14.4. Basic Korean Grammar: Numbers and Counting

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On our journey to learn Korean, a key aspect of Korean grammar that we need to cover is the system of numbers and counting. Korean notably has two numbering systems: the Sino-Korean system and the native Korean system. While it may seem intimidating at first, with practice and patience, you can master both systems.

Sino-Korean System

The Sino-Korean system is based on the Chinese numbering system and is primarily used for serial numbers, fractions, dates, measurements, and money. Here are the numbers from 1 to 10 in the Sino-Korean system:

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

Once you've mastered these basic numbers, you can combine these numbers to form larger numbers. For example, 십일 (ship-il) is 11, 이십 (i-ship) is 20, and 이십일 (i-ship-il) is 21.

Korean Native System

The native Korean system is used to count items, people and age, as well as express time. Here are the numbers from 1 to 10 in Korean native system:

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

As with the Sino-Korean system, you can combine these numbers to form larger numbers. For example, 열하나 (yeol-hana) is 11, 스물 (yourmul) is 20, and 스물하나 (yourmul-hana) is 21.

Korean counting

To count items in Korean, you use the native Korean system followed by a counter. Counters are words that indicate the type of object being counted. For example, to count books, you would say "한권" (han gwon), where "한" is the number and "권" is the counter for books.

To express the time in Korean, you use the native Korean system for hours and the Sino-Korean system for minutes. For example, "한 시 십 분" (han si ship bun) means 1:10.

Finally, to express age in Korean, you use the native Korean system followed by "살" (sal), which means "years old". For example, "스물 한 살" (seumul hana sal) means 21 years old.

In summary, basic Korean grammar for numbers and counting is an essential aspect of learning the Korean language. While it may seem daunting at first, with practice and patience, you can master both number systems and start counting in Korean like a native!

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3414.5. Basic Korean Grammar: Verbs and Conjugation