Understanding how to express numbers is fundamental to learning any language, and Korean is no exception. Knowing how to say “30” in Korean is a crucial step towards building your numerical vocabulary and improving your overall communication skills.
This article will guide you through the intricacies of Korean numbers, focusing specifically on how to say “30” using both the Sino-Korean and Native Korean number systems. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner, this comprehensive guide will provide you with the knowledge and practice you need to confidently use the number “30” in various contexts.
This article is designed for anyone interested in learning Korean, from complete beginners to intermediate learners looking to solidify their understanding of Korean numbers. By the end of this guide, you’ll not only know how to say “30” in Korean but also understand the nuances of the two number systems and their appropriate usage.
Get ready to embark on a numerical journey and enhance your Korean language skills!
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Definition: “30” in Korean
- Structural Breakdown of Korean Number Systems
- Types and Categories of Usage
- Examples
- Usage Rules
- Common Mistakes
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- FAQ
- Conclusion
Definition: “30” in Korean
In Korean, the number “30” is expressed in two primary ways, depending on the number system used: Sino-Korean and Native Korean. The Sino-Korean system, derived from Chinese, uses the word 삼십 (sam-sip). The Native Korean system, which is indigenous to the Korean language, uses the word 서른 (seo-reun). Understanding when to use each system is crucial for accurate communication.
The Sino-Korean number system is generally used for counting money, measuring time in minutes and seconds, phone numbers, addresses, and dates. The Native Korean number system is primarily used for counting objects, stating age, and measuring time in hours.
Both systems have their specific contexts and knowing these contexts is key to mastering Korean numbers.
Structural Breakdown of Korean Number Systems
The Korean language employs two distinct number systems: Sino-Korean and Native Korean. Each system has its unique set of numbers and usage rules.
Understanding the structural differences between these systems is essential for accurate and fluent communication.
Sino-Korean Numbers
Sino-Korean numbers are derived from Chinese and are used extensively in various contexts. They are particularly prevalent in formal settings and technical contexts. The Sino-Korean number for 30 is 삼십 (sam-sip). This is a combination of 삼 (sam), which means “three,” and 십 (sip), which means “ten.” Thus, sam-sip literally translates to “three ten” or “thirty.”
Sino-Korean numbers are used for:
- Counting money
- Measuring time in minutes and seconds
- Phone numbers
- Addresses
- Dates
Native Korean Numbers
Native Korean numbers are indigenous to the Korean language and are used in more informal settings and for specific counting purposes. The Native Korean number for 30 is 서른 (seo-reun). These numbers have a different structure and are used in different contexts compared to Sino-Korean numbers.
Native Korean numbers are used for:
- Counting objects
- Stating age
- Measuring time in hours
Types and Categories of Usage
The usage of Sino-Korean and Native Korean numbers depends on the context. Here’s a breakdown of when to use each system in different situations.
Age
When stating someone’s age, you typically use Native Korean numbers followed by the counter 살 (sal), which means “years old.” Therefore, to say “30 years old,” you would say 서른 살 (seo-reun sal).
Time
When telling time, you use Native Korean numbers for hours and Sino-Korean numbers for minutes and seconds. For example, “3:30” would be 세 시 삼십분 (se si sam-sip bun). Here, 세 (se) is Native Korean for “three” (hours), and 삼십분 (sam-sip bun) is Sino-Korean for “thirty minutes.”
Money
When dealing with currency, such as Korean Won (KRW), you use Sino-Korean numbers. So, if something costs 30 won, you would say 삼십 원 (sam-sip won).
Counting Objects
When counting objects, you generally use Native Korean numbers along with appropriate counters. For example, if you’re counting 30 books, you would use the counter 권 (gwon) for books and say 서른 권 (seo-reun gwon).
Phone Numbers
Phone numbers are always read using Sino-Korean numbers. Therefore, the number 30 in a phone number would be read as 삼십 (sam-sip).
Dates
When stating dates, you use Sino-Korean numbers for the year, month, and day. So, “March 30th” would be 삼월 삼십일 (sam-wol sam-sip-il). Here, 삼월 (sam-wol) is March and 삼십일 (sam-sip-il) is the 30th day.
Examples
To further illustrate the usage of “30” in Korean, let’s look at various examples using both Sino-Korean and Native Korean numbers.
Sino-Korean Examples
The following table provides examples of using 삼십 (sam-sip) in different contexts. Notice how Sino-Korean numbers are used in situations involving money, time (minutes and seconds), dates, and phone numbers.
| Context | Korean | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Money | 삼십 원 (sam-sip won) | 30 Won |
| Time (minutes) | 삼십 분 (sam-sip bun) | 30 minutes |
| Time (seconds) | 삼십 초 (sam-sip cho) | 30 seconds |
| Date (day) | 삼십일 (sam-sip-il) | 30th day |
| Date (year) | 이천이십삼 년 삼월 삼십일 일 (i-cheon i-sip-sam nyeon sam-wol sam-sip-il il) | March 30th, 2023 (Year 2023, Month 3, Day 30) |
| Phone Number | 공일공 – 삼삼삼 – 삼십삼십 (gong-il-gong – sam-sam-sam – sam-sip-sam-sip) | 010-333-3030 |
| Address | 삼십 번지 (sam-sip beon-ji) | Number 30 |
| Bus Number | 삼십 번 버스 (sam-sip beon beo-seu) | Bus number 30 |
| Page Number | 삼십 페이지 (sam-sip pe-i-ji) | Page 30 |
| Room Number | 삼십 호 (sam-sip ho) | Room 30 |
| Temperature | 삼십 도 (sam-sip do) | 30 degrees |
| Percentage | 삼십 퍼센트 (sam-sip peo-sen-teu) | 30 percent |
| Weight | 삼십 킬로그램 (sam-sip kil-lo-geu-raem) | 30 kilograms |
| Height | 삼십 센티미터 (sam-sip sen-ti-mi-teo) | 30 centimeters |
| Score | 삼십 점 (sam-sip jeom) | 30 points |
| Quantity (formal) | 삼십 개 (sam-sip gae) | 30 items (formal) |
| Measurement (length) | 삼십 미터 (sam-sip mi-teo) | 30 meters |
| Counting (general) | 일, 이, 삼, … 삼십 (il, i, sam, … sam-sip) | One, two, three… thirty |
| Mathematical Equation | 십 더하기 이십은 삼십입니다 (sip deo-ha-gi i-sip-eun sam-sip-im-ni-da) | Ten plus twenty is thirty. |
| Distance | 삼십 킬로미터 (sam-sip kil-lo-mi-teo) | 30 kilometers |
| Frequency | 삼십 헤르츠 (sam-sip he-reu-cheu) | 30 hertz |
| Counting (large quantities) | 삼십만 (sam-sip man) | 300,000 |
| Counting (millions) | 삼천만 (sam-cheon-man) | 30,000,000 |
| Counting (billions) | 삼십억 (sam-sip eok) | 3,000,000,000 |
Native Korean Examples
The following table illustrates the usage of 서른 (seo-reun), primarily in contexts involving age and counting objects. Note the use of counters (unit words) after the number when counting objects.
| Context | Korean | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 서른 살 (seo-reun sal) | 30 years old |
| Books | 서른 권 (seo-reun gwon) | 30 books |
| People | 서른 명 (seo-reun myeong) | 30 people |
| Animals | 서른 마리 (seo-reun ma-ri) | 30 animals |
| Cars | 서른 대 (seo-reun dae) | 30 cars |
| Bottles | 서른 병 (seo-reun byeong) | 30 bottles |
| Sheets of Paper | 서른 장 (seo-reun jang) | 30 sheets of paper |
| Pairs of Shoes | 서른 켤레 (seo-reun kyeol-le) | 30 pairs of shoes |
| Pieces of Clothing | 서른 벌 (seo-reun beol) | 30 pieces of clothing |
| Houses | 서른 채 (seo-reun chae) | 30 houses |
| Trees | 서른 그루 (seo-reun geu-ru) | 30 trees |
| Flowers | 서른 송이 (seo-reun song-i) | 30 flowers |
| Apples | 서른 개 (seo-reun gae) | 30 apples |
| Oranges | 서른 개 (seo-reun gae) | 30 oranges |
| Pencils | 서른 자루 (seo-reun ja-ru) | 30 pencils |
| Pens | 서른 개 (seo-reun gae) | 30 pens |
| Cups | 서른 잔 (seo-reun jan) | 30 cups |
| Plates | 서른 개 (seo-reun gae) | 30 plates |
| Dishes | 서른 개 (seo-reun gae) | 30 dishes |
| Bags | 서른 개 (seo-reun gae) | 30 bags |
| Boxes | 서른 개 (seo-reun gae) | 30 boxes |
| Watches | 서른 개 (seo-reun gae) | 30 watches |
| Tables | 서른 개 (seo-reun gae) | 30 tables |
| Chairs | 서른 개 (seo-reun gae) | 30 chairs |
| Building | 서른 채 (seo-reun chae) | 30 buildings |
| Countries | 서른 나라 (seo-reun na-ra) | 30 countries |
| Cities | 서른 도시 (seo-reun do-si) | 30 cities |
When using Native Korean numbers, it is essential to use the correct counter to specify the unit being counted. These counters are specific to the objects being counted.
Usage Rules
Understanding the rules governing the use of Sino-Korean and Native Korean numbers is crucial for avoiding errors and ensuring clear communication.
Sino-Korean Usage Rules
Sino-Korean numbers are generally used in more formal or technical contexts. They are preferred for:
- Mathematics and calculations
- Scientific measurements
- Financial transactions
- Dates (year, month, day)
- Time (minutes, seconds)
- Phone numbers
- Addresses
When using Sino-Korean numbers, remember that they are typically combined with units of measurement or currency without any modification. For example, 삼십 원 (sam-sip won) for 30 won.
Native Korean Usage Rules
Native Korean numbers are typically used in more informal contexts and for specific counting purposes. They are preferred for:
- Counting objects (along with appropriate counters)
- Stating age
- Telling time (hours)
When using Native Korean numbers to count objects, it is essential to use the correct counter. The counter depends on the type of object being counted. For example, you would use 권 (gwon) for books, 명 (myeong) for people, and 마리 (ma-ri) for animals.
Exceptions
There are some exceptions to the general rules regarding the use of Sino-Korean and Native Korean numbers. For example, when counting months, Sino-Korean numbers are used, even though Native Korean numbers are generally used for counting. The month of March is 삼월 (sam-wol), not a Native Korean form.
Another exception is when stating the year in a date. You always use Sino-Korean numbers. For example, the year 2023 is 이천이십삼 년 (i-cheon i-sip-sam nyeon).
Common Mistakes
One of the most common mistakes learners make is using the wrong number system in the wrong context. Here are some examples of common mistakes and how to correct them:
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 서른 원 (seo-reun won) | 삼십 원 (sam-sip won) | Using Native Korean for money is incorrect; use Sino-Korean. |
| 삼십 살 (sam-sip sal) | 서른 살 (seo-reun sal) | Using Sino-Korean for age is incorrect; use Native Korean. |
| 세 시 삼십 (se si seo-reun) | 세 시 삼십분 (se si sam-sip bun) | Mixing Native Korean for hours and omitting the counter for minutes. |
| 서른 분 (seo-reun bun) | 삼십 분 (sam-sip bun) | Using Native Korean for minutes is incorrect; use Sino-Korean. |
| 삼십 개 (sam-sip gae) (for counting general objects informally) | 서른 개 (seo-reun gae) | Using Sino-Korean for general object counting (informal) is less common. |
Another common mistake is forgetting to use the correct counter when counting objects with Native Korean numbers. Always remember to include the appropriate counter after the number.
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding of Korean numbers with these practice exercises. Fill in the blanks with the correct Korean number (either Sino-Korean or Native Korean) based on the context.
- I am ______ years old. (30)
- The price is ______ won. (30)
- It is ______ o’clock. (3) and ______ minutes. (30)
- I have ______ books. (30)
- My phone number is 010-333-______. (3030)
- Today is March ______. (30)
- There are ______ students in the class. (30)
- I bought ______ apples. (30)
- The bus number is ______. (30)
- I need ______ minutes. (30)
Answer Key:
- 서른 살 (seo-reun sal)
- 삼십 원 (sam-sip won)
- 세 시 삼십분 (se si sam-sip bun)
- 서른 권 (seo-reun gwon)
- 삼십삼십 (sam-sip sam-sip)
- 삼십일 (sam-sip-il)
- 삼십 명 (sam-sip myeong)
- 서른 개 (seo-reun gae)
- 삼십 번 (sam-sip beon)
- 삼십 분 (sam-sip bun)
Exercise 2: Translate the Following Sentences into Korean
- I have 30 pencils.
- She is 30 years old.
- The time is 2:30.
- The cost is 30 dollars.
- There are 30 countries in the world.
- He has 30 cats.
- The room number is 30.
- I need 30 seconds.
- There are 30 trees.
- I bought 30 oranges.
Answer Key:
- 저는 연필 서른 자루가 있어요. (Jeo-neun yeon-pil seo-reun ja-ru-ga isseo-yo.)
- 그녀는 서른 살입니다. (Geu-nyeo-neun seo-reun sal-im-ni-da.)
- 두 시 삼십분입니다. (Du si sam-sip bun-im-ni-da.)
- 가격은 삼십 달러입니다. (Ga-gyeog-eun sam-sip dal-leo-im-ni-da.)
- 세계에는 서른 나라가 있습니다. (Se-gye-e-neun seo-reun na-ra-ga is-seum-ni-da.)
- 그는 고양이 서른 마리가 있습니다. (Geu-neun go-yang-i seo-reun ma-ri-ga is-seum-ni-da.)
- 방 번호는 삼십 호입니다. (Bang beon-ho-neun sam-sip ho-im-ni-da.)
- 삼십 초가 필요합니다. (Sam-sip cho-ga pil-yo-ham-ni-da.)
- 서른 그루의 나무가 있습니다. (Seo-reun geu-ru-ui na-mu-ga is-seum-ni-da.)
- 저는 오렌지 서른 개를 샀어요. (Jeo-neun o-ren-ji seo-reun gae-reul sasseo-yo.)
Exercise 3: Choose the Correct Number System
Decide whether to use Sino-Korean (S) or Native Korean (N) in the following situations.
- Stating the year 2024 ( )
- Counting 30 apples ( )
- Saying “30 minutes” ( )
- Mentioning an age of 30 ( )
- Referring to 30 won ( )
- 30th floor ( )
- 30 degrees Celsius ( )
- Counting 30 sheets of paper ( )
- Saying “3:30 PM” (minutes part) ( )
- Referring to the year 1930 ( )
Answer Key:
- Stating the year 2024 (S)
- Counting 30 apples (N)
- Saying “30 minutes” (S)
- Mentioning an age of 30 (N)
- Referring to 30 won (S)
- 30th floor (S)
- 30 degrees Celsius (S)
- Counting 30 sheets of paper (N)
- Saying “3:30 PM” (minutes part) (S)
- Referring to the year 1930 (S)
Advanced Topics
For advanced learners, understanding the nuances of large numbers and counters can significantly enhance your proficiency in Korean.
Large Numbers
Korean large numbers are based on units of ten thousand (만 – man). Understanding these units is crucial for expressing larger quantities.
Here’s a breakdown:
- 만 (man) – 10,000
- 십만 (sip man) – 100,000
- 백만 (baek man) – 1,000,000
- 천만 (cheon man) – 10,000,000
- 억 (eok) – 100,000,000
- 조 (jo) – 1,000,000,000,000
For example, 30,000 would be expressed as 삼만 (sam man).
Counters in Detail
Counters are essential for accurately counting objects in Korean. Different counters are used for different types of objects.
Here are some common counters:
| Counter | Usage | Example | Translation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 개 (gae) | General objects | 사과 세 개 (sagwa se gae) | Three apples |
| 명 (myeong) | People | 학생 다섯 명 (haksaeng daseot myeong) | Five students |
| 마리 (ma-ri) | Animals | 고양이 두 마리 (goyangi du ma-ri) | Two cats |
| 권 (gwon) | Books | 책 열 권 (chaek yeol gwon) | Ten books |
| 병 (byeong) | Bottles | 맥주 한 병 (maekju han byeong) | One bottle of beer |
| 대 (dae) | Cars, machines | 차 세 대 (cha se dae) | Three cars |
| 장 (jang) | Paper | 종이 두 장 (jong-i du jang) | Two sheets of paper |
| 켤레 (kyeol-le) | Pairs (shoes, socks) | 신발 한 켤레 (sin-bal han kyeol-le) | One pair of shoes |
Mastering counters requires practice and memorization, but it significantly improves the accuracy and fluency of your Korean.
FAQ
- Q: When should I use Sino-Korean numbers?
A: Use Sino-Korean numbers for money, time (minutes and seconds), dates (year, month, day), phone numbers, addresses, mathematical calculations, and scientific measurements. They are also common in formal contexts.
- Q: When should I use Native Korean numbers?
A: Use Native Korean numbers for counting objects (along with appropriate counters), stating age, and telling time (hours). They are more common in informal contexts.
- Q: What happens if I use the wrong number system?
A: Using the wrong number system can lead to confusion and misunderstandings. While people might still understand you, it’s important to use the correct system for clear and accurate communication. For instance, saying “서른 원 (seo-reun won)” instead of “삼십 원 (sam-sip won)” when referring to money will sound incorrect.
- Q: How do I choose the correct counter when counting objects?
A: The correct counter depends on the type of object being counted. Some common counters include 개 (gae) for general objects, 명 (myeong) for people, 마리 (ma-ri) for animals, and 권 (gwon) for books. Learning and memorizing these counters is essential for accurate counting.
- Q: Are there any exceptions to the rules about using Sino-Korean and Native Korean numbers?
A: Yes, there are exceptions. For example, when stating the month in a date, you use Sino-Korean numbers, even though Native Korean numbers are generally used for counting. Another exception is when stating the year in a date; you always use Sino-Korean numbers.
- Q: How do I say larger numbers like 30,000 or 300,000 in Korean?
A: Korean large numbers are based on units of ten thousand (만 – man). 30,000 is 삼만 (sam man), and 300,000 is 삼십만 (sam-sip man).
- Q: Is it okay to mix Sino-Korean and Native Korean numbers in one sentence?
A: Yes, it is common to mix the two systems, especially when telling time. For example, “3:30” is 세 시 삼십분 (se si sam-sip bun), where “세 (se)” is Native Korean for “three” (hours) and “삼십분 (sam-sip bun)” is Sino-Korean for “thirty minutes.”
- Q: Why does Korean have two number systems?
A: Korean has two number systems due to historical linguistic influences. The Sino-Korean system was adopted from Chinese, while the Native Korean system is indigenous to the Korean language. Both systems have been integrated into modern Korean and are used in different contexts.
Conclusion
Mastering the expression of numbers in Korean, particularly how to say “30,” is a significant step toward achieving fluency. Understanding the distinction between the Sino-Korean (sam-sip) and Native Korean (seo-reun) number systems, along with their respective usage rules, is crucial for accurate communication. By practicing with various examples and exercises, you can confidently apply your knowledge in real-life situations.
Remember to pay attention to the context and choose the appropriate number system accordingly. With consistent practice and a keen awareness of the nuances of Korean numbers, you’ll be well on your way to mastering this essential aspect of the Korean language.
Keep practicing, and soon, expressing numbers in Korean will become second nature! Remember to always use appropriate counters when using Native Korean numbers for counting objects.