How to Say 31 in Korean: A Comprehensive Guide

Learning to count in Korean is a fundamental step in mastering the language. While single-digit numbers might seem straightforward, combining them to form larger numbers like 31 introduces crucial aspects of Korean number systems.

Understanding how to say 31 correctly involves knowledge of both native Korean and Sino-Korean numerals, their appropriate contexts, and the nuances of usage. This guide is designed for beginners and intermediate learners alike, providing a detailed breakdown of the rules, examples, and practice exercises necessary to confidently express the number 31 in Korean.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Definition: Saying 31 in Korean
• Structural Breakdown
• Korean Number Systems
  • Native Korean Numbers
  • Sino-Korean Numbers
• Examples
  • Age
  • Counting Items
  • Phone Numbers
  • Telling Time
• Usage Rules
• Common Mistakes
• Practice Exercises
• Advanced Topics
  • Counters
  • Formal vs. Informal Speech
• FAQ
• Conclusion

Definition: Saying 31 in Korean

Expressing the number 31 in Korean requires understanding the two primary number systems used in the language: native Korean and Sino-Korean. The choice between these systems depends on the context. For age, you would use the native Korean system, saying 서른하나 (seoreun hana). For most other instances, such as counting objects or referring to prices, you would use the Sino-Korean system, resulting in 삼십일 (sam-sip-il). Therefore, saying 31 in Korean isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer; it’s context-dependent.

서른하나 (seoreun hana) literally translates to “thirty one” using native Korean numbers. 삼십일 (sam-sip-il) does the same but uses Sino-Korean numbers, which are derived from Chinese. Recognizing the difference and applying the correct system is key to accurate communication.

Structural Breakdown

The structural breakdown involves understanding how the tens and ones are combined in each number system.

• Native Korean: For numbers between 20 and 99, the structure is [tens] + [one]. So, 서른 (seoreun) means “thirty,” and 하나 (hana) means “one.” Combining them gives 서른하나 (seoreun hana), “thirty-one.”
• Sino-Korean: The structure is similar: [tens] + [one]. 삼십 (sam-sip) means “thirty,” and 일 (il) means “one.” Combining them gives 삼십일 (sam-sip-il), “thirty-one.”

Each system builds numbers by concatenating the tens place with the ones place, providing a straightforward method for constructing larger numbers. The key is knowing which set of numbers to use in each context.

Korean Number Systems

Korean employs two primary number systems: native Korean and Sino-Korean. Each system has its specific uses and origins, making it essential to understand both for fluency.

Native Korean Numbers

Native Korean numbers are indigenous to the Korean language and are typically used for counting objects (up to 99), expressing age, and telling time (hours). These numbers have unique names and are distinct from their Sino-Korean counterparts.

Here’s a list of native Korean numbers from one to ten:

• 하나 (hana) – one
• 둘 (dul) – two
• 셋 (set) – three
• 넷 (net) – four
• 다섯 (daseot) – five
• 여섯 (yeoseot) – six
• 일곱 (ilgop) – seven
• 여덟 (yeodeol) – eight
• 아홉 (ahop) – nine
• 열 (yeol) – ten

And here are the tens:

• 스물 (seumul) – twenty
• 서른 (seoreun) – thirty
• 마흔 (maheun) – forty
• 쉰 (swin) – fifty
• 예순 (yesun) – sixty
• 일흔 (ilheun) – seventy
• 여든 (yeodeun) – eighty
• 아흔 (aheun) – ninety

When combining tens and ones (up to 99), the structure is straightforward: [tens] + [ones]. For example, 31 is 서른하나 (seoreun hana).

Sino-Korean Numbers

Sino-Korean numbers are derived from Chinese and are used in various contexts, including counting money, measuring distance, stating phone numbers, addresses, dates, and minutes. These numbers are more prevalent in technical and mathematical contexts.

Here are the Sino-Korean numbers from one to ten:

• 일 (il) – one
• 이 (i) – two
• 삼 (sam) – three
• 사 (sa) – four
• 오 (o) – five
• 육 (yuk) – six
• 칠 (chil) – seven
• 팔 (pal) – eight
• 구 (gu) – nine
• 십 (sip) – ten

And here are some of the tens, hundreds, and thousands:

• 십 (sip) – ten
• 백 (baek) – hundred
• 천 (cheon) – thousand
• 만 (man) – ten thousand

Combining these numbers follows a similar structure to native Korean, but the vocabulary is different. For example, 31 is 삼십일 (sam-sip-il).

Examples

Let’s explore how to use “31” in Korean in various contexts, highlighting the differences between native Korean and Sino-Korean numbers.

Age

When expressing age, you generally use native Korean numbers. So, if someone is 31 years old, you would say:

서른한 살 (seoreun hana sal) – 31 years old

Here are some examples of using “31” in sentences relating to age:

Korean Sentence	Romanization	English Translation
제 나이는 서른한 살입니다.	Je naineun seoreun hana salimnida.	I am 31 years old.
그녀는 서른한 살이에요.	Geunyeoneun seoreun hana salieyo.	She is 31 years old.
제 남편은 서른한 살입니다.	Je nampyeoneun seoreun hana salimnida.	My husband is 31 years old.
아들이 서른한 살이 되었어요.	Adeuri seoreun hana sari doeeosseoyo.	My son turned 31 years old.
제 친구는 서른한 살입니다.	Je chinguneun seoreun hana salimnida.	My friend is 31 years old.
그녀의 오빠는 서른한 살입니다.	Geunyeoui oppaneun seoreun hana salimnida.	Her older brother is 31 years old.
저는 서른한 살 때 결혼했어요.	Jeoneun seoreun hana sal ttae gyeolhonhaesseoyo.	I got married when I was 31 years old.
그는 서른한 살에 대학을 졸업했어요.	Geuneun seoreun hana sare daehageul joreopaesseoyo.	He graduated from college at 31 years old.
서른한 살에 처음 해외여행을 갔어요.	Seoreun hana sare cheoeum haeoeyeohaengeul gasseoyo.	I went on my first trip abroad at 31 years old.
서른한 살에 첫 집을 샀어요.	Seoreun hana sare cheot jibeul sasseoyo.	I bought my first house at 31 years old.
그분은 서른한 살에 사업을 시작했어요.	Geubuneun seoreun hana sare saeobeul sijakhaesseoyo.	He/She started a business at 31 years old.
그녀는 서른한 살에 아이를 낳았어요.	Geunyeoneun seoreun hana sare aireul naasseoyo.	She gave birth to a child at 31 years old.
서른한 살이 되면 더 책임감이 생겨요.	Seoreun hana sari doemyeon deo chaegimgami saenggyeoyo.	You become more responsible when you turn 31 years old.
그는 서른한 살에도 열정적이에요.	Geuneun seoreun hana saredo yeoljeongjeogieyo.	He is still passionate at 31 years old.
서른한 살에 새로운 취미를 시작했어요.	Seoreun hana sare saeroun chwimireul sijakhaesseoyo.	I started a new hobby at 31 years old.
그녀는 서른한 살에 석사 학위를 받았어요.	Geunyeoneun seoreun hana sare seoksa hagwireul badasseoyo.	She received her master’s degree at 31 years old.
서른한 살에 더 많은 것을 배우고 싶어요.	Seoreun hana sare deo maneun geoseul baeugo sipeoyo.	I want to learn more at 31 years old.
제 꿈은 서른한 살까지 작가가 되는 거예요.	Je kkumeun seoreun hana salkkaji jagaga doeneun geo예요.	My dream is to become a writer by the age of 31.
서른한 살에 인생의 전환점을 맞이했어요.	Seoreun hana sare insaengui jeonhwajeomeul majihaesseoyo.	I faced a turning point in my life at 31 years old.
서른한 살이 되어서 기뻐요.	Seoreun hana sari doeseo gippeoyo.	I am happy to be 31 years old.

Counting Items

When counting items, especially beyond a small number, Sino-Korean numbers are generally preferred. However, when counting up to 99, native Korean numbers can be used with counters.

For instance, if you’re referring to 31 books, you would say:

삼십일 권 (sam-sip-il gwon) – 31 books (Sino-Korean)

Or (less common but possible):

서른한 권 (seoreun hana gwon) – 31 books (Native Korean)

Here are more examples:

Korean Sentence	Romanization	English Translation
삼십일 개의 사과가 있습니다.	Samsipil gaeui sagwaga itseumnida.	There are 31 apples.
책이 삼십일 권 있습니다.	Chaegi samsipil gwon itseumnida.	There are 31 books.
삼십일 명의 학생들이 있습니다.	Samsipil myeongui haksaengdeuri itseumnida.	There are 31 students.
펜이 삼십일 개 필요합니다.	Peni samsipil gae piryohamnida.	We need 31 pens.
삼십일 마리의 고양이가 있어요.	Samsipil marui goyangiga isseoyo.	There are 31 cats.
사탕이 삼십일 개 들어 있어요.	Satangi samsipil gae deureo isseoyo.	There are 31 candies inside.
삼십일 송이의 꽃을 샀어요.	Samsipil songiui kkoceul sasseoyo.	I bought 31 flowers.
삼십일 장의 사진이 있습니다.	Samsipil jangui sajini itseumnida.	There are 31 photos.
삼십일 채의 집이 있어요.	Samsipil chaeui jibi isseoyo.	There are 31 houses.
삼십일 그루의 나무가 있어요.	Samsipil geuruui namuga isseoyo.	There are 31 trees.
손님이 삼십일 명 왔어요.	Sonnimi samsipil myeong wasseoyo.	31 guests came.
삼십일 벌의 옷이 필요해요.	Samsipil beorui osi piryohaeyo.	I need 31 items of clothing.
삼십일 개의 의자가 있습니다.	Samsipil gaeui uijaga itseumnida.	There are 31 chairs.
삼십일 개의 상자가 있어요.	Samsipil gaeui sangjaga isseoyo.	There are 31 boxes.
삼십일 개의 질문이 있습니다.	Samsipil gaeui jilmuni itseumnida.	There are 31 questions.
삼십일 개의 댓글이 달렸어요.	Samsipil gaeui 댓글i dallyeosseoyo.	There are 31 comments.
삼십일 개의 아이디어가 떠올랐어요.	Samsipil gaeui 아이디어ga tteooreuasseoyo.	31 ideas came to mind.
삼십일 개의 쿠키를 구웠어요.	Samsipil gaeui kukireul guwosseoyo.	I baked 31 cookies.
삼십일 개의 단어가 있습니다.	Samsipil gaeui dan-eoga itseumnida.	There are 31 words.
삼십일 개의 행성이 있습니다.	Samsipil gaeui haengseongi itseumnida.	There are 31 planets.
그는 삼십일 개의 메달을 땄어요.	Geuneun samsipil gaeui medareul ttasseoyo.	He won 31 medals.
삼십일 개의 파일을 다운로드했어요.	Samsipil gaeui paireul daunrodeuhaesseoyo.	I downloaded 31 files.
삼십일 개의 웹사이트를 방문했어요.	Samsipil gaeui wapseaiteureul bangmunhaesseoyo.	I visited 31 websites.
삼십일 개의 노래를 들었어요.	Samsipil gaeui noraereul deureosseoyo.	I listened to 31 songs.
삼십일 개의 영화를 봤어요.	Samsipil gaeui yeonghwareul bwasseoyo.	I watched 31 movies.

Phone Numbers

When reciting phone numbers, Sino-Korean numbers are used. For example, if the number contains “31,” you would say:

010-XXX-삼십일XX (sam-sip-il)

Here are some example sentences:

Korean Sentence	Romanization	English Translation
제 전화번호는 010-123-삼십일사오입니다.	Je jeonhwabeonhoneun gong il gong-il i sam-samsipilsaoimnida.	My phone number is 010-123-3145.
회사 전화번호는 02-456-삼십일칠팔입니다.	Hoesa jeonhwabeonhoneun gong i-sa o ryuk-samsipilchilpalimnida.	The company phone number is 02-456-3178.
친구 전화번호는 010-789-삼십일이삼입니다.	Chingu jeonhwabeonhoneun gong il gong-chil pal gu-samsipil i samimnida.	My friend’s phone number is 010-789-3123.
택시 전화번호는 051-123-삼십일구공입니다.	Taeksi jeonhwabeonhoneun gong o il-il i sam-samsipil gu gongimnida.	The taxi phone number is 051-123-3190.
병원 전화번호는 031-456-삼십일사오입니다.	Byeongwon jeonhwabeonhoneun gong sam il-sa o ryuk-samsipil sa oimnida.	The hospital phone number is 031-456-3145.
경찰서 전화번호는 02-789-삼십일칠팔입니다.	Gyeongchalseo jeonhwabeonhoneun gong i-chil pal gu-samsipil chil palimnida.	The police station phone number is 02-789-3178.
학교 전화번호는 062-123-삼십일이삼입니다.	Hakgyo jeonhwabeonhoneun gong yuk i-il i sam-samsipil i samimnida.	The school phone number is 062-123-3123.
식당 전화번호는 032-456-삼십일구공입니다.	Sikdang jeonhwabeonhoneun gong sam i-sa o ryuk-samsipil gu gongimnida.	The restaurant phone number is 032-456-3190.
은행 전화번호는 053-789-삼십일사오입니다.	Eunhaeng jeonhwabeonhoneun gong o sam-chil pal gu-samsipil sa oimnida.	The bank phone number is 053-789-3145.
미용실 전화번호는 042-123-삼십일칠팔입니다.	Miyongsil jeonhwabeonhoneun gong sa i-il i sam-samsipil chil palimnida.	The hair salon phone number is 042-123-3178.
소방서 전화번호는 043-456-삼십일이삼입니다.	Sobangseo jeonhwabeonhoneun gong sa sam-sa o ryuk-samsipil i samimnida.	The fire station phone number is 043-456-3123.
우체국 전화번호는 054-789-삼십일구공입니다.	Ucheguk jeonhwabeonhoneun gong o sa-chil pal gu-samsipil gu gongimnida.	The post office phone number is 054-789-3190.
마트 전화번호는 063-123-삼십일사오입니다.	Mateu jeonhwabeonhoneun gong yuk sam-il i sam-samsipil sa oimnida.	The supermarket phone number is 063-123-3145.
약국 전화번호는 044-456-삼십일칠팔입니다.	Yakguk jeonhwabeonhoneun gong sa sa-sa o ryuk-samsipil chil palimnida.	The pharmacy phone number is 044-456-3178.
대학교 전화번호는 055-789-삼십일이삼입니다.	Daehakgyo jeonhwabeonhoneun gong o o-chil pal gu-samsipil i samimnida.	The university phone number is 055-789-3123.
도서관 전화번호는 064-123-삼십일구공입니다.	Daseogwan jeonhwabeonhoneun gong yuk sa-il i sam-samsipil gu gongimnida.	The library phone number is 064-123-3190.
공원 전화번호는 033-456-삼십일사오입니다.	Gongwon jeonhwabeonhoneun gong sam sam-sa o ryuk-samsipil sa oimnida.	The park phone number is 033-456-3145.
호텔 전화번호는 041-789-삼십일칠팔입니다.	Hotel jeonhwabeonhoneun gong sa il-chil pal gu-samsipil chil palimnida.	The hotel phone number is 041-789-3178.
영화관 전화번호는 061-123-삼십일이삼입니다.	Yeonghwagwan jeonhwabeonhoneun gong yuk il-il i sam-samsipil i samimnida.	The cinema phone number is 061-123-3123.
헬스장 전화번호는 052-456-삼십일구공입니다.	Helseujang jeonhwabeonhoneun gong o i-sa o ryuk-samsipil gu gongimnida.	The gym phone number is 052-456-3190.

Telling Time

When telling time, native Korean numbers are used for hours, while Sino-Korean numbers are used for minutes. For example, 3:31 would be:

세 시 삼십일 분 (se si sam-sip-il bun) – 3:31

Here are some examples:

Korean Sentence	Romanization	English Translation
지금은 세 시 삼십일 분입니다.	Jigeumeun se si samsipil bunimnida.	It is 3:31 now.
세 시 삼십일 분에 만나요.	Se si samsipil bune mannayo.	Let’s meet at 3:31.
기차는 세 시 삼십일 분에 출발합니다.	Gichaneun se si samsipil bune chulbalhamnida.	The train departs at 3:31.
회의는 세 시 삼십일 분에 시작합니다.	Hoeuineun se si samsipil bune sijakhamnida.	The meeting starts at 3:31.
수업은 세 시 삼십일 분에 끝나요.	Sueobeun se si samsipil bune kkeunnayo.	The class ends at 3:31.
약속 시간은 세 시 삼십일 분입니다.	Yaksok sigan-eun se si samsipil bunimnida.	The appointment time is 3:31.
저는 세 시 삼십일 분에 일어났어요.	Jeoneun se si samsipil bune ireonasseoyo.	I woke up at 3:31.
영화를 세 시 삼십일 분에 봤어요.	Yeonghwareul se si samsipil bune bwasseoyo.	I watched the movie at 3:31.
방송은 세 시 삼십일 분에 시작합니다.	Bangsong-eun se si samsipil bune sijakhamnida.	The broadcast starts at 3:31.
세 시 삼십일 분에 저녁을 먹었어요.	Se si samsipil bune jeonyeogeul meogeosseoyo.	I ate dinner at 3:31.
지금 세 시 삼십일 분이 넘었어요.	Jigeum se si samsipil buni neomeosseoyo.	It’s past 3:31 now.
알람이 세 시 삼십일 분에 울렸어요.	Allami se si samsipil bune ullyeosseoyo.	The alarm rang at 3:31.
세 시 삼십일 분까지 숙제를 해야 해요.	Se si samsipil bunkkaji sukjereul haeya haeyo.	I have to do my homework by 3:31.
세 시 삼십일 분에 커피를 마셨어요.	Se si samsipil bune keopireul masyeosseoyo.	I drank coffee at 3:31.
세 시 삼십일 분에 친구를 만났어요.	Se si samsipil bune chingureul mannasseoyo.	I met my friend at 3:31.
세 시 삼십일 분에 도착할 거예요.	Se si samsipil bune dochakhal geo예요.	I will arrive at 3:31.
세 시 삼십일 분에 운동을 시작했어요.	Se si samsipil bune undongeul sijakhaesseoyo.	I started exercising at 3:31.
세 시 삼십일 분에 편지를 보냈어요.	Se si samsipil bune pyeonjireul bonaesseoyo.	I sent the letter at 3:31.
세 시 삼십일 분에 뉴스를 봤어요.	Se si samsipil bune nyuseureul bwasseoyo.	I watched the news at 3:31.
세 시 삼십일 분에 전화를 걸었어요.	Se si samsipil bune jeonhwareul georeosseoyo.	I made a phone call at 3:31.
매일 세 시 삼십일 분에 산책을 해요.	Maeil se si samsipil bune sanchaegeul haeyo.	I take a walk every day at 3:31.
세 시 삼십일 분에 버스를 탔어요.	Se si samsipil bune beoseureul tasseoyo.	I took the bus at 3:31.
세 시 삼십일 분에 잠이 들었어요.	Se si samsipil bune jami deureosseoyo.	I fell asleep at 3:31.
세 시 삼십일 분에 게임을 시작했어요.	Se si samsipil bune geimeul sijakhaesseoyo.	I started playing the game at 3:31.

Usage Rules

Key rules to remember when using Korean numbers:

• Age: Use native Korean numbers.
• Counting: Use Sino-Korean numbers for larger quantities and technical contexts. For counting items up to 99, native Korean numbers are also acceptable, especially in informal settings.
• Time: Use native Korean numbers for hours and Sino-Korean numbers for minutes.
• Money, Dates, Phone Numbers, Addresses: Use Sino-Korean numbers.

Knowing these rules will help you avoid common errors and communicate effectively in Korean.

Common Mistakes

One common mistake is using the wrong number system. For example, saying “삼십일 살 (sam-sip-il sal)” for age is incorrect; you should use “서른한 살 (seoreun hana sal).” Another mistake is incorrectly combining tens and ones.

Here are some examples of common mistakes:

Incorrect	Correct	Explanation
삼십일 살 (sam-sip-il sal)	서른한 살 (seoreun hana sal)	Using Sino-Korean for age is incorrect; use native Korean.
세 시 서른한 분 (se si seoreun han bun)	세 시 삼십일 분 (se si sam-sip-il bun)	Using native Korean for minutes is incorrect; use Sino-Korean.
하나십 (hana sip)	십일 (sip-il)	Incorrect way of saying eleven (using native and Sino-Korean numbers together).

Practice Exercises

Test your understanding with these practice exercises.

1. Translate “31 years old” into Korean.
2. How do you say “31 books” in Korean using Sino-Korean numbers?
3. How do you say “It is 3:31” in Korean?
4. What number system do you use for phone numbers?
5. What number system do you use for age?
6. Write “010-

   123-4531” in Korean.

Advanced Topics

Delve deeper into more complex aspects of using numbers in Korean.

Counters

In Korean, counters are words used to specify the quantity of items being counted. The appropriate counter depends on the type of object.

For example, 권 (gwon) is used for books, 명 (myeong) for people, and 개 (gae) for general objects.

When using “31” with counters:

• 31 books: 삼십일 권 (sam-sip-il gwon)
• 31 people: 삼십일 명 (sam-sip-il myeong)
• 31 objects: 삼십일 개 (sam-sip-il gae)

Here are some additional examples:

• 삼십일 병 (sam-sip-il byeong): 31 bottles
• 삼십일 마리 (sam-sip-il mari): 31 animals
• 삼십일 대 (sam-sip-il dae): 31 vehicles

Formal vs. Informal Speech

The level of formality in Korean affects word choice and sentence structure. When speaking formally, you would use more polite verb endings and honorifics.

However, the number systems themselves remain the same; the formality primarily impacts the surrounding language.

Formal:

제 나이는 서른한 살입니다. (Je naineun seoreun hana salimnida.) – I am 31 years old (formal).

Informal:

내 나이는 서른한 살이야. (Nae naineun seoreun hana saliya.) – I am 31 years old (informal).

The key difference lies in the sentence ending (입니다 vs. 이야), but the number “서른하나 (seoreun hana)” remains consistent.

FAQ

Conclusion

Saying “31” in Korean requires an understanding of both native Korean and Sino-Korean number systems. By mastering the rules and practicing regularly, you can confidently use 서른하나 (seoreun hana) and 삼십일 (sam-sip-il) in the correct contexts.

Remember to pay attention to usage rules, avoid common mistakes, and continue exploring advanced topics to enhance your fluency in Korean.