Counting items

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Certain objects or items need to be counted with a specific number system (Native Korean or Sino-Korean). Sometimes the same Korean word is used, but has a different meaning based on the number system, i.e. 분, 번, etc.

Native Korean Numbers

Used with numbers like 하나, 둘, 셋, 넷, 다섯. However when used with a countable item, the first four numbers become 한, 두, 세, 네 instead.

Countable Items that use Native Korean Numbers
Item Meaning Notes
packs of cigarettes
Things, items (vague) If in doubt about an item, use this as a counter.
Book(s), volume(s) Used for books
그릇 Bowl(s)
Month(s) Same meaning as 개월(Sino-Korean numbers)
Mechanical item(s) such as cars
마리 Counter for animal(s) Often used for when ordering things such as chicken
Time(s) 한 번만 했어 (I only did it one time)
Bottle(s) Often used for ordering things such as 소주
People (honorific form) Honorific form of 사람. If you use a Sino-Korean number, then the meaning becomes minutes
사람 People/Persons
Age / Years old Used when you say your age or asking someone else's age(연세 is the honorific form)
O'clock
시간 Hour(s)
자루 Small Wooden Item used for things such as a pencil and *
Flat thin objects?
Glass(es) Used for things like coffee, beer etc

Sino-Korean Numbers

These items use numbers such as 일, 이, 삼, 사, 오 etc.


Countable Items that use Sino-Korean Numbers
Item Meaning Notes
개월 Month(s) Same meaning as 달(Native Korean numbers)
Year(s)
Degrees(temperature)
multiples?
Number ~ 일 번 = Number 1 (etc)
번선  ?
번지 Used for house addresses
Minutes If you use a native Korean number, then the meaning becomes people (honorific form)
Won (currency)
Month Identifier 일월 would be January, 이월 would be February (etc)
People/Person(s)
인분 Servings Often used at restaurants to order a serving of something, such as meat
Day Used for a specific day in a month, 팔월 구일 would be August 9th
주일? Week(s)
Floor 오층 would mean fifth floor
Room number