Sino Korean Numbers|Ultimate Guide to Count in Korean(2024)

Korean numbers system is a mess, isn’t it? And Sino-Korean numbers aren’t the exception.

You know that feeling, when you think you finally know how to count in Korean and Korean numbers like this 94,760,002 or 365,812,014….. pop up in a conversation. You think, “Wait, what?”

But we’ve got a secret for you! 

The easiest way to master Sino Korean numbers is all about memorizing and using the 15 basic numbers only. (The Magic 15 numbers in Korean)

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to pronounce all Sino-Korean numbers with examples and use Sino Korean numbers in sentences (free printable Korean flashcards and infographics included).

All right world, it’s time to take you on. 

What are Sino Korean Numbers?

Korea uses two number systems: The Sino-Korean Numbers and Native Korean Numbers. The Korean Number System, influenced by the Chinese, is called Sino Korean Numbers. 

But why does Korea have a Chinese Number system? 

Well, it’s a historical thing.

Koreans were using Chinese characters before they even had their own writing system. The number system is an example of this.

Sino Korean Numbers 1-10: How To Write Sino Korean Numbers 1 to 10?

Unlike Native Koreans, Sino Korean numbers are really easy to master. 

The key to mastering Sino Korean Numbers in 10 minutes is all about knowing 15 numbers only.

Let’s see how.

In order to master Korean, you first need to learn the numbers 1-10. Additionally, you should know the numbers 100, 1000, 10,000, 100 million, and 1 trillion. And higher numbers are just combinations of these numbers.

but first, let’s see how to read the Sino Korean numbers 1 to 10.

sino korean numbers

Here’s the complete list of Sino-Korean Numbers from 1 to 10 with zero and pronunciations.

  • 0 – 영 (young)
  • 1 – 일 (il)
  • 2 – 이 (ee)
  • 3 – 삼 (sam)
  • 4 – 사 (sa)
  • 5 – 오 (oh)
  • 6 – 육 (yook)
  • 7 – 칠 (chil)
  • 8 – 팔 (pal)
  • 9 – 구 (gu)
  • 10 – 십 (ship)

The five more important words:

  • 100 – 백(baek)
  • 1000 –천 (cheon)
  • 10000 –천(man)
  • 100 million-억 (Eok)
  • 1 trillion – 조 (Jo)

Done with 15 numbers. Well done?

Why don’t you ever find a button for the 4th floor in Korea?

  • It’s because the number 4 in Korean sounds like the word for “death” and so it’s seen as unlucky in Korean culture.

Moving on to counting double-digit numbers in Korean  

How To Say Sino Korean Numbers 1 to 100.

sino korean numbers

To form double-digit numbers using Sino-Korean numbers, all you need to do is combine the basic numbers in Korean from 1 to 10.

 Let me explain by examples

Examples

Let’s say number 18.  To say 18 in Korean which is shibal , You have to basically say numbers 10 and 8 together in Korean i.e. 

  • 20 – 이십(eeshib)= 2+10 = 이(ee)+ 십(shib)
  • 30 – 삼십 (samshib)= 3+10 = 삼(sam)+십 (shib)
  • 50 – 오십 (ohshib)= 5+10 = 오(oh)+십(shib)

so when we want to make 20, we use the words that refer to 2 (이) and 10 (십), but for 38, we add the word that refers to 1 (일) to 20.

  • 38 in Korean =30 +8=3×10+8=samshib+pal
  • 18 in Korean = 10+ 8=(shib) +(pal)=shipal
  • 11 – 십일(shibil) – 10+1= 십(shib)+일(il)
  • 33 – 삼십삼 (samshibsam)= 3×10+3=삼(sam)x십(shib)+삼(sam)
  • 78 – 칠십팔 (chilshibpal)=7×10+8=칠(chil)x십(shib)+팔(pal)
  • 99 – 구십구 (gushibgu)=9×10+9=구(gu)x십(shib)+구(gu)
  • 65 – 육십 오 (yookshiboh)=6×10+5=육(yook)x십(shib)+오(oh)
  • 94 – 구십사 (gushibsa)=9×10+4=구(gu)x십(shib)+사(sa)
  • 47 – 사십칠 (sashibchil)=4×10+7=사(sa)x십(shib)+칠(chil)
  • 21 – 이십일(eeshibil)=2×10+1=이(ee)x십(shib)+일(il)

 Not that difficult, right?

Korean Culture Fact

  • Koreans don’t like the number 18. Because 18 in Korean is shippal and the pronunciation sounds like Korean slang words (what the f***).

So be careful when you use them

Here is a list of Korean numbers 1-100 to you can use as a reference

 It may seem like a daunting task, but don’t worry! Just memorize and practice the words as you go along. 

Sino-Korean Numbers From 100-10,000(3 & 4 digits)

Learning how to say 4 digits  Korean numbers is easy if you know three basic words: baek, cheon, and mann. As soon as you learn the numbers from 1 to 10, all you have to do is combine them with baek/cheon/mann!

To learn how to say the numbers in the 100 and 1,000 range, you just have to learn two more words,

Let me explain with easy examples 

  • 200-이백(eebaek)= 2×100=이(ee)+백(baek)
  • 400-사백(sabaek)=4×100=사(sa)+백(baek)
  • 500 – 오백(ohbaek)=5×100=오(oh)+백(baek)
  • 900 – 구백(gubaek)=9×100=구(gu)+백(baek)
  • 2000- 이천(eecheon)=2×1000=이(ee)+천(cheon)
  • 5000-오천(ohcheon)-5×1000=오(oh)+천(cheon)
  • 7000-칠천(chilcheon)= 7×1000=칠(chil)+천(cheon)
  • 9000-구천(gucheon)=9×1000=구(gu)+천(cheon)

Done! 

So say you want to say 3,000. You add the 3 (삼) and thousand (천) and then add the 240 (이백사십). 

To say a complicated number like 3,301, you first make 3,000 by combining the 3 (삼) and thousand (천).

Here are a few other examples:

  • 567 – 오백육십칠(ohbaekyukshibchil) = 5×100 +6×10+7=
  • 101 – 백일(baekil)=100+1=
  • 240 – 이백사십(eebaeksashib)= 2 x 100+4×10=
  • 999 – 구백구십구(gubaekgushibgu) = 9×100+9×10+9=
  • 113 – 백십삼(baekshibsam)100+10+3=
  • 748 – 칠백사십팔(chilbaeksashibpal)= 7 x 100+4×10+8=
  • 119 – 백십구(baekshibgu)=100+10+9=
  • 2650 – 이천육백오십(eecheonyukbaekohshib)= 2×1000+6×100+5×10=
  • 7280 – 칠천이백팔십(chilcheoneebaekpalshib)= 7×1000+2×100+8×10=
  • 3240 – 삼천이백사십(samcheoneebaeksashib)= 3×1000+2×100+4×10=
  • 1857 – 천팔백오십칠(cheonpalbaekohshibchil)=1000+8×100+5×10+7=

So you think numbers in Korean are hard now? 

It’s only because you’re not practicing it enough! 

Let’s give it a try with some real-life examples of how to write dates in Korean. 

The Right Way To Count Large Numbers In Korean Using Sino Korean Numbers (10,000 and Up).

Dealing with numbers is one thing, but dealing with big ones can be tricky( especially if you’re not a native speaker)

But you’ll come across these big numbers while talking about money, like when discussing your salary, rent, or housing prices.

So, it’s time to get those big Korean numbers down!

But first, here’s something interesting

The Korean number system is a little bit different from than English.  In Korea, the grouping of numbers goes by 10,000 instead of 1,000. 

And to read them?

sino korean numbers

To read big numbers in Korean, you first remove all commas and separate the numbers into groups of four digits. Next, read it from right to left and put 만 (man)  (the Korean word for 10,000 is 만) after every four-digit group.

The Korean word for 10,000 is 만(man).억 (eok) means 100 million in Korean. We can also combine 억 with the words 십, 백, and 천 to form even larger numbers.

  • 10,000 – 만 (man)
  • 100,000 – 십만- 1ook
  • 1,000,000 – 백만- 1 million
  • 10,000,000 – 천만 – 10million
  • 100,000,000 – 억 (eok)- 100 million
  • 1000000000- 십억- 1 billion
  • 1,000,000,000,000 – 조 (Jo) – 1 trillion

Let’s see how it done by examples

  • 32,000 – 삼만이천-3×10000=
  • 55,630-오만 오천육백삼십- 50000+5000+600+30
  • 98750000-구천팔백칠십오만- 900+80+7+50000=
  • 532,100 – 오십삼만이천백=50+32100=50+3×10000+2×1000+100= 
  • 8,532,150 – 팔백오십삼만이천백오십=
  • 1,000,000,000 – 십억
  • 10,000,000,000 – 백억
  • 100,000,000,000 – 천억
  • 240,000,000 – 이억사천
  • 987650000-구억 팔천칠백육십오만
  • 300000000-삼억
  • 123123123-일억 이천삼백십이만 삼천백이십삼
  • 47500000-사천칠백오십만
  • 123456789-일억 이천삼백사십오만 육천칠백팔십구
  • 345000001-삼억 사천오백만 일
  • 1,240,000,000 – 십이억사천
  • 41,240,000,000 – 사백십이억사천
  • 23,456,781 is 이천삼백사십오만 육천칠백팔십일

The last one is an extreme example, isn’t it?

You hardly have to say this in real life but you get the idea right?

How to say 100,1000,10k in native Korean(not 백, 천, & 만 )?

  • The Sino Korean words for 100,100,10,000 are 백(百), 천(千), 만(萬).However, the specific native Korean words for 100, 1000, and 10000 existed in old days in Korea.
  • Now people don’t use them in day-to-day life conversations and it was almost been forgotten.
  • Here is a list of Korean counterparts for numbers 백, 천, and 만?
  • 100 in native Korean – Ohn (온)
  • 1,000 in native Korean – Zumun (즈믄)
  • 10,000 in native Korean – Gol (골)
  • 100,000,000 in native Korean – Jal (잘)
  • 1,000,000,000,000 in native Korean – Wool (울)

Okay. enough with big numbers. How about the smallest one?

That’s right, I mean “zero”.

Zero In Korean(공 (khong) or 영 (yong)): How To Say Zero In Sino Korean?

sino korean numbers

Here are the two ways to say zero in Korean language. One is 공 (Khong) and the other is 영 (yong) .공 (khong) means “zero” and is used for counting, while the second one영 (yong), which means “nothing”.

Korean Culture Fact

  • Native Korean numbers do not have a word for “zero.” You only say it when counting in Sino

The important thing is knowing when to use 공 (khong) or 영 (yong) .

When to Use “영” (yong) as zero in Korean 

  • when talking about the temperature (O degrees outside).
  • When talking about decimal points (0.00013) in math,
  • When describing points in a game, that you can get or lose. (The game was 7 – 1.)For example, if your score is “2 – 0”, you would say “이 대 영”
  • when referencing the time on a 24-hour clock (00:12 hrs).

When to Use 공 (khong) as zero

When you’re giving your phone number in Korea, you usually start out by saying “공-일-공.”

Got the basics. That’s so great.

But let’s not stop there.

Use Of Sino-Korean Numbers: Which  Korean Counters To Use With Sino-Korean Numbers? 

You did it! You’ve now learned the basics of Korean numbers! 

Why don’t we do some practice in real-life scenarios?

That’s right, I’m talking about counting things.

But, what are the Korean measure words or counters?

Measure words are words that denote units of measurement and are used in the same way as English ‘ a cup of ‘,’ a piece of ‘ or ‘ a slice of ‘.

They do this by adding them to the end of all Korean nouns.

Measure words are applied to almost all Korean nouns by the following simple pattern:

Noun + Sino Korean Number + Counter word

You might be asking yourself, “How many of those Korean words are there?” 

Technically it’s more, but who’s counting?

but the good news is 

if you start with the most basic ones, you won’t feel so daunted later.

Here is a complete list of the most common Korean counters used with Sino Korean numbers for you to get started!

  • To say the date:일월 일일 (January 1st)
  • To count the days:
  • To count the years:
  • To count the months:
  • To talk about money:
  • To talk about phone numbers:
  • to count the number of floors
  • to count temperature in Korean
  • read flight /Bus/subway numbers in Korean

How Do You Count “Days” In Korean?

DAYS IN KOREAN

Koreans have a different way of counting for days. I am going to show you how to pronounce them.

but you don’t have to remember everything from one day to thirty days.

Koreans don’t really use it in all of their everyday life conversations because it is really an old way to count days.

But only 6 of them (i.e., one day, two days, 3 days, 4 days, 10 days, and 15 days) used a lot of time and the others just used the Roman number instead.

The Korean lunar calendar doesn’t have the 31st. So you can count from 1st to 3oth.

Here’s how to count days in Korean from 1 day to 30 days with Hangul, pronunciation.

  • One day – 하루 (ha-ru)
  • Two days – 이틀 (i-teul)
  • Three days – 사흘 (sa-heul)
  • Four days – 나흘 (na-heul)
  • Five days – 닷새 (dat-sae)  
  • Six days – 엿새 (yeot-sae)
  • Seven days – 이레 (i-re)
  • Eight days – 여드레 (yeo-deu-re)
  • Nine days – 아흐레 (a-heu-re)
  • Ten days – 열흘 (yeol-heul)

In the middle of the month(from 11 days to 20 days)

  • 11 days – 열하루 (yeolha-ru)
  • 12 days – 열이틀 (yeoli-teul)
  • 13 days – 열사흘 (yeolsa-heul)
  • 14 days – 열나흘 (yeolna-heul)
  • 15 days – 보름(boreum)
  • 16 days – 열엿새 (yeolyeot-sae)
  • 17 days – 열이레 (yeoli-re)
  • 18 days – 열여드레 (yeolyeo-deu-re)
  • 19 days – 열아흐레 (yeola-heu-re)
  • 20 days -스무날 (seumunal)

The last 10 days of the month(from 21 days to 30 days)

  • 21 days -스무하루(seumu ha-ru)
  • 22 days -스무이틀 (seumui-teul)
  • 23 days -스무사흘 (seumusa-heul)
  • 24 days – 스무나흘 (seumu na-heul)
  • 25 days – 스물닷새 (seumu dat-sae)
  • 26 days – 스무엿새 (seum uyeot-sae)
  • 27 days – 스무이레 ( seumu i-re)
  • 28 days -스무여드레 (seumu yeo-deu-re)
  • 29 days -스무아흐레 (seumu a-heu-re)
  • 30 days -그믐(geumeum)

let’s take some example

I have to work three more days.

사흘 더 일해야 한다. – saheul do ilhaeya handa

Let me borrow this dress for one day.

하루만 이 원피스 빌려 줘. – haruman i wonpiseu bilryo jwo

I studied for two days.

이틀 동안 공부했어요.- iteul dongan gongbuhaessoyo

I ate gamja-tang for 2 days

이틀 동안 감자탕을 먹었어요. – iteul dongan gamjatangeul mogossoyo

I prepared for this test for 15 days.

나 이 시험을 보름동안 준비했어 – na i sihomeul boreumdongan junbihaesso

Korean Days (일/날/하루)

How Do You Count “Months” In Korean?

months in korean

In English, you need to memorize new words every month.

But in Korean, you don’t! Korean is so simple and easy to memorize that it’s just a breeze.

and here’s how to do it.

To say the months, just add a month number in Sino Korean followed by 월 (wol) which means “month” in Korean. month number means January is the first month of the year, February is the second month of the year, and so on.

For example, to say August (which is the 8th month of the year). So add “8” is 팔 (pal) in Korean, followed by 월 (wol), meaning “months.” So it becomes (팔월) (palwol).”

Here’s the structure to say months in Korean

[ month number in Sino korean] + 월 [wol]

Check out the above image for reference, because I’ve listed all the months for you. (in case you forgot what month it was!)

Month in Korean is called 월 (wol). Here’s a list of all months in Korean with Hangul and pronunciation.

  • January – 일월 (irwol) – 일(1)+ 월(wol)
  • February – 이월 (iwol) -이(2)+ 월(wol)
  • March – (삼월)(samwol) – 삼(3)+ 월(wol)
  • April -(사월) (sawol) – 사(4)+ 월(wol)
  • May -오월(owol)- 오(5)+ 월(wol)
  • June -유월 (yuwol)
  • July -칠월 (chirwol)- 칠(7)+ 월(wol)
  • August -팔월(parwol) – 팔(8)+ 월(wol)
  • September -구월(guwol) – 구(9)+ 월(wol)
  • October -시월(siwol)
  • November -십일월 (sibirwol) – 십일(11)+ 월(wol)
  • December -십이월(sibiwol) – 십이(12)+ 월(wol)

Wow! Did you know that June[유월 (yuwol)] and October[시월(siwol)] are not following the pattern?

The real reason is simple.

“육월” and “십월” are a little difficult to say.

When counting months, you can either use 달 or 개월. When using 달, you must use the pure Korean numbers, and when using 개월, you must use the Sino-Korean numbers.

There is no difference in meaning, and both are used frequently.

When putting a number before 달, I prefer to write the Korean word. When putting a number before 개월, it doesn’t matter if you use the word or the numeral.

For Example

He has done surgery in June.

그는 6월에 수술을 받았다. – geuneun yuk wore susureul badattta

It’s December now.

이제 12월이잖아요.

Today is December 5th.

오늘이 12월 5일.

I was born in January 12.

저는 1월 12일 입니다.

I’ll be in Vegas from the 28th of December until the 1st of January.

12월 28일부터 1월 1일까지 라스베가스에 있을 거야.

My birthday is February 7.

내 생일은 2월 7일이다.

I will graduate next February.

나는 내년 2월에 졸업한다. – naneun naenyon i wore joropanda

His lunar birthday is February 2nd.

그의 음력 생일은 2월 2일이다

September is the ninth month of the year

9월은 일 년 중 아홉 번째 달입니다. – gu woreun il nyon jung ahop bonjjae darimnida

Now that months are done, it’s time for “Years.”

How Do You Count “Years” In Korean?

sino korean numbers

To count years in Korean language, you can say the year number in Sino Korean numbers and simply add 년(nyeon) after the year ( 년 [nyeon] is the year unit).it doesn’t matter if you use the word or the numeral before 년(nyeon).

[ number of years in Sino Korean numbers] + 년(nyeon)

  • One year— 일년Il-nyeon
  • Two years—이년- I-nyeon (Ee-nee-yone)
  • Three years—삼년 – Sam-nyeon (Sahm-nee-yone)
  • Four years—사년 – Sa-nyeon (Sah-nee-yone)
  • Five years—오년O – nyeon (Oh-nee-yone)
  • Six years—육년Yuk – nyeon (Yuke-nee-yone)
  • Seven years—칠년Chil – nyeon (Cheel-nee-yone)
  • Eight years—팔년Pal – nyeon (Pahl-nee-yone)
  • Nine years—구년Ku – nyeon (Koo-nee-yone)
  • Ten years—십년 – Ship-il-nyeon (Sheep-Eel-nee-yone)

However, if you want to say “last/next year” in Korean, you can’t use “지난/다음 년.” Instead, you must use separate words:

작년 = last year
내년 = next year

For example

저는 3년 동안 형을 안 만났어요 = I didn’t meet my brother for 3 years
저는 10년 동안 한국어를 공부했어요 = I studied Korean for 10 years

나는 내년에 한국에 갈 거야 = I will go to Korea next year
그 사람은 작년에 죽었어요 = That person died last year

Korean Phone Numbers: How Do Koreans Read Phone Numbers?

sino korean numbers

You know how it is. You’ve just moved to Korea, and suddenly you’re thrown into a whole new world of phone numbers.

Here’s how Korean phone numbers work

To say your phone number in Korean, use the Sino Korean numbers after the 010 or area code. When saying phone numbers, people will usually use 공 instead of 영 for the number zero

How Korean phone numbers look like?

Korean phone numbers can be divided into 2 sections; mobile phone numbers and telephone numbers.

Telephone numbers in South Korea are made up of  7 – 8 numbers. If you’re going to call a telephone number using a mobile phone, you’ll need the country code, the area code, and the 7-8-digit number.

South Korea mobile phone numbers are made up of 11 numbers beginning with 010. The number 010 is a prefix for mobile phones. If you’re going to call a mobile phone number in South Korea, you’ll need to add the country code +82.

How to Read Korean Phone Numbers

When reading phone numbers in Korean, you’ll read them using Sino-Korean numbers.

For example, the mobile phone number is 010-5394-2178.

You’ll read this number as 공일공-오삼구사-이일칠팔 

(gongilgong-osamgusa-iilchilpal).

Another example is the telephone number +82 (2) 8765-4213.

You’ll read this as 팔이-이-팔칠육오-사이일삼 (pali-i-palchilyuko-saiilsam)

How to ask for someone’s phone number in Korean

If you’re going to ask for someone’s number, you can say either of these questions:

  • What is your phone number?

전화 번호가 몇 번이에요? (jeonhwa beonhoga myeot beonieyo)

전화 번호가 어떻게 되세요? (jeonhwa beonhoga eotteokke doeseyo)

  • What is your cell phone number?

핸드폰 번호가 몇 번이에요? (haendeupon beonhoga myeot beonieyo)

And your phone number is 010 4256 7983 then you have to say 공일공 사이오육 칠구팔.

How to tell time in Korean(minute and second) using Sino-Korean numbers?

sino korean numbers

It’s finally time to learn How to tell the time in Korean. So you don’t have to be like me and ask your friends for help. 

but it would be helpful if you knew both Sino-Korean and Native-Korean numbers. 

I know, It’s a bit tricky but you’ll catch on quickly. 

The best way to tell time in Korean is to use Native Korean numbers and add 시 (shi), which means “hour.” And then add Sino-Korean numbers followed by (bun), which means “minute.”

Here’s a quick guide to tell the time in Korean!

Don’t know how to say “what time is it” in Korean?

How to talk about money in Korean (Price value/money)?

sino korean numbers

The currency of South Korea is 원 (won), and this is represented by the symbol  ₩ 

In order to count money, you need to remember three words, i.e. 천 means a thousand, and 만 means ten thousand.

For example 

If you want to say 1000 won in Korean which to close to $1, you can just say like 천 원 (chon won) in words or ₩1,000 with the symbol instead of 일천 원.

Here’s how 

Here is the basic structure for counting money in Korean. All you have to do is enter the amount of money in Sino-Korean numbers, then say the word 천(for thousand)/ 만(for 10,000) and add won(원) at the end.

Sino Korean Number + 천 + 원

 For example

  • ₩ 1,000 close to $1= 천 원, 
  • ₩ 2,000 close to $2= 이천 원, 
  • ₩ 3,000 = 삼천 원
  • ₩8500=팔천오백원
  • ₩4700=사천칠백원
  • ₩1230=천이백삼십원
  • ₩2650=이천육백오십원
  • ₩1100=천백원
  • ₩9999=구천구백구십구원

Sino Korea Number + 만 + 원

Similarly, if you want to say 20000 won in Korean which is 이만 원(won), just combine number 20,000 in Korean (이만) and add 원(won) at the end.

Here are some examples 

  • ₩ 10,000 close to $10 = *만 원, 
  • ₩ 20,000, close to $20 = 이만 원, 
  • ₩ 30,000 = 삼만 원
  • ₩40,500=사만 오백원
  • ₩100000=십만원
  • ₩100700=십만 칠백원
  • ₩123000=십이만 삼천원
  • ₩250000=이십오만원
  • ₩255200=이십오만 오천이백원

When you count an amount like ₩ 10,000, just say “만 원” directly instead of 일만 원.

How to count the Number of floors like natives do?

Here’s a little Korean counting lesson for you.

Here is how to count your floors in Korean. just use Sino-Korean numbers and add the counter충 at the end.

The first floor is 일 충, the second floor is 이 충, and so on and so forth. The fifth floor in Korea is 구(오) 충 because four is thought to be an unlucky number.

How to count floors in Korean:

  • First floor: 일 충 
  • Second floor: 이충 
  • Third floor: 삼충 
  • Fourth floor: No such thing!

And now you know how to say count floors in Korean, so it’s time to go have some fun with your new knowledge!

How to Say Fahrenheit/Celsius in Korean language?|Korean Vocabulary For temperature

sino korean numbers

Ever wondered what Fahrenheit and Celsius are in

Korean? 

Well, now you’ll never have to. 

Koreans operate on the Celsius system (섭씨). The word Fahrenheit (화씨) is also used but not in a formal setting. 

Here’s how to say any temperature in Korean. All you need to do is to say just say the number (sino-Korean) and add the word “도”(the counter for degree) at the end.

Let’s take some examples

  • 25 Degree Celsius = 섭씨 이십오 도 [seopssi isibo do]
  • 0 Degree Celsius = 섭씨 백 도 [seopssi baek do]
  • 100 Degree Celsius = 섭씨 영도 [seopssi yeongdo]

  • Use of sino Korean numbers in Transportation: how to read flight /Bus/subway numbers in Korean
  • 102 number bus is 백이 번 버스
  • 4 호선 is line number 4 (Train line)
  • 714 열차 is train number 714
  • 2 호 차 is car number 2(train car number)
  • Flight numbers in Korean  -KE121 is  KE 북이십일
  • How to count in Korean using loanwords and Konglish [콩글리쉬] ( the Korean version of English words).

You’re counting on loan words like centimeters, meters, and liters? 

Native numbers are not going to work. We only use sino-Korean.

Bonus lesson: 15 interesting Korean number codes to sound Like a native!

You can use all these to impress your Korean friends. Not many tourists actually use this slang when they talk with one another or Korean people, so your Korean friends might be amazed when you use it with them.

  • 1004 is pronounced as /천사/ which also means “angel”
  • 8282 (팔이팔이) → 빨리빨리means “Hurry Up”.
  • 8949(팔구사구) → 팔고 사고 ( (I) sell and buy)
  • 012 -Yung one e means forever.0 – Yung (K)1 – One (E)2 – E (K)
  • 2424(이사이사) → 이사 이사 (move into the new house)
  • 7575(칠오칠오) → 치료 치료 (remedy and remedy)
  • 2875(이팔칠오) → 이빨 치료 (remedy of teeth)
  • 9282(구이팔이) → 구이 빨리 (Be quick, the roasted food)
  • 0579(영오칠구) → 영어 친구 (The friend of English)
  • 5252 is pronounced as /오이오이/. 오이 means cucumber.
  • 7788 /칠칠팔팔/ sounds like/칙칙폭폭/ which is the sound of the train.
  • 1009/천구/ nearly has the same pronunciation as “천국” which also means heaven
  • “5959” →“o-gu-o-gu.”, (to show how adorable they are.)
  • “7942” read as “chil-gu-sa-i” means just friend.친구” (chin-gu) means “friend” and “사이” (sa-i) means “relationship
  • “무슨”, means ‘what’ in Korean, while “129” is read as “일이구” (il-i-gu). Together, “머선129” means ‘what is going on?’
  • 091012 – 공부 열심히 해 (gongbu yeolsimhi hae).which makes 공+구+열+십+이,
  •  “하2” (ha-i) means “hi”. 
  •  “빠2” (bba-i) means “bye”.
  • 감4 – 감사 (gamsa) which means thank you.
  • 미5 sounds like ‘miwo’, close to 미워 (miwo) meaning “I hate you”
  • 700 represent ㄱㅇㅇ, an abbreviation for “귀여워” (gwi-yeo-wo) which means “cute”
  • 1도 몰라” (il-do-mol-la) is a popular slang that roughly translates to “I don’t have a single clue / 
  • 0순위someone you love the most “순위” (soon-wee) means “ranking”, and ‘0’ actually comes before number ‘1’.

How To Learn Sino Korean Numbers Fast and Never Forget It?

Now that you got the basics down, it’s time for some practice.

Here is a list of websites I used when I was learning numbers in Korean

And it might help you too. Be sure to check it out.

Anki Isn’t The Only Game In Town. just sing a song

Did you know you can sing a song and master the native Korean numbers?

Well, what could be better than that?

Here is how Koreans do it all the time (now you can do it too!!!) 

if learning with Korean number song doesn’t suit you,

How about some k drama or miniseries?

Learn Korean numbers using Korean drama/ mini series

It’s no secret that the more you use words in real life, the quicker you memorize these piles of Korean words without lifting a finger.

So, why not try it now?

Don’t know how to?

Here is a funny video I got while I was learning Korean numbers (funny but effective)

How to Count with Sino Korean Numbers | TEUIDA Mini-Series

Use Flashcard And Test

Maybe mnemonics is not your thing. What about flashcards?

I know it’s an old thing(you might be using Anki too)

But When it comes to mastering Korean vocabulary, you will never regret using these fellas. 

We got 24 free printable flashcards(printable and illustrated) for you. cut and print or learn it on pc.

Sino Korean Numbers Worksheet

Choice is yours

Here are some other great resources for flashcards I found while I was learning Korean online

https://www.cram.com/flashcards/sino-Korean-numbers-3251464

https://app.memrise.com/course/370118/learn-Korean-numbers/25/

https://quizlet.com/35019815/sino-Korean-numbers-flash-cards/

Other Online Resources

We live in the era of the 20th century. 

And I bet you  love to surf (well, who doesn’t?)

The internet is full of free stuff and language resources that you haven’t explored yet. Here is what I found when I was learning.

Here is a list (I hope it might help you)

https://www.wikihow.com/Count-to-10-in-Korean

https://www.Koreanwikiproject.com/wiki/Sino_Korean_numbers

https://www.dummies.com/article/body-mind-spirit/religion-spirituality/islam/numbers-in-Korean-189215

Conclusion and Sino Korean Numbers Practice

Yay! You did it. Congrats on mastering those difficult Korean numbers.

Let me tell you a little secret about numbers in the Korean language. 

But here is the thing

When the average Korean speaker uses them in conversation, they feel nothing. 

It’s fine, though.

In order to master numbers, it’s not about how they’re spelled or why so many math/ two Korean number systems are involved. It’s about memorizing and most importantly, using them in real life

You’ll be scared of these numbers for a little bit. But one day you’ll be like “I got this.” It happened to me, and it’s happened to all of my non-native Korean-speaking friends as well.

So, what method do you use to learn the Korean numbers in the comments below?

sino korean numbers

3 thoughts on “Sino Korean Numbers|Ultimate Guide to Count in Korean(2024)”

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