Korean Dictionary
How to say "One" in Korean
“One” in Korean is 하나 (pronounced "hana").
하나
hana
Korean usage reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Last reviewed June 4, 2026.
This page checks meaning, pronunciation, politeness level, and common learner mistakes.
Usage & Context
The native Korean number for one, used in everyday counting and informal situations. This is distinct from the Sino-Korean number 일 (il) which is used in formal contexts and with counters.
Example Sentence
사과가 하나 있어요.
There is one apple.
How to use 하나 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “One” is 하나, romanized as hana.
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 하나.
Pronunciation Guide
Pronounced 'ha-na' — 'ha' like the laugh 'ha!' and 'na' with a clean 'nah'. Both syllables are short and equally stressed, with no dragging.
Formal & Casual Forms
Formal (존댓말)
일
il
Sino-Korean number for 1, used for dates, money, phone numbers, and formal/technical counting.
Casual (반말)
하나
hana
Native Korean number, used when counting objects, people's ages (with years), hours, and in everyday speech.
More Example Sentences
Ordering at a cafe
아메리카노 하나 주세요.
One Americano, please.
Counting down before a group photo
하나, 둘, 셋! 사진 찍을게요.
One, two, three! Taking the picture.
Pointing out an additional issue at work
문제가 하나 더 있어요.
There's one more problem.
Cultural Context
Korean has two complete number systems that are not interchangeable: native Korean (하나, 둘, 셋...) for counting things, ages, and hours, and Sino-Korean (일, 이, 삼...) for dates, money, minutes, phone numbers, and floor numbers. When 하나 is followed by a counter (like 개, 명, 시), it shortens to 한 — so it's 한 개 (one item), 한 시 (one o'clock), 한 명 (one person). Mastering this shortening is a key milestone for learners.
Editorial note
We review entries like 하나 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. Last reviewed June 4, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
하나 주세요.
Please give me one.
하나만 먹을게요.
I'll just have one.
하나부터 열까지 다 설명해 주세요.
Please explain everything from one to ten (from A to Z).
Related Expressions
한 개
han gae
one (item/piece)
한 명
han myeong
one person
한 시
han si
one o'clock
일
il
one (Sino-Korean)
More Numbers and Time Words
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