Korean Dictionary
How to say "Three" in Korean
“Three” in Korean is 셋 (pronounced "set").
셋
set
Usage & Context
The native Korean number for three, used in everyday counting. The Sino-Korean equivalent 삼 (sam) is used with formal counters and in technical or mathematical contexts.
Example Sentence
친구가 셋 있어요.
I have three friends.
How to use 셋 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Three” is 셋, romanized as set.
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 셋.
Pronunciation Guide
Pronounced 'set' — one short syllable, like 'set' in English but with the final 't' unreleased (your tongue touches the ridge but doesn't release air). The 'e' is a clean 'eh'.
Formal & Casual Forms
Formal (존댓말)
삼
sam
Sino-Korean number for 3, used for dates, phone numbers, money, and math.
Casual (반말)
셋
set
Native Korean number, used for counting objects, hours, and people; shortens to 세 before a counter.
More Example Sentences
Countdown before jumping into the pool
하나, 둘, 셋!
One, two, three!
Planning with close friends
우리 셋이서 여행 가요.
The three of us are going on a trip.
Setting up a game or group project
한 팀에 세 명씩이에요.
There are three people per team.
Cultural Context
Before a counter, 셋 shortens to 세 — 세 명 (three people), 세 시 (three o'clock), 세 개 (three items). Counting down 하나, 둘, 셋 is the universal Korean cue for group photos, jumps, or synchronized moves — equivalent to 'one, two, three, go!' The number 3 is also considered lucky in Korean culture, appearing in folktales and the saying 삼세번 (three times for luck).
Editorial note
We review entries like 셋 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
셋이 같이 가요.
Let's go, the three of us.
세 시에 만나요.
Let's meet at three o'clock.
삼세번 해 보세요.
Try three times (for luck).
Related Expressions
세 개
se gae
three (items)
세 명
se myeong
three people
셋째
setjjae
the third (in order)
삼
sam
three (Sino-Korean)
More Numbers and Time Words
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