Learning a new language is always a fascinating journey, and Korean is no exception. Among the various aspects of the Korean language, understanding quantitative vocabulary is crucial. Quantitative vocabulary in Korean refers to the words and expressions used to describe quantities, numbers, and measurements. This article will delve into the intricacies of Korean quantitative vocabulary, providing you with the knowledge you need to navigate this essential part of the language.

Understanding Korean Numbers

Korean has two numerical systems: the native Korean system and the Sino-Korean system. Each system has its specific contexts in which it is used.

Native Korean Numbers

Native Korean numbers are primarily used for counting objects, people, and age. Here are the basic native Korean numbers from 1 to 10:

1. 하나 (hana)
2. 둘 (dul)
3. 셋 (set)
4. 넷 (net)
5. 다섯 (daseot)
6. 여섯 (yeoseot)
7. 일곱 (ilgop)
8. 여덟 (yeodeol)
9. 아홉 (ahop)
10. 열 (yeol)

For numbers beyond 10, native Korean numbers combine the basic numbers. For example:

– 11 is 열하나 (yeolhana)
– 20 is 스물 (seumul)
– 21 is 스물하나 (seumulhana)
– 30 is 서른 (seoreun)

Native Korean numbers are typically used for:

– Counting objects: 사과 하나 (sagwa hana) – one apple
– Counting people: 친구 둘 (chingu dul) – two friends
– Expressing age: 스물다섯 살 (seumuldaseot sal) – 25 years old

Sino-Korean Numbers

Sino-Korean numbers are derived from Chinese characters and are used in various contexts, such as dates, money, phone numbers, and measurements. Here are the basic Sino-Korean numbers from 1 to 10:

1. 일 (il)
2. 이 (i)
3. 삼 (sam)
4. 사 (sa)
5. 오 (o)
6. 육 (yuk)
7. 칠 (chil)
8. 팔 (pal)
9. 구 (gu)
10. 십 (sip)

For numbers beyond 10, Sino-Korean numbers follow a decimal system. For example:

– 11 is 십일 (sipil)
– 20 is 이십 (isip)
– 21 is 이십일 (isipil)
– 30 is 삼십 (samsip)

Sino-Korean numbers are typically used for:

– Dates: 2023년 10월 15일 (2023nyeon 10wol 15il) – October 15, 2023
– Money: 1,000원 (cheon won) – 1,000 won
– Phone numbers: 010-1234-5678 (gongilgong-ilisam-sa-o-yuk-pal)

Counting Units (Counters)

Korean employs specific counting units, known as counters, which are used alongside numbers to count different types of objects, people, animals, and more. Here are some common counters:

General Objects

The counter 개 (gae) is used for general objects and items. For example:

– 한 개 (han gae) – one item
– 두 개 (du gae) – two items
– 세 개 (se gae) – three items

People

The counter 명 (myeong) is used for counting people. For example:

– 한 명 (han myeong) – one person
– 두 명 (du myeong) – two people
– 세 명 (se myeong) – three people

Alternatively, 분 (bun) can be used to count people in a more formal context.

Animals

The counter 마리 (mari) is used for counting animals. For example:

– 한 마리 (han mari) – one animal
– 두 마리 (du mari) – two animals
– 세 마리 (se mari) – three animals

Bottles

The counter 병 (byeong) is used for counting bottles. For example:

– 한 병 (han byeong) – one bottle
– 두 병 (du byeong) – two bottles
– 세 병 (se byeong) – three bottles

Books

The counter 권 (gwon) is used for counting books. For example:

– 한 권 (han gwon) – one book
– 두 권 (du gwon) – two books
– 세 권 (se gwon) – three books

Age

When referring to age, 살 (sal) is the counter used with native Korean numbers. For example:

– 스무 살 (seumu sal) – 20 years old
– 서른 살 (seoreun sal) – 30 years old
– 마흔 살 (maheun sal) – 40 years old

In formal contexts, 세 (se) is used instead of 살 (sal).

Using Quantitative Vocabulary in Sentences

Understanding how to use quantitative vocabulary in sentences is essential for effective communication in Korean. Here are some examples of how quantitative vocabulary is used in different contexts:

Counting Objects

– 사과 두 개를 샀어요. (Sagwa du gaereul sasseoyo.) – I bought two apples.
– 책 세 권을 읽었어요. (Chaek se gwoneul ilgeosseoyo.) – I read three books.

Counting People

– 친구 네 명이 왔어요. (Chingu ne myeongi wasseoyo.) – Four friends came.
– 가족 다섯 명이 있어요. (Gajok daseot myeongi isseoyo.) – There are five people in my family.

Counting Animals

– 고양이 한 마리가 있어요. (Goyangi han mari ga isseoyo.) – There is one cat.
– 개 두 마리를 키워요. (Gae du marireul kiwoyo.) – I have two dogs.

Expressing Age

– 저는 스물다섯 살이에요. (Jeoneun seumuldaseot salieyo.) – I am 25 years old.
– 우리 할머니는 여든 살이에요. (Uri halmeonineun yeodeun salieyo.) – My grandmother is 80 years old.

Counting Bottles

– 물 한 병 주세요. (Mul han byeong juseyo.) – Please give me one bottle of water.
– 맥주 세 병을 마셨어요. (Maekju se byeongeul masyeosseoyo.) – I drank three bottles of beer.

Special Considerations

While the basic principles of quantitative vocabulary in Korean are straightforward, there are some special considerations to keep in mind:

Honorifics

When speaking to or about someone of higher status or age, it is essential to use honorifics. For example, instead of using 명 (myeong) to count people, use 분 (bun) in formal contexts. Similarly, use the honorific counter 세 (se) instead of 살 (sal) when referring to age.

Irregular Forms

Some numbers have irregular forms when combined with counters. For example, the numbers 하나 (hana), 둘 (dul), 셋 (set), 넷 (net), and 스물 (seumul) change to 한 (han), 두 (du), 세 (se), 네 (ne), and 스무 (seumu) respectively when used with counters. For example:

– 한 개 (han gae) – one item
– 두 명 (du myeong) – two people
– 세 마리 (se mari) – three animals
– 스무 살 (seumu sal) – 20 years old

Large Numbers

For large numbers, Korean uses units of ten thousand (만, man) and one hundred million (억, eok), which can be different from the Western system. For example:

– 10,000 is 만 (man)
– 100,000 is 십만 (sipman)
– 1,000,000 is 백만 (baekman)
– 10,000,000 is 천만 (cheonman)
– 100,000,000 is 억 (eok)

When dealing with large numbers, it is essential to understand these units to avoid confusion.

Practical Applications

To solidify your understanding of quantitative vocabulary in Korean, it is helpful to practice in real-life situations. Here are some practical applications:

Shopping

When shopping in Korea, you will frequently encounter quantitative vocabulary. Practice asking for quantities and understanding prices. For example:

– 사과 다섯 개 주세요. (Sagwa daseot gae juseyo.) – Please give me five apples.
– 이거 얼마예요? (Igeo eolmayeyo?) – How much is this?

Ordering Food

When ordering food, you will need to specify quantities. Practice ordering food and drinks in Korean. For example:

– 김밥 두 줄 주세요. (Gimbap du jul juseyo.) – Please give me two rolls of gimbap.
– 물 세 병 주세요. (Mul se byeong juseyo.) – Please give me three bottles of water.

Making Appointments

When making appointments, you may need to specify dates and times. Practice making appointments in Korean. For example:

– 10월 15일에 예약했어요. (Siwol siboile yeyakhaesseoyo.) – I made a reservation for October 15th.
– 오후 두 시에 만나요. (Ohu du sie mannayo.) – Let’s meet at 2 PM.

Conclusion

Mastering quantitative vocabulary in Korean is an essential step in becoming proficient in the language. By understanding the native Korean and Sino-Korean number systems, using the appropriate counters, and practicing in real-life situations, you will be well-equipped to handle various quantitative expressions in Korean. Remember to pay attention to special considerations such as honorifics and irregular forms to ensure accurate and respectful communication. With practice and dedication, you will find that quantitative vocabulary becomes a natural part of your Korean language skills.