When planning a trip to the captivating land of Korea, it's essential to equip yourself with some basic Korean travel phrases. Among these, understanding how to read numbers in Korean can prove to be incredibly useful during your adventures.
Whether you're haggling at a local market or navigating public transportation, knowing how to pronounce numbers accurately will enhance your overall travel experience. We'll walk you through the nuances of reading numbers in Korean in this post, giving you the tools you need to interact with the people you meet in Korea efficiently and with confidence.
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| numbers ⓒfotoblend, pixabay |
Korea's system of numbers:
It's important to become familiar with the Korean number system in order to understand Korean numbers. Similar to many other East Asian languages, Korean employs a unique system based on units of ten thousand. Here's a breakdown of the essential units:
Sino-Korean Numbers:
Sino-Korean numbers, derived from Chinese characters, are primarily used for counting money, telling time, and giving phone numbers. The following table illustrates the Sino-Korean numbers from one to ten:
|
Number |
Korean Word |
|
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) |
For numbers beyond ten, the naming convention follows a combination of these units. For instance, 20 is 이십 (i-sip), 30 is 삼십 (sam-sip), and so on. 100 is 백(baek).
Start with the base units:
100: 백 (baek)
1,000: 천 (cheon)
10,000: 만 (man)
Combine the base units to express larger numbers:
100,000: 십만 (shipman)
1,000,000: 백만 (baekman)
Add the desired number in front of the corresponding base unit:
For example, to read the number 123,456 follow these steps:
120,000: 십이만 (ship i man)
3,000: 삼천 (samcheon)
400: 사백 (sabaek)
50: 오십 (osip)
6: 육 (yuk)
So, 123,456 would be read as "십이만 삼천 사백 오십육"
(shipiman samcheon sabaek osip yuk).
Native Korean Numbers:
Native Korean numbers are used for counting items, age and time. These numbers have distinct pronunciations and are written in a different script. Here's a table outlining the native Korean numbers from one to ten:
|
Number |
Korean Word |
|
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) |
20 is 스물 (seumul), 30 is 서른 (seoreun), and so on.
Pronunciation and Reading Numbers:
Now that we've familiarized ourselves with the number systems, let's delve into the pronunciation of Korean numbers. It's worth noting that some numbers have slightly altered pronunciations when used as counters or in specific contexts. Here are a few examples to help you get started:
- When counting objects, add the counter word after the number. For example, "one cup" is 한 잔 (han jan), "two bottles" is 두 병 (du byeong), and "three books" is 세 권 (se gwon).
- When reading phone numbers, use the Sino-Korean numbers. For instance, if the phone number is 123-4567, you would say 일 이 삼 - 사 오 육 칠 (il i sam - sa o yuk chil).
- To tell time, combine the Sino-Korean numbers with the word 시 (si) for hours and 분 (bun) for minutes. For example, 3:45 would be pronounced 세 시 사십오 분 (se si sa-sip-o bun).
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| watches ⓒ geralt, pixabay |
Learning how to read numbers in Korean requires practice and repetition. To solidify your understanding, make use of language-learning resources, such as mobile apps, online courses, or language exchange programs. Engaging with native Korean speakers or practicing with fellow travelers will boost your confidence and fluency.
Mastering the art of reading numbers in Korean is a valuable skill for any traveler venturing into the beautiful Korean peninsula. By grasping the Sino-Korean and native Korean number systems and familiarizing yourself with their pronunciations, you'll be able to navigate through various scenarios during your Korean travel adventures with ease. Incorporate these Korean travel phrases into your vocabulary, and unlock a deeper connection with the culture, people, and places you encounter. Happy travels!
