Understanding how to say numbers in Korean is a fundamental aspect of learning the language. While it might seem simple at first, the nuances of Korean numbering systems, particularly the existence of two primary systems (Sino-Korean and Native Korean), can present a unique challenge.
This article focuses specifically on how to say “eleven” in Korean, exploring both systems, their usage contexts, and providing ample examples to solidify your understanding. Mastering this seemingly basic concept opens the door to more complex numerical expressions and enhances your overall fluency.
This guide is suitable for beginner to intermediate Korean learners looking to improve their numerical literacy and gain a deeper understanding of Korean grammar.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Definition: Saying “Eleven” in Korean
- The Two Numbering Systems: Sino-Korean and Native Korean
- Sino-Korean Numbers
- Native Korean Numbers
- Structural Breakdown
- Saying Eleven: 십일 (Sip-il)
- Usage Rules and Contexts
- Counting Objects
- Expressing Age
- Telling Time
- Phone Numbers
- Dates
- Prices and Money
- Examples
- Sino-Korean Examples
- Native Korean Examples (In Comparison)
- Complex Sentences with Eleven
- Common Mistakes
- Practice Exercises
- Exercise 1: Translation
- Exercise 2: Fill in the Blanks
- Exercise 3: Sentence Construction
- Advanced Topics
- Korean Counters
- Irregular Verb Conjugations with Numbers
- FAQ
- Conclusion
Definition: Saying “Eleven” in Korean
In Korean, the number “eleven” is primarily expressed using the Sino-Korean numbering system as 십일 (sip-il). This system is derived from Chinese and is used in a variety of contexts, including counting money, measuring, expressing dates, and stating phone numbers. While there is a Native Korean numbering system, it’s generally not used for numbers above ninety-nine. Thus, for “eleven,” sip-il is the standard and most commonly used form.
The Two Numbering Systems: Sino-Korean and Native Korean
Korean utilizes two distinct numbering systems: Sino-Korean and Native Korean. Understanding the difference between these systems is crucial for accurate communication.
Each system has its own set of numbers and specific usage scenarios.
Sino-Korean Numbers
Sino-Korean numbers are derived from Chinese and are used in various formal contexts, calculations, measurements, dates, phone numbers, and money. These numbers are generally preferred for larger quantities and technical applications. The Sino-Korean number for ‘eleven’ is 십일 (sip-il).
Native Korean Numbers
Native Korean numbers are used for counting objects, stating age, and telling time (hours). They are generally used for smaller numbers, typically below 100.
While Native Korean numbers exist, they are rarely used for numbers as high as eleven in general counting; Sino-Korean is preferred. For instance, when counting eleven books, using the Sino-Korean number would be more natural.
Structural Breakdown
The Sino-Korean number for eleven, 십일 (sip-il), is composed of two parts. It’s important to understand these parts to grasp how larger numbers are constructed in Korean.
- 십 (sip): This means “ten.”
- 일 (il): This means “one.”
Therefore, 십일 (sip-il) literally translates to “ten one,” which combines to form “eleven.” This pattern of combining tens and units continues for numbers up to ninety-nine within the Sino-Korean system.
Saying Eleven: 십일 (Sip-il)
As previously stated, the primary way to say “eleven” in Korean is 십일 (sip-il). The pronunciation is relatively straightforward, with “sip” sounding similar to “sip” in English, and “il” rhyming with “ill.” Practice pronouncing it a few times to get comfortable with the sound.
Usage Rules and Contexts
The Sino-Korean number 십일 (sip-il) is used in a variety of contexts. Understanding these contexts is key to using the number correctly.
Counting Objects
While Native Korean numbers are often used for counting, Sino-Korean numbers, including 십일 (sip-il), can also be used, especially when the quantity is beyond ten. Furthermore, when used with counters (specific words used to classify what you’re counting), Sino-Korean numbers are typically preferred. For example, you might say “책 십일 권 (chaek sip-il gwon),” which means “eleven books,” where 권 (gwon) is the counter for books.
Expressing Age
When expressing age, Native Korean numbers are generally used. However, in more formal settings or official documents, Sino-Korean numbers might be used. Therefore, while less common, you could technically say “십일 살 (sip-il sal)” for eleven years old, although it’s more natural to say “열한 살 (yeol-han sal)” using the Native Korean system.
Telling Time
Korean uses a combination of both numbering systems when telling time. Hours are expressed using Native Korean numbers, while minutes are expressed using Sino-Korean numbers. Therefore, if it’s 1:11, you would say “한 시 십일 분 (han si sip-il bun),” which means “one o’clock eleven minutes.”
Phone Numbers
Phone numbers are exclusively expressed using Sino-Korean numbers. So, if a portion of a phone number is “11,” you would say “십일 (sip-il).”
Dates
Dates are also expressed using Sino-Korean numbers. For example, November 11th would be “십일월 십일일 (sip-il wol sip-il il),” which translates to “eleventh month, eleventh day.”
Prices and Money
When discussing prices or amounts of money, Sino-Korean numbers are used. If something costs eleven won, you would say “십일 원 (sip-il won).”
Examples
To further illustrate the usage of 십일 (sip-il), let’s explore various examples across different contexts. These examples will help you understand how to incorporate “eleven” into everyday Korean conversations.
Sino-Korean Examples
This table provides a range of sentences using 십일 (sip-il) in various contexts.
| Korean Sentence | Romanization | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 십일 월에 한국에 갑니다. | Sip-il wol-e Han-guk-e gap-ni-da. | I am going to Korea in November. |
| 제 전화번호는 공일공에 십일 입니다. | Je jeonhwa beonhoneun gong-il-gong-e sip-il imnida. | My phone number includes 010-11. |
| 이 책은 십일 페이지입니다. | I chaegeun sip-il peejiimnida. | This book is eleven pages long. |
| 십일 시에 만나요. | Sip-il si-e mannayo. | Let’s meet at eleven o’clock. |
| 십일 개 주세요. | Sip-il gae juseyo. | Please give me eleven. (general counting, often with a counter implied) |
| 이 사탕은 십일 원입니다. | I satangeun sip-il wonimnida. | This candy is eleven won. |
| 십일 번 버스를 타세요. | Sip-il beon beoseureul taseyo. | Take bus number eleven. |
| 십일 층에 있습니다. | Sip-il cheung-e itseumnida. | It is on the eleventh floor. |
| 십일 명의 학생들이 있습니다. | Sip-il myeong-ui haksaengdeuri itseumnida. | There are eleven students. |
| 십일 년 전에 이사 왔어요. | Sip-il nyeon jeone isa wasseoyo. | I moved here eleven years ago. |
| 십일 퍼센트 할인됩니다. | Sip-il peosenteu harin doemnidda. | It’s discounted by eleven percent. |
| 십일 킬로미터입니다. | Sip-il killomiteoimnida. | It is eleven kilometers. |
| 십일 그램입니다. | Sip-il geuraemimnida. | It is eleven grams. |
| 십일 리터입니다. | Sip-il riteoimnida. | It is eleven liters. |
| 십일 달러입니다. | Sip-il dalleoimnida. | It is eleven dollars. |
| 십일 유로입니다. | Sip-il yuroimnida. | It is eleven euros. |
| 십일 엔입니다. | Sip-il enimnida. | It is eleven yen. |
| 십일 위입니다. | Sip-il wiimnida. | It is eleventh place. |
| 십일 등을 했습니다. | Sip-il deungeul haetseumnida. | I ranked eleventh. |
| 십일 번 방입니다. | Sip-il beon bangimnida. | It is room number eleven. |
| 십일 시 십일 분입니다. | Sip-il si sip-il bunimnida. | It is eleven eleven. |
| 십일 일 동안 여행을 갔습니다. | Sip-il il dongan yeohaengeul gasseumnida. | I went on a trip for eleven days. |
| 십일 페이지부터 읽으세요. | Sip-il peeji buteo ilgeuseyo. | Read from page eleven. |
| 십일 명을 초대했습니다. | Sip-il myeongeul chodaeyeotseumnida. | I invited eleven people. |
| 십일 개의 사과가 있습니다. | Sip-il gaeui sagwaga itseumnida. | There are eleven apples. |
This table illustrates how 십일 (sip-il) integrates into sentences, providing a practical understanding of its application.
Native Korean Examples (In Comparison)
While 십일 (sip-il) is the standard for “eleven,” let’s see how age is expressed using Native Korean numbers and how that contrasts.
| Korean Sentence (Native Korean) | Romanization | English Translation | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 열한 살입니다. | Yeol-han sal-imnida. | I am eleven years old. | More common way to express age. |
| 십일 살입니다. (Less Common) | Sip-il sal-imnida. | I am eleven years old. | Technically correct but less frequently used in casual conversation. |
As seen in the table, using the Native Korean number “열한 (yeol-han)” is more natural when expressing age. While “십일 살 (sip-il sal)” is understandable, it sounds less common and more formal.
Complex Sentences with Eleven
Here are some more complex examples to demonstrate how “eleven” fits into more elaborate sentences, combining different grammatical elements.
| Korean Sentence | Romanization | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 십일 시까지 숙제를 끝내야 합니다. | Sip-il si-kkaji sukjereul kkeutnaeya hamnida. | I have to finish my homework by eleven o’clock. |
| 십일 월 십일 일은 특별한 날입니다. | Sip-il wol sip-il ileun teukbyeolhan narimnida. | November 11th is a special day. |
| 우리 반에는 학생이 십일 명 있습니다. | Uri baneneun haksaengi sip-il myeong itseumnida. | There are eleven students in our class. |
| 십일 년 동안 그 회사에서 일했습니다. | Sip-il nyeon dongan geu hoesaeseo ilhaetseumnida. | I worked at that company for eleven years. |
| 십일 개 이상의 선물을 받았습니다. | Sip-il gae isangui seonmureul badatseumnida. | I received more than eleven gifts. |
| 저는 십일 살 때 피아노를 배우기 시작했습니다. | Jeoneun sip-il sal ttae pianoreul baeugi sijakhaetseumnida. | I started learning piano when I was eleven years old. |
| 십일 월에는 날씨가 점점 추워집니다. | Sip-il woreneun nalssiga jeomjeom chuwojipnida. | The weather gradually gets colder in November. |
| 십일 번 출구로 나가세요. | Sip-il beon chulguro nagaseyo. | Please exit through exit number eleven. |
| 십일 층에서 회의가 열립니다. | Sip-il cheungeseo hoeiga yeollimnida. | The meeting will be held on the eleventh floor. |
| 십일 시에 영화가 시작됩니다. | Sip-il sie yeonghwaga sijakdoemnidda. | The movie starts at eleven o’clock. |
| 십일 일까지 신청해야 합니다. | Sip-il ilkkaji sincheonghaeya hamnida. | You must apply by the eleventh. |
| 십일 만 원을 기부했습니다. | Sip-il man woneul gibuhaetseumnida. | I donated 110,000 won. |
| 그는 십일 년 동안 해외에서 살았습니다. | Geuneun sip-il nyeon dongan haeoeseo saratseumnida. | He lived abroad for eleven years. |
| 십일 월에 눈이 올 수도 있습니다. | Sip-il wore nuni ol sudo itseumnida. | It might snow in November. |
| 십일 시 십일 분에 알람을 설정했습니다. | Sip-il si sip-il bun-e allameul seoljeonghaetseumnida. | I set the alarm for 11:11. |
| 십일 번 국도를 따라가세요. | Sip-il beon gukdoreul ttaragaseyo. | Follow highway number eleven. |
| 십일 쪽에 있는 그림을 보세요. | Sip-il jjoge inneun geurimeul boseyo. | Look at the picture on page eleven. |
| 십일 명의 선수들이 경기에 참가했습니다. | Sip-il myeongui seonsudeuri gyeonggie chamgahaetseumnida. | Eleven players participated in the game. |
| 십일 개월 동안 한국어를 공부했습니다. | Sip-il gaewol dongan hangugeoreul gongbuhaetseumnida. | I studied Korean for eleven months. |
| 십일 시에 모든 것이 끝날 겁니다. | Sip-il sie modeun geosi kkeutnal geomnida. | Everything will be over at eleven o’clock. |
| 십일 층에 있는 식당에서 저녁을 먹었습니다. | Sip-il cheunge inneun sikdangeseo jeonyeogeul meogeotseumnida. | I ate dinner at the restaurant on the eleventh floor. |
| 십일 개의 별이 하늘에 빛나고 있습니다. | Sip-il gaeui byeori haneure binnago itseumnida. | Eleven stars are shining in the sky. |
| 십일 일 후에 다시 만날 수 있을까요? | Sip-il il hue dasi mannal su isseulkkayo? | Will we be able to meet again in eleven days? |
| 십일 퍼센트의 세금이 부과됩니다. | Sip-il peosenteuui segeumi bugadoemnidda. | Eleven percent tax is applied. |
| 십일 시까지 기다려 주셔서 감사합니다. | Sip-il si kkaji gidaryeo jusyeoseo gamsahamnida. | Thank you for waiting until eleven o’clock. |
These examples showcase the versatility of 십일 (sip-il) in constructing diverse and meaningful sentences.
Common Mistakes
One common mistake is using the Native Korean number for “eleven” in contexts where the Sino-Korean number is more appropriate, such as phone numbers or dates. For instance, saying “열하나 (yeol-hana)” when referring to November is incorrect; you should use “십일월 (sip-il wol).” Another error is mispronouncing 십일 (sip-il). Practice the pronunciation to avoid confusion.
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 열하나 월 (Yeol-hana wol) | 십일 월 (Sip-il wol) | Incorrect use of Native Korean number for month. |
| 십일 살 (Sip-il sal) (when casual) | 열한 살 (Yeol-han sal) | Using Sino-Korean for age in casual conversation is less natural. |
Understanding these common mistakes and their corrections can prevent miscommunication and improve accuracy.
Practice Exercises
These exercises will help you solidify your understanding of how to use “eleven” in Korean. Complete each exercise and check your answers to reinforce your learning.
Exercise 1: Translation
Translate the following English sentences into Korean using 십일 (sip-il) where appropriate.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. I will meet you at eleven o’clock. | 십일 시에 만날게요. (Sip-il si-e mannalgeyo.) |
| 2. There are eleven books on the table. | 탁자 위에 책이 십일 권 있습니다. (Takja wie chaege sip-il gwon itseumnida.) |
| 3. My phone number ends in eleven. | 제 전화번호 끝자리는 십일입니다. (Je jeonhwa beonho kkeutjarineun sip-il imnida.) |
| 4. November has eleven letters. | 십일월은 열한 글자가 있습니다. (Sip-il woreun yeol-han geuljaga itseumnida.) |
| 5. He is eleven years old. | 그는 열한 살입니다. (Geuneun yeol-han salimnida.) OR 그는 십일 살입니다.(Geuneun sip-il salimnida.) |
| 6. I bought eleven apples. | 사과 십일 개를 샀어요. (Sagwa sip-il gaereul sasseoyo.) |
| 7. It costs eleven dollars. | 십일 달러입니다. (Sip-il dalleoimnida.) |
| 8. The bus number is eleven. | 버스 번호는 십일 번입니다. (Beoseu beonhoneun sip-il beonimnida.) |
| 9. I live on the eleventh floor. | 십일 층에 살아요. (Sip-il cheung-e sarayo.) |
| 10. I studied for eleven hours. | 십일 시간 동안 공부했어요. (Sip-il sigan dongan gongbuhaesseoyo.) |
Exercise 2: Fill in the Blanks
Fill in the blanks with the correct Korean word for “eleven” (십일 or 열한) based on the context.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. 제 생일은 _ 월 _ 일입니다. (My birthday is November 11th.) | 십일, 십일 (Sip-il, Sip-il) |
| 2. 저는 지금 _ 살입니다. (I am eleven years old.) | 열한 (Yeol-han) or 십일 (Sip-il) |
| 3. _ 시에 시작합니다. (It starts at eleven o’clock.) | 십일 (Sip-il) |
| 4. _ 명의 학생들이 있습니다. (There are eleven students.) | 십일 (Sip-il) |
| 5. 이 책은 _ 페이지입니다. (This book is eleven pages long.) | 십일 (Sip-il) |
| 6. _ 개를 주문했어요. (I ordered eleven pieces.) | 십일 (Sip-il) |
| 7. _ 년 전에 만났어요. (I met him eleven years ago.) | 십일 (Sip-il) |
| 8. _ 월에 여행을 갑니다. (I’m going on a trip in November.) | 십일 (Sip-il) |
| 9. _ 번 버스를 타세요. (Take bus number eleven.) | 십일 (Sip-il) |
| 10. 그 영화는 _ 분 동안 상영됩니다. (That movie is playing for eleven minutes.) | 십일 (Sip-il) |
Exercise 3: Sentence Construction
Create a Korean sentence using 십일 (sip-il) based on the given prompt.
| Prompt | Example Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. Express the date November 11th. | 오늘은 십일월 십일 일입니다. (Oneureun sip-il wol sip-il ilimnida.) – Today is November 11th. |
| 2. Say you have eleven cousins. | 사촌이 십일 명 있습니다. (Sachoni sip-il myeong itseumnida.) – I have eleven cousins. |
| 3. Say you will arrive at eleven PM. | 밤 십일 시에 도착할 겁니다. (Bam sip-il si-e dochakhal geomnida.) – I will arrive at eleven PM. |
| 4. Say the item costs eleven thousand won. | 그 물건은 만 천원입니다. (Geu mulgeoneun man cheon wonimnida.) OR 그 물건은 십일천원입니다. (Geu mulgeoneun sip-il cheon wonimnida.) – That item costs eleven thousand won. |
| 5. Say it takes eleven minutes. | 십일 분 걸립니다. (Sip-il bun geollimnida.) – It takes eleven minutes. |
| 6. Say you have eleven cats. | 고양이가 십일 마리 있어요. (Goyangiga sip-il mari isseoyo.) – I have eleven cats. |
| 7. Say you need eleven more dollars. | 십일 달러 더 필요해요. (Sip-il dalleo deo piryohaeyo.) – I need eleven more dollars. |
| 8. Say you waited for eleven days. | 십일 일 동안 기다렸어요. (Sip-il il dongan gidaryeosseoyo.) – I waited for eleven days. |
| 9. Say you want eleven tickets. | 표 십일 장 주세요. (Pyo sip-il jang juseyo.) – Give me eleven tickets. |
| 10. Say the discount is eleven percent. | 십일 퍼센트 할인입니다. (Sip-il peosenteu harinimnida.) – It’s eleven percent off. |
Advanced Topics
For advanced learners, understanding the nuances of Korean counters and irregular verb conjugations with numbers can further enhance your fluency.
Korean Counters
Korean counters are specific words used to classify what you are counting (e.g., people, books, animals). The choice of counter depends on the type of object being counted. When using counters with “eleven,” the Sino-Korean number 십일 (sip-il) is generally used. For example, 십일 명 (sip-il myeong) means “eleven people,” where 명 (myeong) is the counter for people.
Irregular Verb Conjugations with Numbers
Certain verbs and adjectives change form when used with numbers due to Korean grammar rules. While this doesn’t directly affect the number “eleven” itself, understanding these irregularities is crucial for constructing grammatically correct sentences involving quantities.
For example, if you were distributing eleven items, the verb for “to give” might undergo a slight change depending on the sentence structure and politeness level.
FAQ
- Is it ever correct to use Native Korean numbers for “eleven” in general counting?
While technically possible, it’s much less common and natural. Sino-Korean numbers are preferred for general counting, especially for numbers above ten and when using counters.
- How do I know when to use Sino-Korean vs. Native Korean numbers?
Sino-Korean numbers are used for dates, phone numbers, money, measurements, and calculations. Native Korean numbers are primarily used for age, hours (when telling time), and counting objects (typically smaller quantities).
- Why does Korean have two numbering systems?
Korean’s dual numbering system reflects its linguistic history. The Sino-Korean system was adopted from Chinese, while the Native Korean system developed indigenously. Each system has carved out specific usage contexts over time.
- What is the most common way to say “eleven years old” in Korean?
The most common way is 열한 살입니다 (yeol-han salimnida), using the Native Korean number. However, 십일 살입니다 (sip-il salimnida) is also understandable but less frequently used in casual conversation.
- How do I pronounce 십일 (sip-il) correctly?
Pronounce “sip” similar to the English word “sip,” and “il” rhyming with “ill.” Practice saying it slowly and clearly to get the pronunciation right.
- Are there any regional differences in how “eleven” is said?
No, there are no significant regional differences in how “eleven” is expressed in Korean. 십일 (sip-il) is universally understood and used throughout Korea.
- Can I use 십일 (sip-il) with all counters?
Yes, 십일 (sip-il) can be used with most counters. The choice of counter depends on the object being counted, but 십일 (sip-il) itself remains consistent.
- How do I say “eleventh” as in “the eleventh day of the month”?
You would say 십일일 (sip-il il), which literally translates to “eleventh day.” The same structure applies to other ordinal numbers using the Sino-Korean system.
Conclusion
Mastering how to say “eleven” in Korean, 십일 (sip-il), is a stepping stone to understanding the broader nuances of Korean numbers and their usage. Remember that the Sino-Korean system is your primary tool for expressing “eleven” in most contexts, including dates, phone numbers, and general counting. While Native Korean numbers have their place, especially when expressing age, 십일 (sip-il) will serve you well in the majority of situations. Practice the examples provided, pay attention to the context, and don’t be afraid to ask native speakers for clarification. Consistent practice and exposure will solidify your understanding and boost your confidence in using Korean numbers effectively.