Korean has two number systems. Learners usually meet Sino-Korean first because money and dates show up everywhere. Then someone asks your age, or you try to order two coffees with the wrong set, and chaos begins.
This post is only the native Korean numbers 1–10 — the set you need for many counting situations, especially people and age (with the right counter words).
If you want money and price talk, use the Sino-Korean shopping guide instead. Different job.
The 1–10 list (learn these cold)
| Number | Hangul | Romanization (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Read them aloud in order, then backwards. Backwards exposes weak spots fast.
The “short forms” before counters
When native numbers sit in front of a counter, 1–4 often shorten:
| Full | Before a counter | Example idea |
|---|---|---|
| 하나 | 한 | 한 명 (one person) |
| 둘 | 두 | 두 명 |
| 셋 | 세 | 세 명 |
| 넷 | 네 | 네 명 |
This is where beginners freeze in cafés and restaurants. You don’t say 하나 잔 in careful standard ordering patterns the way your textbook flashcard might tempt you — you bump into 한 잔, 두 잔, and so on.
Memorize the short forms as aggressively as the full list.
People: 명
명 is a common counter for people.
- 한 명 — one person
- 두 명 — two people
- 세 명 — three people
- 네 명 — four people
- 다섯 명 — five people
Useful lines:
두 명요. / 두 명이요.
For two people. (restaurant seating vibe)
Exact endings vary by situation and politeness. The core skill is number + 명.
Age: 살
Age often uses native numbers + 살.
Examples you’ll hear constantly:
- 스무 살 (20) — you’ll learn teens/tens later
- For 1–10 ages in simple drills: 열 살 (10), 일곱 살 (7), etc.
Adult learners: you may not announce 일곱 살 about yourself often — but you will hear ages for kids, and you’ll need the pattern.
Also: asking age can be sensitive depending on culture and context. Learn the grammar; use social judgment.
Hours on the clock (preview)
Native numbers also show up with hours (시), while minutes often use Sino-Korean. That’s why time feels unfair.
Example shape:
- 한 시 — 1 o’clock
- 두 시 — 2 o’clock
- 세 시 — 3 o’clock
If you already read our days-and-time post, this is the missing number set that makes “한 시” click.
Tiny practice dialogue
A: 몇 명이에요?
B: 두 명요.
A: 커피 몇 잔이에요?
B: 세 잔 주세요. (ordering context; counter 잔)
You’re not memorizing a play. You’re training the short number + counter reflex.
How to study without mixing systems
Week habit that works:
- Morning: native 1–10 aloud
- Evening: Sino 1–10 aloud (money set)
- Never drill them in the same breath until each list feels automatic
Mixing too early creates a permanent blur. Separate the gym days.
Ready Korean
Use Lesson vocabulary / speak prompts when numbers appear, and say them out loud — don’t only tap flashcards silently. If you use Quiz modes, treat wrong number-system answers as useful data, not failure.
Bottom line
Native Korean 1–10 = counting many everyday things, people (명), age (살), and hours (시).
Sino-Korean = money, dates, phoney numbers, and a pile of other jobs.
Learn both. Just don’t pretend they’re the same list with different fonts.
Ordering at a Café in Korean: Easy Phrases That Work
Learn Korean with Itaewon Class: 7 Motivational Phrases
Learn Korean with Reply 1988: 7 Family & Neighborhood Phrases