How to Say Age in Korean: A Comprehensive Guide

Understanding how to express age in Korean is fundamental for basic communication and cultural understanding. Unlike English, Korean uses different number systems and counters depending on the context, particularly when talking about age.

Mastering this aspect of Korean grammar will not only enhance your language skills but also allow you to navigate social interactions with greater confidence and respect. This guide is designed for learners of all levels, from beginners to advanced students, providing clear explanations, numerous examples, and practical exercises to solidify your knowledge.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Definition: Expressing Age in Korean
3. Structural Breakdown
4. Number Systems: Sino-Korean vs. Native Korean
5. Age Counters: 살 (sal) and 세 (se)
6. Formal vs. Informal Usage
7. Examples
8. Using 살 (sal)
9. Using 세 (se)
10. Examples with Honorifics
11. Usage Rules
12. 살 (sal) Usage Rules
13. 세 (se) Usage Rules
14. Age-Related Expressions
15. Common Mistakes
16. Using the Wrong Number System
17. Incorrect Counter Usage
18. Forgetting Honorifics
19. Practice Exercises
20. Exercise 1: Translate to Korean (살)
21. Exercise 2: Translate to Korean (세)
22. Exercise 3: Fill in the Blanks
23. Advanced Topics
24. Korean Age vs. International Age
25. Cultural Nuances of Asking Age
26. Age in Legal and Official Contexts
27. FAQ
28. Conclusion

Definition: Expressing Age in Korean

Expressing age in Korean involves using specific number systems and counters that differ from English. The primary way to state someone’s age is by combining a number with a counter. The two main counters used are 살 (sal) and 세 (se). The choice between these counters, and the number system used (Sino-Korean or Native Korean), often depends on the context and the level of formality required. Understanding these nuances is critical for accurately conveying age in Korean conversations and written communication.

The function of expressing age is not merely informative; it also plays a significant role in establishing social hierarchy and determining the appropriate level of politeness in Korean culture. Knowing someone’s age can influence how you address them and the verb endings you use.

In essence, mastering this aspect of Korean grammar is crucial for navigating social interactions successfully and showing respect.

Structural Breakdown

The basic structure for expressing age in Korean is relatively straightforward, but it requires attention to detail regarding number systems and counters. The fundamental pattern is:

[Number] + [Counter (살 or 세)]

Where:

• Number: Represents the age. This can be either a Native Korean number or a Sino-Korean number, depending on the counter used.
• Counter: A unit word that specifies what is being counted. In this case, it’s either 살 (sal) or 세 (se).

For example:

• 스무 살 (seumu sal) – 20 years old (using Native Korean numbers and 살)
• 이십 세 (isip se) – 20 years old (using Sino-Korean numbers and 세)

Adding particles can provide context and grammatical correctness. For instance, to say “I am 20 years old,” you might use the topic particle 은/는 or the subject particle 이/가:

• 저는 스무 살입니다 (Jeoneun seumu sal-imnida) – I am 20 years old (formal)
• 저는 스무 살이에요 (Jeoneun seumu sal-ieyo) – I am 20 years old (informal)

Number Systems: Sino-Korean vs. Native Korean

Korean uses two primary number systems: Native Korean and Sino-Korean. Understanding the difference and when to use each system is crucial for expressing age correctly.

Native Korean Numbers are generally used for counting objects, hours, and ages when using the counter 살 (sal). The numbers 1-99 have unique Native Korean forms.

Sino-Korean Numbers are derived from Chinese and are used for dates, money, phone numbers, and ages when using the counter 세 (se). They are also generally used for numbers above 99.

Here’s a table summarizing the key differences and usages:

Feature	Native Korean Numbers	Sino-Korean Numbers
Usage	Counting objects, hours (1-12), age with 살	Dates, money, phone numbers, age with 세
Range	Generally 1-99	All numbers
Examples	하나 (hana – one), 스물 (seumul – twenty), 아홉 (ahop – nine)	일 (il – one), 이십 (isip – twenty), 구 (gu – nine)

It’s essential to memorize the basic numbers in both systems to accurately express age and other quantities in Korean. The correct number system must match the appropriate counter for the age to be expressed correctly.

Age Counters: 살 (sal) and 세 (se)

Korean uses two primary counters to specify age: 살 (sal) and 세 (se). While both translate to “years old,” they are used in different contexts and with different number systems.

살 (sal) is generally used in informal settings and with Native Korean numbers. It’s the more common way to express age in everyday conversation.

세 (se) is typically used in more formal settings or when providing official information. It is always used with Sino-Korean numbers.

Consider the following examples:

• 저는 스무 살이에요 (Jeoneun seumu sal-ieyo) – I am 20 years old (informal, using 살)
• 저는 이십 세입니다 (Jeoneun isip se-imnida) – I am 20 years old (formal, using 세)

The choice between 살 and 세 depends on the level of formality required and the context of the conversation. In most casual conversations, 살 is perfectly acceptable and often preferred.

However, in official documents or formal speeches, 세 is more appropriate.

Formal vs. Informal Usage

The level of formality in Korean language is paramount, and it affects how you express age. The choice between 살 and 세 is one aspect, but the verb endings and honorifics you use also contribute to the overall formality.

Informal: When speaking to friends, family members younger than you, or in casual settings, use 살 with Native Korean numbers and informal verb endings.

Formal: When speaking to elders, superiors, or in formal settings, use 세 with Sino-Korean numbers and formal verb endings or honorifics.

Here’s how formality affects the sentence structure:

Formality	Counter	Verb Ending	Example
Informal	살	-이에요/예요 (-ieyo/yeyo) or -아/어 (-a/eo)	저는 스무 살이에요 (Jeoneun seumu sal-ieyo) – I am 20 years old.
Formal	세	-입니다 (-imnida) or -ㅂ니다/습니다 (-bnida/seumnida)	저는 이십 세입니다 (Jeoneun isip se-imnida) – I am 20 years old.

Understanding the nuances of formal and informal language is critical for effective communication and demonstrating respect in Korean culture. Choosing the correct counter and verb ending based on the social context is essential.

Examples

To solidify your understanding, let’s explore a variety of examples of expressing age in Korean using both 살 and 세, and in different levels of formality.

Using 살 (sal)

살 (sal) is used with Native Korean numbers and is more common in everyday conversation. The following table illustrates various ages expressed using 살.

Age (English)	Age (Korean)	Pronunciation
1 year old	한 살	han sal
2 years old	두 살	du sal
3 years old	세 살	se sal
4 years old	네 살	ne sal
5 years old	다섯 살	daseot sal
6 years old	여섯 살	yeoseot sal
7 years old	일곱 살	ilgop sal
8 years old	여덟 살	yeodeolp sal
9 years old	아홉 살	ahop sal
10 years old	열 살	yeol sal
11 years old	열한 살	yeolhan sal
15 years old	열다섯 살	yeoldaseot sal
20 years old	스무 살	seumu sal
21 years old	스물한 살	seumulhan sal
25 years old	스물다섯 살	seumuldaseot sal
30 years old	서른 살	seoreun sal
40 years old	마흔 살	maheun sal
50 years old	쉰 살	swin sal
60 years old	예순 살	yesun sal
70 years old	일흔 살	ilheun sal
80 years old	여든 살	yeodeun sal
90 years old	아흔 살	aheun sal
99 years old	아흔아홉 살	aheunahop sal

These examples demonstrate how to combine Native Korean numbers with 살 to express age in a casual, everyday context.

Using 세 (se)

세 (se) is used with Sino-Korean numbers and is more appropriate in formal settings. The following table provides examples of ages expressed using 세.

Age (English)	Age (Korean)	Pronunciation
1 year old	일 세	il se
2 years old	이 세	i se
3 years old	삼 세	sam se
4 years old	사 세	sa se
5 years old	오 세	o se
6 years old	육 세	yuk se
7 years old	칠 세	chil se
8 years old	팔 세	pal se
9 years old	구 세	gu se
10 years old	십 세	sip se
11 years old	십일 세	shibil se
15 years old	십오 세	shibo se
20 years old	이십 세	isip se
21 years old	이십일 세	isibil se
25 years old	이십오 세	isibo se
30 years old	삼십 세	samsip se
40 years old	사십 세	sasip se
50 years old	오십 세	osip se
60 years old	육십 세	yuksip se
70 years old	칠십 세	chilsip se
80 years old	팔십 세	palsip se
90 years old	구십 세	gusip se
100 years old	백 세	baek se

These examples illustrate the use of Sino-Korean numbers with 세, which is suitable for formal situations, official documents, or news reports.

Examples with Honorifics

In Korean, showing respect through honorifics is essential, especially when talking about someone older than you. When asking someone’s age, you should use honorific language.

Here are some examples:

Sentence (English)	Sentence (Korean)	Pronunciation	Notes
How old are you? (formal, to someone older)	연세가 어떻게 되세요?	Yeonsega eotteoke doeseyo?	Uses the honorific word 연세 (yeonse) for age.
How old are you? (polite, but less formal)	나이가 어떻게 되세요?	Naiga eotteoke doeseyo?	Uses the polite form of asking about age.
My grandfather is 70 years old.	할아버지는 칠십 세이십니다.	Harabeojineun chilsip se-isipnida.	Uses the honorific verb ending -이십니다 (-isipnida) for ‘is’.
My grandmother is 65 years old.	할머니는 육십오 세이십니다.	Halmeonineun yuksibo se-isipnida.	Uses the honorific verb ending -이십니다 (-isipnida) for ‘is’.

Using honorifics correctly demonstrates respect and cultural sensitivity. Always consider the age and social status of the person you are speaking to when choosing your words.

Usage Rules

To avoid common mistakes and ensure accurate communication, it’s important to adhere to specific usage rules when expressing age in Korean.

살 (sal) Usage Rules

• Use with Native Korean numbers: Always pair 살 with Native Korean numbers (하나, 둘, 셋, etc.).
• Informal contexts: Typically used in casual conversations with friends, family, or people younger than you.
• Sentence-ending particles: Commonly used with informal sentence-ending particles like -이에요/예요 (-ieyo/yeyo).

세 (se) Usage Rules

• Use with Sino-Korean numbers: Always pair 세 with Sino-Korean numbers (일, 이, 삼, etc.).
• Formal contexts: Typically used in formal settings, official documents, or when speaking to elders or superiors.
• Sentence-ending particles: Commonly used with formal sentence-ending particles like -입니다 (-imnida) or -ㅂ니다/습니다 (-bnida/seumnida).

Adhering to these rules will help you express age correctly and appropriately in various situations. Always consider the level of formality and the context of the conversation.

Age-Related Expressions

Here are some useful age-related expressions in Korean:

Expression (Korean)	Pronunciation	Meaning (English)
몇 살이에요?	Myeot sal-ieyo?	How old are you? (informal)
나이가 어떻게 되세요?	Naiga eotteoke doeseyo?	How old are you? (polite)
연세가 어떻게 되세요?	Yeonsega eotteoke doeseyo?	How old are you? (formal, honorific)
동갑이에요.	Donggab-ieyo.	We are the same age.
어려 보이시네요.	Eoryeo boisineyo.	You look young.
나이를 먹다	Naireul meokda	To get older.

These expressions can be helpful in initiating conversations about age and understanding related cultural nuances.

Common Mistakes

Even experienced learners can make mistakes when expressing age in Korean. Here are some common errors to watch out for:

Using the Wrong Number System

One of the most common mistakes is using the wrong number system with the counter. For example:

• Incorrect: 일 살 (il sal)
• Correct: 한 살 (han sal)

• Incorrect: 하나 세 (hana se)
• Correct: 일 세 (il se)

Always remember that 살 is used with Native Korean numbers, and 세 is used with Sino-Korean numbers.

Incorrect Counter Usage

Another common mistake is using the wrong counter in a specific context. For example:

• Incorrect: 저는 이십 살입니다 (Jeoneun isip sal-imnida)
• Correct: 저는 이십 세입니다 (Jeoneun isip se-imnida)

In formal settings, using 세 is more appropriate. Similarly, using 살 in a very formal context might sound odd.

Forgetting Honorifics

Failing to use honorifics can be considered impolite, especially when talking to someone older than you. For example, asking someone older than you “몇 살이에요? (Myeot sal-ieyo?)” can be seen as rude.

• Incorrect: 몇 살이에요? (Myeot sal-ieyo?) (to an elder)
• Correct: 연세가 어떻게 되세요? (Yeonsega eotteoke doeseyo?) (to an elder)

Always remember to use appropriate honorifics when addressing or talking about someone older or of higher social status.

Practice Exercises

To reinforce your understanding of expressing age in Korean, complete the following exercises.

Exercise 1: Translate to Korean (살)

Translate the following ages into Korean using 살 and Native Korean numbers.

English	Korean
8 years old
12 years old
23 years old
35 years old
42 years old
58 years old
61 years old
77 years old
84 years old
95 years old

Answer Key:

English	Korean
8 years old	여덟 살
12 years old	열두 살
23 years old	스물세 살
35 years old	서른다섯 살
42 years old	마흔두 살
58 years old	쉰여덟 살
61 years old	예순한 살
77 years old	일흔일곱 살
84 years old	여든네 살
95 years old	아흔다섯 살

Exercise 2: Translate to Korean (세)

Translate the following ages into Korean using 세 and Sino-Korean numbers.

English	Korean
9 years old
14 years old
26 years old
31 years old
47 years old
53 years old
69 years old
72 years old
85 years old
98 years old

Answer Key:

English	Korean
9 years old	구 세
14 years old	십사 세
26 years old	이십육 세
31 years old	삼십일 세
47 years old	사십칠 세
53 years old	오십삼 세
69 years old	육십구 세
72 years old	칠십이 세
85 years old	팔십오 세
98 years old	구십팔 세

Exercise 3: Fill in the Blanks

Fill in the blanks with the appropriate Korean word (either 살 or 세) and the correct number system.

English	Korean
I am 28 years old (informal).	저는 ______ ______이에요.
She is 16 years old (formal).	그녀는 ______ ______입니다.
He is 33 years old (informal).	그는 ______ ______이에요.
My mother is 55 years old (formal).	어머니는 ______ ______입니다.
My younger brother is 19 years old (informal).	제 남동생은 ______ ______이에요.

Answer Key:

English	Korean
I am 28 years old (informal).	저는 스물여덟 살이에요.
She is 16 years old (formal).	그녀는 십육 세입니다.
He is 33 years old (informal).	그는 서른세 살이에요.
My mother is 55 years old (formal).	어머니는 오십오 세입니다.
My younger brother is 19 years old (informal).	제 남동생은 열아홉 살이에요.

Advanced Topics

For advanced learners, here are some more complex aspects of expressing age in Korean.

Korean Age vs. International Age

Korean age is calculated differently from international age. In Korea, a person is considered one year old at birth, and everyone adds a year on January 1st.

This means that a baby born on December 31st will be two years old the next day according to the Korean age system. This can sometimes lead to confusion when interacting with Koreans, so it’s good to be aware of this cultural difference.

To calculate Korean age:

Korean Age = Current Year – Birth Year + 1

Cultural Nuances of Asking Age

Asking someone’s age is more common in Korean culture than in Western cultures. It’s often used to establish the social hierarchy and determine the appropriate level of politeness.

However, it’s still important to be mindful and avoid asking someone’s age if it feels inappropriate or might make them uncomfortable.

Age in Legal and Official Contexts

In legal and official contexts, the international age system is often used to avoid confusion. However, it’s still important to be aware of the Korean age system, as it may be used in certain situations or informal discussions.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about expressing age in Korean:

1. Q: When should I use 살 vs. 세?

   A: Use 살 in informal settings and with Native Korean numbers. Use 세 in formal settings and with Sino-Korean numbers.

2. Q: How do I ask someone’s age politely?

   A: Use “나이가 어떻게 되세요? (Naiga eotteoke doeseyo?)” or “연세가 어떻게 되세요? (Yeonsega eotteoke doeseyo?)” for a more honorific approach.

3. Q: What are Native Korean numbers?

   A: Native Korean numbers are 하나, 둘, 셋, 넷, etc., and are generally used for counting objects and ages with 살.

4. Q: What are Sino-Korean numbers?

   A: Sino-Korean numbers are 일, 이, 삼, 사, etc., and are used for dates, money, phone numbers, and ages with 세.

5. Q: What is Korean age?

   A: Korean age is calculated as Current Year – Birth Year + 1, meaning a person is considered one year old at birth and adds a year on January 1st.

6. Q: Is it rude to ask someone’s age in Korea?

   A: It’s more common to ask someone’s age in Korea than in Western cultures, but it’s still important to be mindful and avoid asking if it feels inappropriate.

7. Q: How do I say “I am the same age as you”?

   A: You can say “동갑이에요 (Donggab-ieyo)”.

8. Q: What if I don’t know someone well enough to ask their age?

   A: In such cases, it’s best to avoid asking their age altogether to prevent any potential discomfort or offense. Focus on other aspects of the conversation to build rapport first.

Conclusion

Expressing age in Korean requires understanding the nuances of number systems, counters, and levels of formality. By mastering the use of 살 and 세, along with appropriate honorifics, you can confidently communicate age in various social contexts.

Remember to practice regularly and pay attention to the cultural implications of asking and stating age in Korean society.

The ability to express age correctly is a crucial step in mastering Korean grammar and culture. Continue practicing with different scenarios and contexts to solidify your understanding.

With consistent effort, you’ll become proficient in expressing age accurately and respectfully in Korean.