Sino-Korean Numbers

The Korean language utilizes two distinct number systems: Native Korean and Sino-Korean. While Native Korean numbers are generally used for counting objects (up to 99) and expressing age, Sino-Korean numbers are derived from Chinese characters and are used for a vast array of formal, mathematical, and abstract concepts. Mastering Sino-Korean numbers is essential for anyone looking to achieve fluency, as they are required for dates, money, addresses, and telephone numbers.

The Basic Numbers (010)

Just like in English, the foundation of the counting system lies in the first ten digits. These words are originated from Hanja (Chinese characters) and form the basis for constructing larger numbers.

Digit	Sino-Korean (Hangul)	Romanization
0	/	yeong / gong
1		il
2		i
3		sam
4		sa
5		o
6		yuk
7		chil
8		pal
9		gu
10		sip

Note on Zero: The number zero has two common pronunciations. (yeong) is standard for math and temperature, while (gong) is frequently used for telephone numbers, serial numbers, and locker codes.

Constructing Larger Numbers

Once you have memorized the basics, creating numbers up to 99and beyondis purely logical. In Sino-Korean, you simply combine the words. The formula is multiplicative. For example, 20 is "two-ten" (i-sip), and 30 is "three-ten" (sam-sip).

Tens (1199)

Number	Breakdown	Sino-Korean
11	10 + 1	(sib-il)
12	10 + 2	(sib-i)
20	2 10	(i-sip)
35	3 10 + 5	(sam-sip-o)
50	5 10	(o-sip)
99	9 10 + 9	(gu-sip-gu)

Hundreds and Thousands

To count higher, you need specific words for hundred and thousand.

100: (baek)
1,000: (cheon)

The logic remains the same. 101 is "hundred-one" (baek-il). 345 is "three-hundred four-ten five" (sam-baek-sa-sip-o).

Pronunciation Note: When the number 6 () is followed by a word starting with a consonant (like in 60 or 600), the sound often changes to "ryuk" or "yuk" flows into the next sound smoothly, though written as (yuk-sip), native speakers may blend the sounds.

The Ten-Thousand Unit (Man)

The most significant difference between Western numbering systems and the Sino-Korean system is the unit for 10,000. In English, we count by thousands (1,000; 10,000; 100,000; 1,000,000). In Korean, there is a unique word for 10,000: (man).

This means that 100,000 is not counted as "hundred thousand," but as "ten ten-thousands" (). Because of this, Korean numbers are grouped in four-digit blocks rather than three-digit blocks.

10,000: (man)
100,000 (10 10,000): (sim-man)
1,000,000 (100 10,000): (baek-man)

When to Use Sino-Korean Numbers

Identifying the correct context is the hardest part of learning Korean numbers. You use Sino-Korean numbers for:

1. Money (Won) Whenever you are discussing prices, use Sino-Korean numbers.
Example: 5,000 Won = (o-cheon won).

2. Dates and Months Years are always read as individual digits. Months are Sino-Korean numbers followed by (wol). However, days of the month (the specific date) use Native Korean numbers.
Example: 2024 5 = (i-cheon-i-sip-sa-nyeon o-wol).

3. Phone Numbers Phone numbers are read digit by digit.
Example: 010-1234-5678 = .

4. Time (Hours) This is a tricky rule for beginners. Hours use Sino-Korean numbers, while minutes use Native Korean numbers.
Example: 3:30 = (Three hours thirty minutes).

Conclusion

The Sino-Korean numbering system is systematic and mathematical, making it easier to learn for larger numbers once the base units are memorized. By focusing on the logic of multiplication and remembering the "Man" (10,000) unit, learners can quickly navigate financial transactions, dates, and modern communication in Korea.

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Reference Files For Sino Korean Numbers

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