How to Say 13 in Korean: A Comprehensive Guide

Learning to count in Korean is a foundational skill for anyone interested in the language. While the numbers 1 through 10 are often the first things learners tackle, understanding how to form larger numbers like 13 is equally important.

This article provides a detailed exploration of how to say “13” in Korean, covering both the Sino-Korean and Native Korean number systems. It will benefit beginners seeking to build a strong base, intermediate learners aiming to refine their understanding, and anyone interested in the nuances of Korean number usage.

This article will delve into the specific vocabulary for 13 in Korean, the grammatical structures used when counting, and the practical applications of this knowledge in everyday situations. We will also explore common mistakes and provide ample practice exercises to solidify your understanding.

By the end of this guide, you will have a solid grasp of how to confidently and correctly say and use the number 13 in Korean.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Definition: Saying “13” in Korean
3. Korean Number Systems
   • Sino-Korean Numbers
   • Native Korean Numbers
4. Structural Breakdown of “13”
   • Sino-Korean Structure
   • Native Korean Structure
5. Examples of Using “13”
   • Age
   • Counting Objects
   • Time
   • Money
   • Dates
6. Usage Rules for “13”
   • Sino-Korean Usage Rules
   • Native Korean Usage Rules
7. Common Mistakes When Saying “13”
8. Practice Exercises
9. Advanced Topics: Number Combinations
10. Frequently Asked Questions
11. Conclusion

Definition: Saying “13” in Korean

In Korean, the number 13 can be expressed in two primary ways, depending on the number system being used: Sino-Korean and Native Korean. The Sino-Korean system, derived from Chinese, is used for counting larger numbers, money, dates, phone numbers, and measurements. In this system, “13” is expressed as 십삼 (shipsam). The Native Korean system, which is indigenous to the Korean language, is used for counting objects, age, and hours. However, it is uncommon to use the Native Korean system for numbers larger than 99. There is no equivalent for 13 in the native Korean system that is commonly used.

Understanding which system to use is crucial for accurate communication. The choice between Sino-Korean and Native Korean numbers depends heavily on the context in which the number is being used.

For instance, when referring to a quantity of thirteen items, especially in formal settings or when dealing with larger quantities, the Sino-Korean system is typically favored. Conversely, when discussing age, the Native Korean system is often preferred, but since native Korean numbers are rarely used for numbers over 100, Sino-Korean numbers are also acceptable.

Korean Number Systems

The Korean language utilizes two distinct number systems: Sino-Korean and Native Korean. Both systems have their own unique set of numerals and usage rules.

Understanding the differences between these systems is essential for mastering Korean numbers.

Sino-Korean Numbers

The Sino-Korean number system is derived from Chinese and shares many similarities with Chinese numerals. It is used for counting larger numbers, money, dates, phone numbers, addresses, and measurements.

The Sino-Korean system is generally preferred for more formal settings or when dealing with larger quantities. The building blocks of the Sino-Korean system include the numbers 1-10, and then powers of 10 like 100, 1000, etc.

Here are the basic Sino-Korean numbers:

• 1: 일 (il)
• 2: 이 (i)
• 3: 삼 (sam)
• 4: 사 (sa)
• 5: 오 (o)
• 6: 육 (yuk)
• 7: 칠 (chil)
• 8: 팔 (pal)
• 9: 구 (gu)
• 10: 십 (sip)

Native Korean Numbers

The Native Korean number system is indigenous to the Korean language and is used for counting objects (but only up to a certain amount), age, and hours. Native Korean numbers have different forms when used as counters.

This system is generally used for smaller numbers and more informal settings. After 99, sino-Korean numbers are used.

Here are the basic Native Korean numbers:

• 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)

Note that Native Korean numbers change form before counters. For example, hana becomes han, dul becomes du, set becomes se, and net becomes ne before certain counters.

Structural Breakdown of “13”

Understanding the structural components of the number “13” in both Sino-Korean and Native Korean is crucial for proper usage. Each system follows specific rules for combining numbers.

Sino-Korean Structure

In the Sino-Korean system, “13” is constructed by combining “10” (십, sip) and “3” (삼, sam). The structure is straightforward: ten + three, thus 십삼 (shipsam). This additive principle applies to all numbers between 11 and 19 in the Sino-Korean system.

The formula for numbers 11-19 is: 십 (sip) + [number 1-9].

For example:

• 11: 십일 (shibil)
• 12: 십이 (shibi)
• 13: 십삼 (shipsam)
• 14: 십사 (shipsa)
• 15: 십오 (shibo)
• 16: 십육 (shipyuk)
• 17: 십칠 (shipchil)
• 18: 십팔 (shippal)
• 19: 십구 (shipgu)

Native Korean Structure

While the native Korean numbers are used to count objects, age, and hours, it is uncommon to use native Korean numbers for numbers larger than 99. So the native Korean number system does not have a common equivalent for 13.

Examples of Using “13”

To better understand how to use “13” in Korean, let’s look at various examples in different contexts. These examples will cover age, counting objects, time, money, and dates.

Age

When expressing age, the Native Korean system is traditionally used, but Sino-Korean numbers are also acceptable. However, since native Korean numbers are rarely used for numbers over 100, Sino-Korean is often preferred for older ages.

Here are some examples of expressing age with “13” using both systems:

Korean	Pronunciation	Meaning
열세 살 (Native Korean)	yeolse sal	13 years old
십삼 살 (Sino-Korean)	shipsam sal	13 years old
제 딸은 열세 살입니다 (Native Korean)	je ttar-eun yeolse sal-imnida	My daughter is 13 years old.
제 아들은 십삼 살입니다 (Sino-Korean)	je adeul-eun shipsam sal-imnida	My son is 13 years old.
그녀는 열세 살처럼 보입니다 (Native Korean)	geunyeoneun yeolse salcheoreom boimnida	She looks like she is 13 years old.
그는 십삼 살처럼 보입니다 (Sino-Korean)	geuneun shipsam salcheoreom boimnida	He looks like he is 13 years old.
열세 살 때 저는 피아노를 배우기 시작했어요 (Native Korean)	yeolse sal ttae jeoneun piano-reul baeugi sijakhaesseoyo	When I was 13 years old, I started learning piano.
십삼 살 때 저는 피아노를 배우기 시작했어요 (Sino-Korean)	shipsam sal ttae jeoneun piano-reul baeugi sijakhaesseoyo	When I was 13 years old, I started learning piano.
그 학생은 열세 살입니다 (Native Korean)	geu haksaeng-eun yeolse sal-imnida	That student is 13 years old.
그 학생은 십삼 살입니다 (Sino-Korean)	geu haksaeng-eun shipsam sal-imnida	That student is 13 years old.
열세 살이 되면 중학교에 갑니다 (Native Korean)	yeolse sal-i doemyeon junghakgyoe gamnida	When you turn 13, you go to middle school.
십삼 살이 되면 중학교에 갑니다 (Sino-Korean)	shipsam sal-i doemyeon junghakgyoe gamnida	When you turn 13, you go to middle school.
그녀는 열세 살에 학교를 졸업했어요 (Native Korean)	geunyeoneun yeolse sal-e hakgyo-reul joreopaesseoyo	She graduated from school at 13 years old.
그녀는 십삼 살에 학교를 졸업했어요 (Sino-Korean)	geunyeoneun shipsam sal-e hakgyo-reul joreopaesseoyo	She graduated from school at 13 years old.
제 여동생은 열세 살입니다 (Native Korean)	je yeodongsaeng-eun yeolse sal-imnida	My younger sister is 13 years old.
제 여동생은 십삼 살입니다 (Sino-Korean)	je yeodongsaeng-eun shipsam sal-imnida	My younger sister is 13 years old.
열세 살 때 처음으로 운전을 배웠어요 (Native Korean)	yeolse sal ttae cheoeum-euro unjeon-eul baewosseoyo	I learned to drive for the first time when I was 13 years old.
십삼 살 때 처음으로 운전을 배웠어요 (Sino-Korean)	shipsam sal ttae cheoeum-euro unjeon-eul baewosseoyo	I learned to drive for the first time when I was 13 years old.
열세 살 이후로 키가 많이 컸어요 (Native Korean)	yeolse sal ihu-ro kiga mani keosseoyo	I’ve grown a lot taller since I was 13 years old.
십삼 살 이후로 키가 많이 컸어요 (Sino-Korean)	shipsam sal ihu-ro kiga mani keosseoyo	I’ve grown a lot taller since I was 13 years old.
열세 살 때 저는 기타를 치기 시작했어요 (Native Korean)	yeolse sal ttae jeoneun gitareul chigi sijakhaesseoyo	I started playing guitar when I was 13 years old.
십삼 살 때 저는 기타를 치기 시작했어요 (Sino-Korean)	shipsam sal ttae jeoneun gitareul chigi sijakhaesseoyo	I started playing guitar when I was 13 years old.

In the above examples, you can see that both native Korean and Sino-Korean numbers can be used to describe age. The choice often depends on the speaker’s preference or the context of the conversation.

Counting Objects

When counting objects, the Native Korean system is traditionally used for smaller quantities. However, for larger quantities or in more formal settings, the Sino-Korean system is used.

Here, we will focus on Sino-Korean, since there is no common Native Korean usage for 13.

Here are some examples of counting objects with “13” using the Sino-Korean system:

Korean	Pronunciation	Meaning
책 십삼 권	chaek shipsam gwon	13 books
사과 십삼 개	sagwa shipsam gae	13 apples
연필 십삼 자루	yeonpil shipsam jaru	13 pencils
의자 십삼 개	uija shipsam gae	13 chairs
나무 십삼 그루	namu shipsam geuru	13 trees
고양이 십삼 마리	goyangi shipsam mari	13 cats
개 십삼 마리	gae shipsam mari	13 dogs
꽃 십삼 송이	kkot shipsam songi	13 flowers
집 십삼 채	jip shipsam chae	13 houses
차 십삼 대	cha shipsam dae	13 cars
핸드폰 십삼 대	haendeupon shipsam dae	13 cellphones
컴퓨터 십삼 대	keompyuteo shipsam dae	13 computers
시계 십삼 개	sigye shipsam gae	13 clocks
신발 십삼 켤레	sinbal shipsam kyeolle	13 pairs of shoes
양말 십삼 켤레	yangmal shipsam kyeolle	13 pairs of socks
모자 십삼 개	moja shipsam gae	13 hats
셔츠 십삼 벌	syeocheu shipsam beol	13 shirts
바지 십삼 벌	baji shipsam beol	13 pairs of pants
접시 십삼 개	jeopsi shipsam gae	13 plates
컵 십삼 개	keop shipsam gae	13 cups
숟가락 십삼 개	sutgarak shipsam gae	13 spoons
젓가락 십삼 개	jeotgarak shipsam gae	13 chopsticks
병 십삼 개	byeong shipsam gae	13 bottles
상자 십삼 개	sangja shipsam gae	13 boxes
가방 십삼 개	gabang shipsam gae	13 bags
사진 십삼 장	sajin shipsam jang	13 photos

In these examples, the Sino-Korean number *shipsam* is used with different counters (개, 권, 자루, etc.) to specify the quantity of each object. The choice of counter depends on the type of object being counted.

Time

When telling time, the Native Korean system is used for hours, while the Sino-Korean system is used for minutes. However, when referring to 13:00 (1 PM), the Sino-Korean system is used.

Here are some examples of telling time with “13”:

Korean	Pronunciation	Meaning
오후 십삼 시	o-hu shipsam si	1 PM (13:00)
십삼 시 정각	shipsam si jeonggak	1 PM sharp
십삼 시 삼십분	shipsam si samsipbun	1:30 PM
십삼 시 십오분	shipsam si sibobun	1:15 PM
십삼 시 사십오분	shipsam si sasibobun	1:45 PM
십삼 시 오분 전	shipsam si obun jeon	Five minutes before 1 PM
십삼 시 십분 전	shipsam si sipbun jeon	Ten minutes before 1 PM
십삼 시 이십분 전	shipsam si isipbun jeon	Twenty minutes before 1 PM
십삼 시 삼십분 전	shipsam si samsipbun jeon	Thirty minutes before 1 PM
십삼 시 사십분 전	shipsam si sasipbun jeon	Forty minutes before 1 PM
십삼 시 오십분 전	shipsam si osipbun jeon	Fifty minutes before 1 PM
십삼 시 오분 후	shipsam si obun hu	Five minutes after 1 PM
십삼 시 십분 후	shipsam si sipbun hu	Ten minutes after 1 PM
십삼 시 이십분 후	shipsam si isipbun hu	Twenty minutes after 1 PM
십삼 시 삼십분 후	shipsam si samsipbun hu	Thirty minutes after 1 PM
십삼 시 사십분 후	shipsam si sasipbun hu	Forty minutes after 1 PM
십삼 시 오십분 후	shipsam si osipbun hu	Fifty minutes after 1 PM
십삼 시부터 회의가 시작됩니다	shipsam si-buteo hweui-ga sijakdoemnida	The meeting starts at 1 PM.
십삼 시까지 숙제를 끝내야 해요	shipsam si-kkaji sukje-reul kkeutnaeya haeyo	I have to finish my homework by 1 PM.
십삼 시에 점심을 먹어요	shipsam si-e jeomsim-eul meogeoyo	I eat lunch at 1 PM.

In these examples, the Sino-Korean number *shipsam* is used to express the hour (1 PM), while minutes are also expressed using Sino-Korean numbers.

Money

When dealing with money, the Sino-Korean system is always used. This applies to both Korean Won (KRW) and other currencies.

Here are some examples of expressing monetary values with “13”:

Korean	Pronunciation	Meaning
십삼 원	shipsam won	13 Won
십삼 달러	shipsam dalleo	13 dollars
십삼 유로	shipsam yuro	13 euros
이것은 십삼 원입니다	igeoseun shipsam won-imnida	This is 13 Won.
이 셔츠는 십삼 달러입니다	i syeocheu-neun shipsam dalleo-imnida	This shirt is 13 dollars.
그 책은 십삼 유로입니다	geu chaegeun shipsam yuro-imnida	That book is 13 euros.
십삼 원만 주세요	shipsam wonman juseyo	Please give me only 13 Won.
십삼 달러를 내야 해요	shipsam dalleoreul naeya haeyo	I have to pay 13 dollars.
십삼 유로로 충분해요	shipsam yuro-ro chungbunhaeyo	13 euros is enough.
십삼 원이 부족해요	shipsam won-i bujokhaeyo	13 Won is not enough.
십삼 달러를 저축했어요	shipsam dalleoreul jeochukhaesseoyo	I saved 13 dollars.
십삼 유로를 잃어버렸어요	shipsam yuro-reul ileobeoryeosseoyo	I lost 13 euros.
십삼 원으로 뭘 살 수 있을까요?	shipsam won-euro mwol sal su isseulkkayo?	What can I buy with 13 won?
십삼 달러면 충분할 거예요	shipsam dalleomyeon chungbunhal geoeyo	13 dollars should be enough.
십삼 유로면 이 가방을 살 수 있어요	shipsam yuromyeon i gabang-eul sal su isseoyo	With 13 euros, you can buy this bag.
십삼 원을 빌려줄 수 있나요?	shipsam won-eul billyeojul su innayo?	Can you lend me 13 won?
십삼 달러가 필요해요	shipsam dalleo-ga pillyohaeyo	I need 13 dollars.
십삼 유로를 모으고 있어요	shipsam yuro-reul moeugo isseoyo	I am saving up 13 euros.
십삼 원을 기부했어요	shipsam won-eul gibuhaesseoyo	I donated 13 won.
십삼 달러를 벌었어요	shipsam dalleo-reul beoreosseoyo	I earned 13 dollars.
십삼 유로를 투자했어요	shipsam yuro-reul tuja haesseoyo	I invested 13 euros.

In these examples, the Sino-Korean number *shipsam* is used to express the monetary value in different currencies. This usage is consistent regardless of the currency.

Dates

When expressing dates, the Sino-Korean system is always used for both the year, month, and day.

Here are some examples of expressing dates with “13”:

Korean	Pronunciation	Meaning
이천이십삼 년	icheon isipsam nyeon	2023 year
십삼 일	shipsam il	13th day
십삼 월	shipsam wol	13th month (doesn’t exist, used for demonstration)
오월 십삼 일	o-wol shipsam il	May 13th
이천이십삼 년 오월 십삼 일	icheon isipsam nyeon o-wol shipsam il	May 13th, 2023
오늘은 오월 십삼 일입니다	oneul-eun o-wol shipsam il-imnida	Today is May 13th.
그녀는 오월 십삼 일에 태어났어요	geunyeoneun o-wol shipsam il-e taeeonasseoyo	She was born on May 13th.
다음 회의는 십삼 일에 있습니다	daeum hweui-neun shipsam il-e isseumnida	The next meeting is on the 13th.
십삼 일은 금요일입니다	shipsam il-eun geumyoil-imnida	The 13th is Friday.
십삼 일에 휴가를 갈 거예요	shipsam il-e hyuga-reul gal geoeyo	I am going on vacation on the 13th.
십삼 일에 시험이 있어요	shipsam il-e siheom-i isseoyo	I have an exam on the 13th.
십삼 일에 친구를 만날 거예요	shipsam il-e chingu-reul mannal geoeyo	I am going to meet a friend on the 13th.
그 파티는 십삼 일에 열립니다	geu patineun shipsam il-e yeollimnida	The party is held on the 13th.
십삼 일까지 이 보고서를 제출해야 해요	shipsam il-kkaji i bogoseo-reul jechulhaeya haeyo	I have to submit this report by the 13th.
저는 십삼 일에 이사할 거예요	jeoneun shipsam il-e isa-hal geoeyo	I am moving on the 13th.
십삼 일은 제 생일입니다	shipsam il-eun je saengil-imnida	The 13th is my birthday.
그 영화는 십삼 일에 개봉합니다	geu yeonghwa-neun shipsam il-e gaebonghamnida	That movie will be released on the 13th.
십삼 일에 콘서트가 있어요	shipsam il-e konseoteu-ga isseoyo	There is a concert on the 13th.
십삼 일에 면접이 있어요	shipsam il-e myeonjeop-i isseoyo	I have an interview on the 13th.
십삼 일에 결혼식이 있어요	shipsam il-e gyeolhonsik-i isseoyo	There is a wedding on the 13th.

In these examples, the Sino-Korean number *shipsam* is used to express the day of the month. The month is also expressed using Sino-Korean numbers.

Usage Rules for “13”

Understanding the specific rules for using “13” in Korean is essential for accurate and natural communication. These rules vary depending on whether you are using the Sino-Korean or Native Korean number system.

Sino-Korean Usage Rules

When using the Sino-Korean number system, remember the following rules:

• Use for larger numbers: Sino-Korean numbers are generally used for numbers larger than 99.
• Use for money, dates, phone numbers, and addresses: These contexts always require the Sino-Korean system.
• Combine 십 (sip) with numbers 1-9: To form numbers 11-19, combine 십 (sip) with the corresponding number.

Native Korean Usage Rules

There are no common usage rules for the Native Korean number 13, as it is not typically used. While you could say “열세” (yeolse) by combining “열” (yeol, ten) and “세” (se, three), this form is rarely used in practice.

Common Mistakes When Saying “13”

Even with a good understanding of the number systems, learners often make common mistakes when saying “13” in Korean. Being aware of these pitfalls can help you avoid them.

• Mispronouncing 십 (sip): Ensure you pronounce “십” (ten) correctly. It should sound like “ship” but with a shorter vowel sound.
• Incorrectly combining numbers: When using Sino-Korean numbers, make sure to combine 십 (sip) and 삼 (sam) correctly to form 십삼 (shipsam).
• Using Native Korean numbers inappropriately: Avoid using Native Korean numbers for contexts that require Sino-Korean numbers, such as money, dates, and phone numbers.
• Forgetting counters: When counting objects, remember to use the appropriate counter after the number. For example, “책 십삼 권” (chaek shipsam gwon) for 13 books.

Practice Exercises

To solidify your understanding of how to say “13” in Korean, try these practice exercises:

1. Translate: Translate the following sentences into Korean using the appropriate number system:
   • I have 13 dollars.
   • The meeting is at 1 PM.
   • She is 13 years old.
   • There are 13 books on the table.
   • Today is May 13th.
2. Fill in the blanks: Complete the following sentences with the correct form of “13” in Korean:
   • _______ 권 주세요. (Please give me 13 books.)
   • 제 생일은 오월 _______ 일입니다. (My birthday is May 13th.)
   • 이 셔츠는 _______ 달러입니다. (This shirt is 13 dollars.)
3. Answer the questions: Answer the following questions in Korean using “13”:
   • 지금 몇 시예요? (What time is it?) (Answer with 1 PM)
   • 사과가 몇 개 있어요? (How many apples are there?) (Answer with 13 apples)
   • 나이가 몇 살이에요? (How old are you?) (Answer with 13 years old)

Advanced Topics: Number Combinations

Once you’re comfortable with basic numbers, you can explore more complex number combinations. Here are some examples using “13” as a component:

• 113: 백십삼 (baekshipsam) – one hundred and thirteen
• 1,300: 천삼백 (cheon sambaek) – one thousand three hundred
• 13,000: 만삼천 (mansamcheon) – thirteen thousand
• 130,000: 십삼만 (shipsamman) – one hundred thirty thousand

Understanding how to combine numbers in this way will allow you to express much larger quantities and more complex information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Mastering the art of saying “13” in Korean involves understanding both the Sino-Korean and Native Korean number systems, recognizing the contexts in which each system is used, and practicing consistently. While the Native Korean number for 13, “열세” (yeolse), is rarely used, the Sino-Korean number, “십삼” (shipsam), is commonly used in various situations such as expressing age, counting objects, telling time, dealing with money, and stating dates. By following the guidelines and examples provided in this article, you can confidently and accurately use the number 13 in your Korean conversations. Keep practicing, and soon you’ll be counting like a native!