Korean Numbers 1-100: Master Basic Counting with Native Number System

Learning to count in Korean is one of the most practical skills you'll develop as a beginner. Whether you're shopping at a Korean market, ordering food, or simply having basic conversations, numbers are everywhere. Korean has two number systems, but today we'll focus on the native Korean numbers from 1 to 100 – the system you'll use most often in daily situations.

Why Korean Native Numbers Matter

Korean native numbers (고유어 수사) are used for counting objects, people, ages (up to 99), and in many everyday situations. Unlike Sino-Korean numbers (which we'll save for another lesson), native numbers have a warm, personal feel and are essential for natural conversation.

Korean Numbers 1-10: Your Foundation

Let's start with the basics. These first ten numbers form the foundation of all Korean counting:

Pro Tip: Notice how Korean numbers change slightly when used with counters. For example, 하나 becomes 한 when counting objects: 한 개 (han gae) means "one piece."

Numbers 11-19: Adding to Ten

Korean numbers 11-19 follow a logical pattern: 열 (ten) + the single digit number.

Counting by Tens: 20-90

The tens in Korean follow another clear pattern. Learn these, and you'll be able to count to 99:

Important Note: Notice that 20 is 스무 (seumu), not 둘십. This is unique to Korean native numbers and different from the mathematical pattern you might expect.

Combining Numbers: 21-99

Once you know the tens, creating numbers 21-99 is straightforward. Simply combine the tens number with the single digit:

• 21: 스무하나 (seumu-hana)
• 35: 서른다섯 (seoreun-daseot)
• 47: 마흔일곱 (maheun-ilgop)
• 68: 예순여덟 (yesun-yeodeol)
• 99: 아흔아홉 (aheun-ahop)

The Number 100

For 100, Korean uses: 백 (baek). However, this comes from the Sino-Korean number system. In pure native Korean counting, you typically don't go beyond 99, which is why native Korean numbers are perfect for counting ages, objects, and most daily situations.

Common Patterns and Sound Changes

Korean numbers undergo some sound changes that make them easier to pronounce:

1. With counters: 하나 → 한, 둘 → 두, 셋 → 세, 넷 → 네

   • Example: 한 명 (han myeong) - one person
   • Example: 두 시 (du si) - two o'clock

2. Twenty variations: 스무 can become 스물 when followed by certain sounds

   • Example: 스물한 개 (seumul-han gae) - twenty-one pieces

Practical Usage Examples

Here's how you'll use these numbers in real situations:

At a café:

• 커피 두 잔 주세요 (keopi du jan juseyo) - Two cups of coffee, please

Talking about age:

• 저는 스물다섯 살이에요 (jeoneun seumul-daseot sal-ieyo) - I'm 25 years old

Shopping:

• 사과 다섯 개 얼마예요? (sagwa daseot gae eolma-yeyo?) - How much are five apples?

Time expressions:

• 세 시에 만나요 (se si-e mannayo) - Let's meet at 3 o'clock

Memory Tips for Korean Numbers

1. Create associations: 하나 (hana) sounds like "Hannah" - imagine Hannah holding one item
2. Practice daily counting: Count objects around you in Korean
3. Use spaced repetition: Review numbers regularly, focusing on the ones you find difficult
4. Listen to pronunciation: Korean numbers have specific rhythms and tones

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Don't mix number systems: Use native Korean numbers for counting objects and people, not Sino-Korean numbers
• Remember sound changes: 하나 becomes 한 with counters
• Practice 스무: This irregular form for 20 trips up many learners
• Don't forget context: Numbers often need counters in Korean (개, 명, 잔, etc.)

Practice Exercises

Exercise 1: Basic Counting Count these items in Korean:

• 7 books: 책 _____ (chaek _____)
• 13 students: 학생 _____ (haksaeng _____)
• 28 apples: 사과 _____ (sagwa _____)

Exercise 2: Age Practice Say these ages in Korean:

• 19 years old: _____ 살
• 34 years old: _____ 살
• 67 years old: _____ 살

Exercise 3: Shopping Scenario How would you ask for:

• 3 cups of coffee: 커피 _____
• 15 pencils: 연필 _____
• 42 cookies: 쿠키 _____

Exercise 4: Time Expressions Express these times:

• 5 o'clock: _____ 시
• 11 o'clock: _____ 시
• 8 o'clock: _____ 시

Answers:

1. 일곱, 열셋, 스물여덟
2. 열아홉 살, 서른넷 살, 예순일곱 살
3. 세 잔, 열다섯 자루, 마흔두 개
4. 다섯 시, 열한 시, 여덟 시

Mastering Korean numbers 1-100 opens doors to countless daily interactions. Start with 1-10, then gradually build up to larger numbers. Remember, consistency beats perfection – practice a little each day, and soon you'll be counting confidently in Korean!