beginner · freeInteractive lesson
개 vs 명
Try it freeContrast quizPick the right form in a mini quiz.Open →Explanation
개 is a general counter for many things: 사과 세 개.
명 counts people neutrally: 친구 두 명. 분 is honorific: 손님 세 분.
Native numbers change: 한 개/명, 두 개/명, 세 개/명.
Restaurant seating: 몇 명이세요?: not 몇 개세요 for people.
Examples
펜 두 개 있어요.
I have two pens.
학생이 세 명 있어요.
There are three students.
손님 네 분 이쪽으로 오세요.
Four guests, this way please. (honorific)
Common mistakes
- 사람 세 개.
- Using 개 for every countable English noun including people.
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