Elementary - Grade 2
Lesson 1: The Two Number Systems
Why Two Sets of Numbers?
This is a concept that surprises many learners! Korean uses two completely separate numbering systems, and they are not interchangeable.
1. Native Korean System: Used for counting items, age, and hours.
2. Sino-Korean System: Based on Chinese characters, used for money, dates, phone numbers, and minutes.
Numbers 1-10: A Comparison
| Number | Native Korean (Counting) | Sino-Korean (Money, Dates) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 하나 (hana) | 일 (il) |
| 2 | 둘 (dul) | 이 (i) |
| 3 | 셋 (set) | 삼 (sam) |
| 4 | 넷 (net) | 사 (sa) |
| 5 | 다섯 (daseot) | 오 (o) |
| 6 | 여섯 (yeoseot) | 육 (yuk) |
| 7 | 일곱 (ilgop) | 칠 (chil) |
| 8 | 여덟 (yeodeol) | 팔 (pal) |
| 9 | 아홉 (ahop) | 구 (gu) |
| 10 | 열 (yeol) | 십 (sip) |
When to Use Which System
This is the most important part! Here's a simple guide to get you started.
Use Native Korean for:
- General Counting: "One, two, three..."
- Counting Items (with counters): "Two apples" (사과 두 개)
- Your Age: "I am 20 years old" (저는 스무 살이에요)
- Telling Time (Hours): "3 o'clock" (세 시)
Use Sino-Korean for:
- Money: "10,000 Won" (만 원)
- Dates: "October 25th" (시월 이십오 일)
- Phone Numbers: "010-1234-..." (공일공...)
- Telling Time (Minutes): "30 minutes" (삼십 분)
A Quick Tip for Telling Time
Telling time is the perfect example of using both systems together!
To say 3:30, you say:
세 시 삼십 분
(Native hour) (Sino minute)
Don't worry about memorizing this all at once. We'll practice it a lot!