[Learn Korean] #024 Numbers (Sino-Korean)

1. Introduction

Korean has two number systems: Native Korean and Sino-Korean.
Today, we will learn the Sino-Korean numbers, which are derived from Chinese characters.
These numbers are widely used for dates, money, phone numbers, addresses, and larger numbers.

 


 

2. Numbers 1–10

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

 


 

3. Usage Examples

  • 전화번호: 이삼사-오육칠팔 (234-5678)

  • 날짜: 삼월 십일 (samwol sipil) = March 10th

  • 돈: 오천 원 (ocheon won) = 5,000 won

  • 나이: 이십오 세 (isip o se) = 25 years old

  • 층: 십오 층 (sipo cheung) = 15th floor

 


 

4. Sentence Practice

  • 오늘은 십일월 이일이다. (oneureun sibirwol iilida) = Today is November 2nd.

  • 내 전화번호는 삼일구-이사칠팔이다. (nae jeonhwabeononeun samilgu-isa chilpalida) = My phone number is 319-2478.

  • 나는 구천 원을 냈다. (naneun gucheon won-eul naetda) = I paid 9,000 won.

 


 

5. Exercises

  1. Count from 1 to 10 aloud using Sino-Korean numbers.

  2. Write three amounts of money using Sino-Korean numbers.

  3. Practice saying today’s date in Korean.

 


 

6. Summary

Sino-Korean numbers are used in many official and practical situations, such as dates, money, and phone numbers.
It is important to master them alongside Native Korean numbers.