번
beon
times / number (frequency or ordinal counter)
개
gae
pieces / items (general object counter)
번 vs 개: Counting Times/Numbers vs Counting Objects in Korean
번 is a counter used for the number of times something happens or for ordinal sequences, while 개 is the general all-purpose counter for counting physical objects and items.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| 번 (beon) | 개 (gae) | |
|---|---|---|
| What It Counts | Frequency (how many times), order/sequence (which number) | Physical objects, items, pieces of things |
| Number System Used With | Sino-Korean: 일 번, 이 번... (ordinal) / Native: 한 번, 두 번... (frequency) | Native Korean numbers: 한 개, 두 개, 세 개... |
| Example Usage | 세 번 (three times), 1번 출구 (exit number 1) | 사과 세 개 (three apples), 연필 두 개 (two pencils) |
| Ordinal Use | Can serve as ordinal with Sino-Korean numbers (1번, 2번...) | Not used for ordering or sequencing |
| Scope | Specific to time/occurrence/sequence contexts | Broadly applicable to most countable objects |
Examples in Context
Saying you visited a place three times — using 번
거기 세 번 가봤어요.
I have been there three times.
Announcing a question number in a quiz — using 번
3번 문제를 풀어봅시다.
Let's try question number 3.
Buying apples at a market — using 개
사과 다섯 개 주세요.
Please give me five apples.
Asking how many cookies are left — using 개
쿠키 몇 개 남았어요?
How many cookies are left?
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✗Using 개 for frequency — saying 세 개 갔어요 (went three items) is ungrammatical. Use 세 번 갔어요 for frequency.
- ✗Mixing number systems with 개 — 개 always uses native Korean numbers (한, 두, 세...), not Sino-Korean (일, 이, 삼...).
- ✗Confusing ordinal 번 with frequency 번 — 1번 출구 means 'exit #1' (ordinal), while 한 번 means 'one time' (frequency). Context determines which applies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 개 used for all objects?
개 is the default general counter, but Korean has specialized counters for specific items: 권 for books, 장 for paper/flat things, 벌 for sets of clothing, 병 for bottles, etc.
What is the difference between 한 번 and 일 번?
한 번 means 'one time' (frequency). 일 번 means 'number one' or 'first' in an ordered sequence, like a seat or bus number.
Master Korean with AI Practice
Practice using 번 and 개 in real conversations with AI.
