Korean Dictionary
How to say "Counting" in Korean
“Counting” in Korean is 세기 (pronounced "segi").
세기
segi
Usage & Context
The word for counting or the act of counting numbers. This is used in educational contexts and when referring to the process of enumerating items.
Example Sentence
아이가 세기를 배워요.
The child is learning to count.
How to use 세기 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Counting” is 세기, romanized as segi.
Usage tip
Learn this word together with a complete Korean sentence. Meaning often depends on particles, politeness level, and word order.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 세기.
Pronunciation Guide
"세기" (segi) is pronounced "seh-gee." The 'seh' part rhymes with the English word "say," and the 'gi' part rhymes with "key." The 'g' sound is soft, similar to the 'g' in "go."
More Example Sentences
Observing children learning.
아이들이 손가락으로 세기를 연습하고 있어요.
Children are practicing counting with their fingers.
Expressing impatience while waiting.
시간 세기가 너무 느려요.
The counting of time is too slow.
Giving instructions for an inventory task.
물건 세기가 끝나면 알려주세요.
Please let me know when the counting of items is finished.
Cultural Context
세기 (segi) refers to the act or process of counting. While it can also mean 'century' (same spelling, different context and Hanja origin), in the context of numbers, it's purely about enumeration. In everyday conversation, it's more common to use the verb 세다 (seda, to count) directly, or a phrase like 숫자 세기 (sutja segi, counting numbers), rather than just 세기 on its own.
Editorial note
We review entries like 세기 for pronunciation, example sentence fit, and learner mistakes so the page answers more than a direct dictionary lookup.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
숫자 세기
counting numbers
세기 연습
counting practice
세기 놀이
counting game
Related Expressions
세다
seda
to count (verb)
계산
gyesan
calculation
셈
sem
counting, calculation (often in compounds)
측정
cheukjeong
measurement
More Numbers and Time Words
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