In my previous blog I have talked about Sino-Korean numbers. If you haven’t read it yet do check it out Sino-Korean Numbers

Now, let’s talk about Native Korean numbers. The first thing you should know about this is that they go only up to 99, the bigger numbers like 100,1000,10000, etc are no longer used instead of that Sino-Korean numbers are used.

Native Korean numbers are used for age, counting things, and general counting like when you’re counting out loud up to 99, count people, hours and more. For example, if you are a k-drama or kpop fan you have probably seen your favourite actor or idol count to 3 before taking a picture by saying 하나, 둘, 셋.

Here are native Korean numbers from 1 to 10:

·       1 - 하나 [ha-na]

·       2 - 둘 [dul]

·       3 - 셋 [set]

·       4 - 넷 [net]

·       5 - 다섯 [da-seot]

·       6 - 여섯 [yeo-seot]

·       7 - 일곱 [il-gop]

·       8 - 여덟 [yeo-deol]

·       9 - 아홉 [a-hop]

·       10 - 열 [yeol]

 

For 11 to 19 just put the number 10 and add another number after it.

Example: 11 = 10 + 1 = 열하나

                 19 = 10 + 9 = 열아홉

Numbers 20, 30, 40……90 have their own special words.

·       20 - 스물 [seu-mul]

·       30 - 서른 [seo-reun]

·       40 - 마흔 [ma-heun]

·       50 - 쉰 [swin]

·       60 - 예순 [ye-sun]

·       70 - 일흔 [il-heun]

·       80 - 여든 [yeo-deun]

·       90 - 아흔 [a-heun]

 

Once you learn these words you can easily say any Native Korean number between 1 and 99.

You must be thinking how to say a native Korean number that is more than 100?  

100 in Sino- Korean is 백 and even when you have to use the native Korean number you can use the same word. And when you want to say 101, 102…. Etc just combine the Sino and Native Korean numbers together.

Example: -

101 = 100(Sino) + 1(Native) = 백하나


Do Practice!!!


Let me know if there are any mistakes and if you have any questions do ask me in the comment section.

If you are learning Korean or interested in South Korea do check my blogs👈.