일, 이, 삼
il, i, sam
Sino-Korean numbers (1, 2, 3)
하나, 둘, 셋
hana, dul, set
Native Korean numbers (1, 2, 3)
일이삼 vs 하나둘셋: Sino-Korean vs Native Korean Numbers
Korean has two number systems: Sino-Korean numbers (일, 이, 삼) are used for dates, money, phone numbers, and counting above 100. Native Korean numbers (하나, 둘, 셋) are used for counting objects with counters, hours, and ages.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| 일, 이, 삼 (il, i, sam) | 하나, 둘, 셋 (hana, dul, set) | |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Borrowed from Chinese (漢字) | Original Korean words |
| Used For | Dates, money, phone numbers, addresses, minutes | Counting objects, hours, ages (up to 99) |
| Range | No limit — used for all large numbers | Commonly used only up to 99 |
| With Counters | 개월 (months), 원 (won), 분 (minutes) | 개 (items), 명 (people), 잔 (cups), 시 (hours) |
| Example: 3 | 삼 (sam) | 셋 (set) / 세 (se, before counter) |
Examples in Context
Telling the date — using 일, 이, 삼
오늘은 이천이십오년 삼월 십일입니다.
Today is March 10th, 2025.
Ordering coffee — using 하나, 둘, 셋
커피 두 잔 주세요.
Two cups of coffee, please.
Saying a phone number — using 일, 이, 삼
제 번호는 공일공-삼사오육-칠팔구공이에요.
My number is 010-3456-7890.
Telling your age — using 하나, 둘, 셋
저는 스물다섯 살이에요.
I am 25 years old.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✗Using Sino-Korean numbers with object counters like 개 — say 세 개 (se gae), not 삼 개 (sam gae)
- ✗Using native Korean numbers for money — prices always use Sino-Korean: 삼천 원 (samcheon won), not 셋천 원
- ✗Forgetting that native Korean numbers change form before counters — 하나 becomes 한, 둘 becomes 두, 셋 becomes 세, 넷 becomes 네
- ✗Using native Korean numbers above 99 — for 100+, always switch to Sino-Korean (백, 천, 만)
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Korean have two number systems?
Korean has its own native counting system that predates Chinese influence. When Chinese characters and vocabulary were adopted, the Sino-Korean number system came along. Over time, each system settled into different use cases, and today both are essential for fluency.
Which number system should I learn first?
Learn both early, but start with Sino-Korean numbers since they're used for dates, money, and phone numbers — things you'll encounter immediately in daily life. Then learn native Korean numbers 1-99 for counting objects and telling time.
How do I tell time using both systems?
Hours use native Korean numbers: 두 시 (du si, 2 o'clock). Minutes use Sino-Korean numbers: 삼십 분 (samsip bun, 30 minutes). So 2:30 is 두 시 삼십 분 (du si samsip bun).
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