Different Jobs

Instead of one system replacing the other, they evolved side-by-side, each taking on different roles. The best way to think about it is like having two specialized toolkits. You wouldn't use a hammer to tighten a screw, right? In the same way, Koreans don't use Native numbers to discuss money. This specialization is exactly what makes learning numbers in hangul a logical process, not just a random memory game.

Here's a quick way to frame it:

• Sino-Korean System: This is your go-to for anything abstract or part of an established system. Think dates, money, phone numbers, and measurements.
• Native Korean System: This is what you'll use for counting physical, tangible things you can see or touch. It feels more direct and personal, like counting people, objects, or your age.

The key takeaway is simple: one system is for abstract concepts, and the other is for concrete counting. Grasping this distinction is the first major step toward mastering Korean numbers.

Sino-Korean vs. Native Korean Numbers

Okay, let's dive into one of the most interesting parts of learning Korean numbers. It’s not just about memorizing one set of words; you actually have to learn two completely separate systems. Think of them as two different tools in your language toolkit, and the key is knowing when to use which one.

First, you have the Sino-Korean system (일, 이, 삼…). This system originally came from Chinese characters, and it’s the one you’ll use for more abstract concepts or established, data-like information. It's very logical and makes building large numbers a breeze once you get the hang of it.

Then there's the Native Korean system (하나, 둘, 셋…). These are the original, pure Korean numbers. This system has a more hands-on, tangible feel, which is a great clue for remembering its uses—it’s perfect for counting physical things you can actually see and touch.

The Sino-Korean System: For All Things Data

The Sino-Korean numbers are your go-to for anything that feels like fixed information or data. You'll find yourself using this system every single day for all sorts of things.

Here’s a quick rundown of where Sino-Korean numbers are the only choice:

• Money: When you're talking about prices, like 1,000 won (천 원 - cheon won).
• Dates: Stating the month and day, like October 3rd (시월 삼일 - siwol samil).
• Phone Numbers: Reading out each digit, like 010 (공일공 - gong-il-gong).
• Measurements: For anything from distance to weight, such as 10 kilometres (십 킬로미터 - sip killomiteo).
• Minutes and Seconds: When telling time, for instance, 30 minutes (삼십 분 - samsip bun).

Because this system is so structured, it's also the default for any number over 100, no matter what you happen to be counting.

The Native Korean System: For Counting Real Things

Now for the Native Korean system. This one is all about counting actual, physical objects, people, or even personal things like your age. It connects the numbers directly to the world around you.

You'll need to pull this system out in these specific situations:

• Counting Items: For things you can physically point to, like "two apples" (사과 두 개 - sagwa du gae).
• Counting People: When you're referring to a group, like "three friends" (친구 세 명 - chingu se myeong).
• Age: This is the standard way to say how old you are, for example, "25 years old" (스물다섯 살 - seumuldaseot sal).
• Hours: Specifically for telling the hour of the day, like "one o'clock" (한 시 - han si).

The core difference is this: Sino-Korean is for abstract data (money, dates, phone numbers), while Native Korean is for tangible things (people, objects, age). Nailing this distinction is the secret to using numbers in hangul correctly and sounding natural.

Getting these two mixed up is probably one of the most common tells of a beginner. With the Korean language's incredible global growth—there are now around 81 million native speakers worldwide—mastering these fundamentals will really make you stand out. In 2020 alone, almost 160,000 students enrolled in Korean classes, and you can learn more about this trend from data on Wikipedia about the Korean language.

To make this crystal clear, here’s a quick-glance table to help you keep things straight.

When To Use Each Korean Number System

This little cheat sheet breaks down the most common situations you'll encounter. It's a great reference to come back to whenever you're feeling a bit stuck.

Usage Category	Sino-Korean System (일, 이, 삼...)	Native Korean System (하나, 둘, 셋...)
Money and Prices	✅ Used for all financial contexts	❌ Never used
Dates and Months	✅ Used for year, month, and day	❌ Never used
Phone Numbers	✅ Used for reading digits	❌ Never used
Counting Physical Items	❌ Not used (unless over 100)	✅ Used for all countable objects
Counting People	❌ Not used (unless over 100)	✅ Used for counting individuals
Age	❌ Not used	✅ The standard for expressing age
Telling Time	✅ Used for minutes and seconds	✅ Used for hours only

See that last row? Telling time is the one place where you have to mix and match both systems in the same breath. It's a classic example of why getting comfortable with both is so important.

Mastering Sino-Korean Numbers For Daily Life

Alright, we've covered the "why" behind Korea's two number systems. Now, let's get our hands dirty with the first one: the Sino-Korean system.

Think of these as your go-to numbers for almost anything involving data or specific measurements. From checking a price tag to giving someone your phone number, you'll be using these constantly. They're an absolutely essential part of navigating daily life in Korea.

The best thing about them? They're incredibly logical. Once you learn the numbers from one to ten, you’ve basically got the keys to the entire system up to 99. It's like having just a handful of Lego bricks but being able to build a whole city.

The Building Blocks: One To Ten

First things first, let's lock down the core numbers. These are the foundation for everything else in the Sino-Korean system. If you can memorize these, you're already halfway there.

• 1: 일 (il)
• 2: 이 (i)
• 3: 삼 (sam)
• 4: 사 (sa)
• 5: 오 (o)
• 6: 육 (yuk)
• 7: 칠 (chil)
• 8: 팔 (pal)
• 9: 구 (gu)
• 10: 십 (sip)

With just these ten words, you've unlocked the ability to say any number up to 99. Seriously.

Creating Larger Numbers With Simple Logic

This is where the magic happens. Putting bigger Sino-Korean numbers together is all about simple addition and multiplication. No weird exceptions to memorize here.

To make numbers from 11 to 19, you just take 10 (십) and add the next digit. Think of it as a "ten-plus" formula.

• 11 is simply 10 + 1, which becomes 십일 (sip-il).
• 15 is 10 + 5, so it’s 십오 (sip-o).
• 19 is 10 + 9, making it 십구 (sip-gu).

See the pattern? It’s wonderfully straightforward.

For the tens (20, 30, 40, and so on), the logic is just as clean. This time, it's a "number-times-ten" formula. You just say the first digit, then follow it with ten (십).

• 20 is just 2 x 10, so it’s 이십 (i-sip).
• 30 is 3 x 10, so you get 삼십 (sam-sip).
• 90 is 9 x 10, which is 구십 (gu-sip).

So, how would you say a number like 33? You just combine the two rules: (3 x 10) + 3. That gives you 삼십삼 (sam-sip-sam). It really is that easy.

Sino-Korean Numbers In The Real World

Knowing the rules is one thing, but let's look at how you'll actually use these numbers in hangul during everyday chats.

This diagram is a great way to visualize how the two number systems are divided for different real-world situations.

As you can see, the Sino-Korean system is all about concepts like money and dates, while the Native Korean system handles the physical counting of things.

Here are a few of the most common places you'll need Sino-Korean numbers:

• Talking About Money: That coffee costs 4,500 won? You'd say 사천오백 원 (sa-cheon-o-baek won).
• Stating the Date: If you were born on October 25th, you'd say 시월 이십오일 (si-wol i-sip-o-il).
• Giving Your Phone Number: This is a big one. You just read each digit one by one. For 010-1234-5678, you’d say 공일공-일이삼사-오육칠팔 (gong-il-gong-il-i-sam-sa-o-yuk-chil-pal). Notice that zero is often read as 공 (gong) in phone numbers.
• Telling Time (Minutes and Seconds): When it's 2:30, the "30 minutes" part is 삼십 분 (sam-sip bun).

The key is to associate the Sino-Korean system with anything that can be measured, priced, or put on a calendar. It's the language of data and abstract concepts in Korea.

Start by practicing these core uses, and you'll find that Sino-Korean numbers quickly become second nature. Their logical structure is a huge gift for learners, allowing you to easily count into the thousands just by adding a couple more key terms like 백 (baek) for 100 and 천 (cheon) for 1,000.

Counting Things in Korean: A Guide to the Native Number System

Alright, we’ve tackled the Sino-Korean numbers for things like dates and money. Now, let's switch gears and talk about the numbers you'll use for everything you can physically touch and count—the Native Korean number system.

This is the system for the real world around you. Think ordering two cups of coffee, telling someone how many books you’re carrying, or counting the friends you’re meeting for dinner. It's the more personal, everyday way of using numbers in hangul. We'll focus on numbers one (하나) through ninety-nine (아흔아홉), because for anything 100 or higher, Koreans almost always switch back to the Sino-Korean system.

The Secret Ingredient: Korean Counters

One of the biggest differences you'll notice is the use of counters. In English, we might say "three students," but in Korean, you can't just put a number next to a noun. You have to include a special "counting word" that categorizes the noun. The structure is always Noun + Number + Counter.

Think of counters as specific labels for groups of things. You wouldn't say "a flock of fish," and in the same way, you wouldn't use the people counter for a book in Korean. While there are dozens of counters, you can handle most daily conversations with just a few essentials:

• 개 (gae): This is your all-purpose counter. It's used for most inanimate objects, like fruit, chairs, or bags. When you're not sure which counter to use, 개 is usually a safe bet.
• 명 (myeong): This one is exclusively for counting people.
• 살 (sal): This is the specific counter used for talking about age.

So, to say "three apples," you'd put the pieces together: the noun (사과), the Native Korean number (셋), and the counter (개). The result is 사과 세 개 (sagwa se gae).

The Four Numbers That Change Their Shape

Now for a crucial rule that trips up many beginners. Get this right, and your Korean will instantly sound more natural. The numbers one, two, three, and four actually change their form slightly when you place a counter after them.

It might seem random at first, but it's all about making the phrase flow more smoothly. The final sound of the number gets dropped.

• 하나 (hana) → 한 (han)
  • Example: "One person" is 한 명 (han myeong), not hana myeong.
• 둘 (dul) → 두 (du)
  • Example: "Two books" is 책 두 권 (chaek du gwon), not dul gwon.
• 셋 (set) → 세 (se)
  • Example: "Three cats" is 고양이 세 마리 (goyangi se mari), not set mari.
• 넷 (net) → 네 (ne)
  • Example: "Four cups" is 컵 네 개 (keop ne gae), not net gae.

Seriously, if you focus on mastering this one quirk—changing 하나, 둘, 셋, and 넷 before a counter—you'll leapfrog over one of the most common hurdles for Korean learners. It's a small detail with a huge impact on how fluent you sound.

Good news: this rule only applies to these four numbers (plus twenty, which changes from 스물 to 스무). From five (다섯) onwards, the numbers stay exactly the same. No more changes to worry about!

Building Numbers From One to Ninety-Nine

While you'll need to memorize the base Native Korean numbers up to ten, and then the tens (twenty, thirty, etc.), creating bigger numbers is quite intuitive. It works just like the Sino-Korean system: just combine the tens and the single digits.

Here are the key building blocks you’ll need to commit to memory:

Number	Hangul	Romanization
1	하나	hana
2	둘	dul
3	셋	set
4	넷	net
5	다섯	daseot
10	열	yeol
20	스물	seumul
30	서른	seoreun
40	마흔	maheun
50	쉰	swin

Want to say 27? Just grab the word for twenty (스물) and add the word for seven (일곱). Put them together and you get 스물일곱 (seumulilgop). Simple as that.

Two Other Times You'll Always Use Native Numbers

Beyond counting objects, there are two other everyday situations where the Native Korean system is a must.

First up is telling time—specifically, the hour. When you state the hour on the clock, you always use Native Korean numbers with the counter 시 (si), which means "hour" or "o'clock."

• Two o'clock: 두 시 (du si)
• Five o'clock: 다섯 시 (daseot si)

The second is talking about age. As we saw with the counters, age is always expressed with Native Korean numbers followed by 살 (sal).

• Twenty-five years old: 스물다섯 살 (seumuldaseot sal)

If you can lock in these three core uses—counting items, telling the hour, and stating your age—you'll have a solid foundation for using Native Korean numbers in hangul with confidence.

Putting Both Number Systems to Work in the Real World

Knowing the rules is one thing, but really getting it comes from seeing how it all plays out in daily life. This is where we'll see how the two number systems don't just exist separately, but often work together in the same conversation.

Seeing these numbers in hangul in action is what makes them click. So, let's walk through a few everyday situations you'll definitely run into, from checking the time to buying a coffee. This is where the theory becomes practice.

Telling Time The Korean Way

Telling time in Korean is the perfect real-world example of the two systems teaming up. You can't just pick one; you have to use both. Honestly, it's one of the best ways to get comfortable switching back and forth.

The rule is refreshingly simple and never changes:

• For the hour: You’ll always use Native Korean numbers (한, 두, 세...).
• For the minutes: You’ll always use Sino-Korean numbers (일, 이, 삼...).

Let's say it's 2:30. You'd combine the two systems like this:

• Hour (2): 두 (du) - Native Korean
• Minute (30): 삼십 (samsip) - Sino-Korean
• Putting it together: 두 시 삼십 분 (du si samsip bun)

The word 시 (si) acts as the counter for "hour," while 분 (bun) is the counter for "minute."

Let's try one more. How would you say 5:45?

• Hour (5): 다섯 (daseot) - Native Korean
• Minute (45): 사십오 (sasibo) - Sino-Korean
• Putting it together: 다섯 시 사십오 분 (daseot si sasibo bun)

This mix-and-match dance can feel a little strange at first, but with a bit of practice, it becomes second nature. It's one of the most useful skills you can nail down early on.

Talking About Age Naturally

Like we mentioned before, stating your age is squarely in the Native Korean number camp. It makes sense, right? Age is a personal, tangible thing, which is the whole vibe of the Native system. You'll always state your age using a Native number followed by the counter 살 (sal).

And don't forget that special rule for the numbers one, two, three, and four! They shorten themselves when they come before a counter, and this is super important when talking about age.

Here’s a little exchange you might overhear:

A: 몇 살이에요? (Myeot sarieyo?) - "How old are you?" B: 저는 스물세 살이에요. (Jeoneun seumul-se sarieyo.) - "I am 23 years old."

See how 스물셋 (seumul-set), the number for 23, changes to 스물세 (seumul-se) right before 살? It’s a tiny adjustment that makes a huge difference in how natural you sound.

Shopping And Handling Money

The second you start talking about prices, you jump right back over to the Sino-Korean system. Money, costs, and anything financial is handled with these numbers. Since prices in Korean Won (₩) can get pretty high, the logical, block-building structure of the Sino-Korean system makes it much easier to deal with.

Picture yourself ordering at a café. A normal transaction would sound something like this:

Customer: 아메리카노 한 잔 주세요. (Amerikano han jan juseyo.) - "One Americano, please." (Notice the Native Korean 한 (han) is used with the counter 잔 (jan) for "cup" to count the physical item.)

Barista: 네. 사천오백 원입니다. (Ne. Sa-cheon-o-baek won-imnida.) - "Okay. That'll be 4,500 won." (The price, 4,500 (사천오백), uses the Sino-Korean system.)

That one simple café order shows both systems working in perfect harmony. You use a Native Korean number to count the physical object you're buying (one cup) and then switch to a Sino-Korean number for the abstract concept of its price.

This is why getting a feel for both sets of numbers in hangul is so important. Start small by practicing these situations out loud. Look at your clock and say the time, state your age to yourself, or pull up a Korean shopping site and read the prices. That kind of active use is what builds real, usable fluency.

The best next step? Jumping into a live class on a platform like Ktalk.live to actually use these skills with real people.

Common Mistakes To Avoid When Counting In Korean

Every single person learning a new language makes mistakes—it's just part of the process, and honestly, it's how you get better. When it comes to learning numbers in hangul, I see the same few trip-ups happen over and over again with beginners. But don't worry, being aware of them from the start gives you a massive head start.

Think of this section as your cheat sheet for sidestepping those common hurdles. We'll walk through the most frequent mix-ups so you can build solid, confident counting habits right from day one.

Mixing Up The Two Systems

This is, without a doubt, the number one mistake. It's so easy to just stick with the number system you feel most comfortable with. But using Sino-Korean numbers to say your age, or Native Korean numbers to talk about money, is a dead giveaway that you're still new to the language.

The fix here is all about building mental associations. You need to consciously connect each system to what it’s used for.

• Native Korean (하나, 둘, 셋): Think of this as the "small-scale, physical" system. It's for things you can literally see and count: people, objects, your age, or the hours on a clock face.
• Sino-Korean (일, 이, 삼): This is your "big-picture, data" system. Use it for abstract information or things you'd write down: prices, dates, phone numbers, addresses, and minutes.

Pro Tip: Create a quick mental filter. Before you speak, ask yourself: "Am I counting an actual object, or am I stating a piece of data?" That tiny pause is often all it takes to catch a mistake and strengthen the right connection in your brain.

Forgetting The Special Four Numbers

Another classic beginner slip-up is forgetting that the first four Native Korean numbers—하나 (one), 둘 (two), 셋 (three), and 넷 (four)—change their shape when you put a counter after them. For example, saying "하나 명" (hana myeong) for "one person" is incorrect; it should be "한 명" (han myeong).

It might seem random, but there’s a simple rule: the final vowel or consonant gets dropped to make the phrase sound more natural and flow better.

• 하나 → 한 (han)
• 둘 → 두 (du)
• 셋 → 세 (se)
• 넷 → 네 (ne)

The best way to lock this in is through sheer repetition. Spend a few minutes each day just saying common combinations out loud. Try "one cup" (한 잔), "two people" (두 명), "three things" (세 개), and "four years old" (네 살). Your muscle memory will eventually take over.

Overcoming Pronunciation Hurdles

Let’s be honest, Korean pronunciation can be tricky. This is especially true for numbers with similar sounds or those that involve some complex sound-change rules. The difference between 이 (i, two) and 일 (il, one) might look tiny on paper, but it completely changes the meaning. Similarly, the number six, 육 (yuk), can be a tough one for English speakers to get right.

Thankfully, the logical design of Hangul is on your side. Back in 1443, King Sejong the Great created the Korean alphabet with a clear goal: to make reading and writing accessible to everyone. The genius of it is that the letters often mimic the shape your mouth makes when you say them. If you're curious, you can find more about the brilliance of Hangul on Babbel.com.

To really nail your pronunciation, you need to listen actively to native speakers and just copy them. Use online dictionaries with audio clips, or better yet, watch K-dramas and try to repeat phrases that are heavy on numbers. A great trick is to record yourself saying the numbers and then play it back right after the native audio—you’ll immediately hear where you need to make adjustments. Focusing on these little details will make a huge difference in how clear and authentic you sound.

You Can Master Numbers in Hangul!

Mastering the two Korean number systems might feel like a big challenge, but every step you take builds confidence. Remember, the key is understanding when to use each system: Native Korean for counting physical things and Sino-Korean for abstract data like prices and dates. Don’t worry if you mix them up at first—every learner does! What matters most is practice and progress.

By focusing on the practical examples in this guide, you're already building a strong foundation. Keep practicing, stay curious, and you'll be counting like a natural in no time. Your Korean journey is just beginning, and you've got this!

🌟 Ready to put your knowledge of numbers in hangul into practice? Join a free trial class at Ktalk.live — where you can connect with expert tutors and friendly learners from around the world to build your speaking confidence! https://ktalk.live