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Explanation

Native numbers (하나, 둘, 셋…) dominate many counters and everyday age expressions.

Sino numbers (일, 이, 삼…) dominate dates, money, phone numbers, and minutes.

Time mixes systems: native-ish hours + 시, Sino minutes + 분 (세 시 십 분).

Before counters, 하나→한, 둘→두, 셋→세, 넷→네. Drill until automatic.

Do not pick one system for everything — Korean domains have defaults.

This page focuses on “Native vs Sino numbers.” Read for meaning first, then re-read looking only at formality and particle choice — those two details decide whether you sound natural.

After the explanation, study the worked examples and the common mistakes. Then take the one-question check so you know you did not only skim.

Connect this page to nearby Chamelingo lessons and tools. Isolated tips do not stick; a graph of vocabulary + grammar + speaking does. Use the related links at the bottom to keep walking the graph.

When you can explain “Native vs Sino numbers” in one plain English sentence and produce one new Korean example without looking, you are ready to move on — then review again within 24 hours.

Examples

사과 세 개 주세요.

Three apples (native + counter).

삼천 원이에요.

It’s 3,000 won (Sino + money).

지금 두 시 삼십 분이에요.

It’s 2:30 (mixed time).

Common mistakes

  • Using only Sino numbers with 개 counters.
  • Using native numbers for phone numbers and prices.

How to practice

  1. Level: beginner–friendly explanation; still re-check formality with a native conversation partner when stakes are high.
  2. Say every example out loud, then change one slot (place, time, or person) to force production — not only recognition.
  3. After reading, open Chamelingo and recycle the same pattern in a lesson or speaking practice so it enters long-term memory.

Check yourself

Question 1 of 1

What should you do after studying “Native vs Sino numbers”?

Related

Numbers hub

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