Learning to count in Korean is a foundational step in mastering the language. While seemingly simple, the Korean number system involves nuances that can be challenging for beginners.
Understanding how to say “18” correctly, along with the underlying principles, provides a solid base for more advanced language skills. This guide will break down the complexities of Korean numerals, focusing on both Sino-Korean and Native Korean systems, and provide practical examples and exercises to ensure you grasp the concepts thoroughly.
Whether you’re a student, traveler, or simply curious about Korean, this article will equip you with the knowledge to confidently express the number “18” and beyond.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Definition: Korean Number Systems
- Structural Breakdown of “18” in Korean
- Types and Categories of Korean Numbers
- Examples: Using “18” in Different Contexts
- Usage Rules: When to Use Each System
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics: Counters and Beyond
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Definition: Korean Number Systems
Korean utilizes two primary number systems: Sino-Korean and Native Korean. The Sino-Korean system originates from Chinese numerals and is primarily used for dates, money, phone numbers, addresses, and measurements.
The Native Korean system is used for counting objects, age, and sometimes for hours in time. Understanding when to use each system is crucial for accurate communication.
Each system has its unique pronunciation and application, making it essential to learn both for comprehensive fluency.
Structural Breakdown of “18” in Korean
To understand how to say “18” in Korean, let’s break down the components in each number system.
- Sino-Korean: “18” is expressed as 십팔 (sip-pal). 십 (sip) means “ten,” and 팔 (pal) means “eight.” Therefore, 십팔 literally translates to “ten eight.”
- Native Korean: While Native Korean numbers are typically used for numbers up to 99, “18” isn’t commonly expressed directly. Usually, age (18 years old) is expressed with Sino-Korean numbers. However, if you were to use it hypothetically, it would be constructed differently and involve counters, which we’ll discuss later.
The structure is straightforward in the Sino-Korean system, combining the tens and units digits to form the complete number. The Native Korean system’s usage is more nuanced and less direct for higher numbers like 18.
Types and Categories of Korean Numbers
Sino-Korean Numbers
Sino-Korean numbers (한자어 수사, hanjaeo susa) are derived from Chinese and are used in various contexts. They are essential for understanding larger numbers and complex calculations. These numbers are generally preferred for formal settings and technical contexts. Mastering these numbers is crucial for understanding dates, times, and financial transactions.
Here’s a table of the basic Sino-Korean numbers:
| Number | Korean (Hangul) | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | 영 (yeong) / 공 (gong) | young / gong |
| 1 | 일 (il) | il |
| 2 | 이 (i) | ee |
| 3 | 삼 (sam) | sam |
| 4 | 사 (sa) | sa |
| 5 | 오 (o) | oh |
| 6 | 육 (yuk) | yuk |
| 7 | 칠 (chil) | chil |
| 8 | 팔 (pal) | pal |
| 9 | 구 (gu) | gu |
| 10 | 십 (sip) | sip |
Native Korean Numbers
Native Korean numbers (고유어 수사, goyueo susa) are indigenous to the Korean language and are primarily used for counting objects, age, and hours. These numbers are generally used for smaller quantities and informal settings. Understanding Native Korean numbers is crucial for everyday conversations and simple transactions.
Here’s a table of the basic Native Korean numbers:
| Number | Korean (Hangul) | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 하나 (hana) | hana |
| 2 | 둘 (dul) | dul |
| 3 | 셋 (set) | set |
| 4 | 넷 (net) | net |
| 5 | 다섯 (daseot) | daseot |
| 6 | 여섯 (yeoseot) | yeoseot |
| 7 | 일곱 (ilgop) | ilgop |
| 8 | 여덟 (yeodeol) | yeodeol |
| 9 | 아홉 (ahop) | ahop |
| 10 | 열 (yeol) | yeol |
| 20 | 스물 (seumul) |
Note that Native Korean numbers change form when used with counters. For example, 하나 (hana) becomes 한 (han) before a counter.
Examples: Using “18” in Different Contexts
Here are some examples of how “18” is used in different contexts, primarily focusing on the Sino-Korean system due to its more common usage for this number.
Age
When stating someone is 18 years old, you would say:
- 열여덟 살 (yeol-yeodeol sal) using Native Korean numbers. However, it’s far more common to use Sino-Korean numbers.
- 십팔 세 (sip-pal se) using Sino-Korean numbers. This is the most common way to express age.
Here are some examples in sentences:
| Sentence | Korean (Hangul) | Pronunciation | Translation |
|---|---|---|---|
| I am 18 years old. | 저는 십팔 세입니다. | Jeoneun sip-pal seimnida. | I am 18 years old. (polite) |
| He is 18 years old. | 그는 십팔 세입니다. | Geuneun sip-pal seimnida. | He is 18 years old. (polite) |
| She is 18 years old. | 그녀는 십팔 세입니다. | Geunyeoneun sip-pal seimnida. | She is 18 years old. (polite) |
| My brother is 18 years old. | 제 형은 십팔 세입니다. | Je hyeong-eun sip-pal seimnida. | My older brother is 18 years old. (polite, if speaker is male) |
| My sister is 18 years old. | 제 누나는 십팔 세입니다. | Je nunaneun sip-pal seimnida. | My older sister is 18 years old. (polite, if speaker is male) |
| The legal age is 18. | 법적 나이는 십팔 세입니다. | Beopjeok naineun sip-pal seimnida. | The legal age is 18. |
| She will be 18 next year. | 그녀는 내년에 십팔 세가 될 것입니다. | Geunyeoneun naenyeone sip-pal sega doel geosimnida. | She will be 18 next year. |
| He turned 18 this year. | 그는 올해 십팔 세가 되었습니다. | Geuneun olhae sip-pal sega doe었습니다. | He turned 18 this year. |
| Are you 18 years old? | 십팔 세이세요? | Sip-pal se-iseyo? | Are you 18 years old? (polite) |
| I was 18 back then. | 그때 저는 십팔 세였어요. | Geuttae jeoneun sip-pal se-yeosseoyo. | I was 18 back then. |
| Being 18 is a big milestone. | 십팔 세가 되는 것은 큰 이정표입니다. | Sip-pal sega doeneun geoseun keun ijeongpyoimnida. | Being 18 is a big milestone. |
| I remember when I was 18. | 제가 십팔 세였을 때가 기억나요. | Jega sip-pal se-yeosseul ttega gieoknayo. | I remember when I was 18. |
| He looks like he is 18. | 그는 십팔 세처럼 보여요. | Geuneun sip-pal secheoreom boyeoyo. | He looks like he is 18. |
| She doesn’t look 18. | 그녀는 십팔 세처럼 보이지 않아요. | Geunyeoneun sip-pal secheoreom boiji anayo. | She doesn’t look 18. |
| Everyone celebrates when they turn 18. | 모두 십팔 세가 되면 축하해요. | Modu sip-pal sega doemyeon chukhahaeyo. | Everyone celebrates when they turn 18. |
| Turning 18 is a significant event. | 십팔 세가 되는 것은 중요한 사건입니다. | Sip-pal sega doeneun geoseun jungyohan sageonimnida. | Turning 18 is a significant event. |
| At 18, you can vote. | 십팔 세에 투표할 수 있어요. | Sip-pal see tupyo-hal su isseoyo. | At 18, you can vote. |
| He is still only 18. | 그는 아직 십팔 세밖에 안 됐어요. | Geuneun ajik sip-pal sebakke an dwaesseoyo. | He is still only 18. |
| She is exactly 18 years old. | 그녀는 정확히 십팔 세입니다. | Geunyeoneun jeonghwakhi sip-pal seimnida. | She is exactly 18 years old. |
| The university accepts students who are 18 years old. | 대학교는 십팔 세 학생들을 받습니다. | Daehakgyoneun sip-pal se haksaengdeureul batseumnida. | The university accepts students who are 18 years old. |
Counting Objects
While you wouldn’t typically use Native Korean numbers for “18” directly without a counter, it’s important to understand the concept. When counting 18 of something, you’d use a counter with a Native Korean number (modified form) or Sino-Korean number.
For example, if you were counting 18 books (권, gwon):
- 십팔 권 (sip-pal gwon) – using Sino-Korean.
Here are some examples with different counters, showcasing the Sino-Korean usage:
| Sentence | Korean (Hangul) | Pronunciation | Translation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18 books | 책 십팔 권 | chaek sip-pal gwon | 18 books |
| 18 bottles | 병 십팔 병 | byeong sip-pal byeong | 18 bottles |
| 18 people | 사람 십팔 명 | saram sip-pal myeong | 18 people |
| 18 cars | 차 십팔 대 | cha sip-pal dae | 18 cars |
| 18 houses | 집 십팔 채 | jip sip-pal chae | 18 houses |
| 18 trees | 나무 십팔 그루 | namu sip-pal geuru | 18 trees |
| 18 pencils | 연필 십팔 자루 | yeonpil sip-pal jaru | 18 pencils |
| 18 pairs of shoes | 신발 십팔 켤레 | sinbal sip-pal kyeolle | 18 pairs of shoes |
| 18 sheets of paper | 종이 십팔 장 | jongi sip-pal jang | 18 sheets of paper |
| 18 slices of pizza | 피자 십팔 조각 | pija sip-pal jogak | 18 slices of pizza |
| 18 cups of coffee | 커피 십팔 잔 | keopi sip-pal jan | 18 cups of coffee |
| 18 bowls of rice | 밥 십팔 그릇 | bap sip-pal geureut | 18 bowls of rice |
| 18 apples | 사과 십팔 개 | sagwa sip-pal gae | 18 apples |
| 18 oranges | 오렌지 십팔 개 | orenji sip-pal gae | 18 oranges |
| 18 eggs | 계란 십팔 개 | gyeran sip-pal gae | 18 eggs |
| 18 songs | 노래 십팔 곡 | norae sip-pal gok | 18 songs |
| 18 movies | 영화 십팔 편 | yeonghwa sip-pal pyeon | 18 movies |
| 18 episodes | 에피소드 십팔 화 | episodeu sip-pal hwa | 18 episodes |
| 18 games | 게임 십팔 개 | geim sip-pal gae | 18 games |
| 18 classes | 수업 십팔 개 | sueop sip-pal gae | 18 classes |
| 18 questions | 질문 십팔 개 | jilmun sip-pal gae | 18 questions |
| 18 answers | 답변 십팔 개 | dapbyeon sip-pal gae | 18 answers |
| 18 dollars | 달러 십팔 달러 | dalleo sip-pal dalleo | 18 dollars |
| 18 won | 원 십팔 원 | won sip-pal won | 18 won |
| 18 euros | 유로 십팔 유로 | yuro sip-pal yuro | 18 euros |
Time
For time, Sino-Korean numbers are used for minutes and seconds, while Native Korean numbers are sometimes used for hours (though Sino-Korean is also acceptable, especially in digital displays).
- 18 minutes: 십팔 분 (sip-pal bun)
- 6:18: 여섯 시 십팔 분 (yeoseot si sip-pal bun) – Six o’clock eighteen minutes.
Here are some examples:
| Sentence | Korean (Hangul) | Pronunciation | Translation |
|---|---|---|---|
| It’s 6:18 AM. | 오전 여섯 시 십팔 분입니다. | Ojeon yeoseot si sip-pal bunimnida. | It’s 6:18 AM. |
| It’s 6:18 PM. | 오후 여섯 시 십팔 분입니다. | Ohu yeoseot si sip-pal bunimnida. | It’s 6:18 PM. |
| The meeting starts at 9:18. | 회의는 아홉 시 십팔 분에 시작합니다. | Hwiineun ahop si sip-pal bune sijakhamnida. | The meeting starts at 9:18. |
| The movie starts at 7:18. | 영화는 일곱 시 십팔 분에 시작합니다. | Yeonghwaneun ilgop si sip-pal bune sijakhamnida. | The movie starts at 7:18. |
| It takes 18 minutes. | 십팔 분 걸립니다. | Sip-pal bun geollimnida. | It takes 18 minutes. |
| I waited for 18 minutes. | 십팔 분 동안 기다렸어요. | Sip-pal bun dongan gidaryeosseoyo. | I waited for 18 minutes. |
| He arrived at 10:18. | 그는 열 시 십팔 분에 도착했어요. | Geuneun yeol si sip-pal bune dochakhaesseoyo. | He arrived at 10:18. |
| The train leaves at 2:18. | 기차는 두 시 십팔 분에 출발합니다. | Gichaneun du si sip-pal bune chulbalhamnida. | The train leaves at 2:18. |
| The bus arrives at 3:18. | 버스는 세 시 십팔 분에 도착합니다. | Beoseuneun se si sip-pal bune dochakhamnida. | The bus arrives at 3:18. |
| Please come by 5:18. | 다섯 시 십팔 분까지 오세요. | Daseot si sip-pal bunkkaji oseyo. | Please come by 5:18. |
| It’s exactly 4:18 now. | 지금은 정확히 네 시 십팔 분입니다. | Jigeumeun jeonghwakhi ne si sip-pal bunimnida. | It’s exactly 4:18 now. |
| Let’s meet at 1:18. | 한 시 십팔 분에 만나요. | Han si sip-pal bune mannayo. | Let’s meet at 1:18. |
| The class ends at 11:18. | 수업은 열한 시 십팔 분에 끝납니다. | Sueobeun yeolhan si sip-pal bune kkeutnamnida. | The class ends at 11:18. |
| The game starts at 8:18. | 경기는 여덟 시 십팔 분에 시작합니다. | Gyeonggineun yeodeol si sip-pal bune sijakhamnida. | The game starts at 8:18. |
| The concert starts at 7:18. | 콘서트는 일곱 시 십팔 분에 시작합니다. | Konseoteuneun ilgop si sip-pal bune sijakhamnida. | The concert starts at 7:18. |
| The deadline is at 12:18. | 마감일은 열두 시 십팔 분입니다. | Magamireun yeoldu si sip-pal bunimnida. | The deadline is at 12:18. |
| I woke up at 6:18. | 여섯 시 십팔 분에 일어났어요. | Yeoseot si sip-pal bune ireonasseoyo. | I woke up at 6:18. |
| I went to bed at 10:18. | 열 시 십팔 분에 잠자리에 들었어요. | Yeol si sip-pal bune jamjarie deureosseoyo. | I went to bed at 10:18. |
| The news starts at 9:18. | 뉴스는 아홉 시 십팔 분에 시작합니다. | Nyuseuneun ahop si sip-pal bune sijakhamnida. | The news starts at 9:18. |
| The show ends at 11:18. | 쇼는 열한 시 십팔 분에 끝납니다. | Syoneun yeolhan si sip-pal bune kkeutnamnida. | The show ends at 11:18. |
Money
When referring to amounts of money, Sino-Korean numbers are used.
- 18 won: 십팔 원 (sip-pal won)
- The price is 18 dollars: 가격은 십팔 달러입니다 (Gagyeogeun sip-pal dalleoimnida)
| Sentence | Korean (Hangul) | Pronunciation | Translation |
|---|---|---|---|
| It costs 18 won. | 십팔 원입니다. | Sip-pal wonimnida. | It costs 18 won. |
| It costs 18 dollars. | 십팔 달러입니다. | Sip-pal dalleoimnida. | It costs 18 dollars. |
| I paid 18 euros. | 십팔 유로를 지불했어요. | Sip-pal yureoreul jibulhaesseoyo. | I paid 18 euros. |
| The total is 18 pounds. | 총 십팔 파운드입니다. | Chong sip-pal paundeuimnida. | The total is 18 pounds. |
| It is worth 18 yen. | 십팔 엔의 가치가 있습니다. | Sip-pal en-ui gachiga isseumnida. | It is worth 18 yen. |
| The fee is 18 rubles. | 수수료는 십팔 루블입니다. | Susuryoneun sip-pal rubeulimnida. | The fee is 18 rubles. |
| The price is 18 rupees. | 가격은 십팔 루피입니다. | Gagyeogeun sip-pal rupiimnida. | The price is 18 rupees. |
| I have 18 cents. | 십팔 센트가 있어요. | Sip-pal senteuga isseoyo. | I have 18 cents. |
| The tax is 18 percent. | 세금은 십팔 퍼센트입니다. | Segeumeun sip-pal peosenteuimnida. | The tax is 18 percent. |
| I saved 18 pounds. | 십팔 파운드를 절약했어요. | Sip-pal paundeureul jeolyakhaesseoyo. | I saved 18 pounds. |
| The discount is 18%. | 할인은 십팔 퍼센트입니다. | Harineun sip-pal peosenteuimnida. | The discount is 18%. |
| I borrowed 18 dollars. | 십팔 달러를 빌렸어요. | Sip-pal dalleoreul billyeosseoyo. | I borrowed 18 dollars. |
| I lent him 18 euros. | 그에게 십팔 유로를 빌려줬어요. | Geuege sip-pal yureoreul billyeojwosseoyo. | I lent him 18 euros. |
| It’s worth 18 dollars now. | 지금은 십팔 달러의 가치가 있어요. | Jigeumeun sip-pal dalleoui gachiga isseoyo. | It’s worth 18 dollars now. |
| I spent 18 dollars. | 십팔 달러를 썼어요. | Sip-pal dalleoreul sseosseoyo. | I spent 18 dollars. |
| She earned 18 dollars today. | 그녀는 오늘 십팔 달러를 벌었어요. | Geunyeoneun oneul sip-pal dalleoreul beoreosseoyo. | She earned 18 dollars today. |
| The fine is 18 dollars. | 벌금은 십팔 달러입니다. | Beolgeumeun sip-pal dalleoimnida. | The fine is 18 dollars. |
| I won 18 dollars. | 십팔 달러를 땄어요. | Sip-pal dalleoreul ttasseoyo. | I won 18 dollars. |
| I lost 18 dollars. | 십팔 달러를 잃었어요. | Sip-pal dalleoreul ireosseoyo. | I lost 18 dollars. |
| The change is 18 cents. | 거스름돈은 십팔 센트입니다. | Geoseureumdoneun sip-pal senteuimnida. | The change is 18 cents. |
Usage Rules: When to Use Each System
Here’s a summary of when to use each number system:
- Sino-Korean: Dates, phone numbers, money, addresses, measurements, and counting above 100.
- Native Korean: Age, counting objects (up to 99), and hours (sometimes).
It’s also important to remember that counters are used with both systems, but the specific counter depends on the object being counted.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some common mistakes learners make when using Korean numbers:
- Incorrect System: Using Native Korean numbers for dates or money. Correct: 2023년 (Sino-Korean) instead of *이천이십셋 년 (incorrect Native Korean).
- Forgetting Counters: Omitting counters when counting objects. Correct: 책 두 권 (two books) instead of *책 두 (incorrect).
- Mispronunciation: Pronouncing numbers incorrectly. Practice pronunciation regularly.
Here’s a table highlighting common mistakes:
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| *열여덟 원 (yeol-yeodeol won) | 십팔 원 (sip-pal won) | Using Native Korean for money is incorrect; Sino-Korean is required. |
| *십팔 살 (sip-pal sal) | 열여덟 살 (yeol-yeodeol sal) / 십팔 세 (sip-pal se) | While 십팔 살 isn’t grammatically incorrect, it is less common than using Native Korean numbers for the age or Sino-Korean with 세. |
| *책 십팔 (chaek sip-pal) | 책 십팔 권 (chaek sip-pal gwon) | Forgetting the counter ‘권’ (gwon) for books. |
Practice Exercises
Test your knowledge with these practice exercises.
- Translate: 18 years old (using Sino-Korean).
- Translate: 18 minutes.
- Translate: 18 dollars.
- Write the number 18 in Sino-Korean.
- Write the number 18 in Native Korean (for age).
- How would you say “I am 18 years old” (Sino-Korean)?
- How would you say “The price is 18 won”?
- Translate: 18 books.
- What number system is used for phone numbers?
- What number system is typically used for age?
Answer Key:
- 십팔 세 (sip-pal se)
- 십팔 분 (sip-pal bun)
- 십팔 달러 (sip-pal dalleo)