개 vs 명
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.
This page focuses on “개 vs 명.” 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 “개 vs 명” 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
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.
How to practice
- Level: beginner–friendly explanation; still re-check formality with a native conversation partner when stakes are high.
- Say every example out loud, then change one slot (place, time, or person) to force production — not only recognition.
- 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 “개 vs 명”?
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