Understanding how to express numbers in Korean is a fundamental step towards fluency. While learning to count to ten is often the first hurdle, mastering larger numbers, such as “40,” requires understanding the two primary number systems used in Korean: Sino-Korean and Native Korean.
This article will provide a comprehensive guide to saying “40” in Korean, exploring the nuances of each system, common usage scenarios, and practical exercises to solidify your knowledge. Whether you’re a beginner or an intermediate learner, this guide will equip you with the skills to confidently use Korean numerals in everyday conversations.
This article aims to break down the complexities of the Korean numbering system and provide clear, concise explanations. By understanding the differences between Sino-Korean and Native Korean numbers, learners can avoid common mistakes and communicate more effectively.
This guide is perfect for anyone studying Korean, planning a trip to Korea, or simply interested in expanding their knowledge of the Korean language.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Definition: Korean Number Systems
- Structural Breakdown: Sino-Korean vs. Native Korean
- Types and Categories of Numbers
- Examples: Saying “40” in Different Contexts
- Usage Rules: When to Use Each System
- Common Mistakes: Avoiding Errors with Korean Numbers
- Practice Exercises: Test Your Knowledge
- Advanced Topics: Beyond the Basics
- FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Definition: Korean Number Systems
The Korean language employs two primary number systems: Sino-Korean and Native Korean. Understanding the origin and appropriate usage of each system is crucial for accurate communication.
The Sino-Korean system derives from Chinese numerals, while the Native Korean system is indigenous to the Korean language. Each system has its own set of numbers, and they are used in different contexts.
The Sino-Korean system (한자어 수사, hanjaeo susa) is used for dates, phone numbers, prices, measurements, and counting larger quantities. It’s based on Chinese characters and sounds, making it similar to other East Asian numbering systems. The numbers in this system are: 일 (il) for one, 이 (i) for two, 삼 (sam) for three, and so on.
The Native Korean system (고유어 수사, goyueo susa) is generally used for counting objects, age, and hours. The numbers in this system are: 하나 (hana) for one, 둘 (dul) for two, 셋 (set) for three, and so on. However, only the numbers up to 99 are typically used in their original form. After 99, Sino-Korean numbers are preferred.
Structural Breakdown: Sino-Korean vs. Native Korean
To effectively say “40” in Korean, it’s important to understand how the number is constructed in each system. “40” is a multiple of ten, which affects its formation.
In the Sino-Korean system, “40” is expressed as 사십 (saship). This is a combination of 사 (sa), meaning “four,” and 십 (sip), meaning “ten.” Therefore, 사십 (saship) literally translates to “four ten.”
In the Native Korean system, “40” is expressed as 마흔 (maheun). This is a single word representing the number forty. Unlike the Sino-Korean system, it’s not a combination of smaller numbers. Remember that Native Korean numbers are predominantly used up to 99, and their use is more restricted compared to Sino-Korean numbers.
Types and Categories of Numbers
Cardinal Numbers
Cardinal numbers are basic counting numbers that indicate quantity. In Korean, both Sino-Korean and Native Korean systems have cardinal numbers, but their usage differs. For “40,” the cardinal number in Sino-Korean is 사십 (saship), while in Native Korean, it’s 마흔 (maheun).
Ordinal Numbers
Ordinal numbers indicate position or order. In Korean, ordinal numbers are typically formed using the Sino-Korean system with the addition of the word 째 (jjae) after the number. However, there isn’t a common usage of “fortieth” that utilizes the native Korean system. To say “fortieth” in Korean, you would use 사십 번째 (saship beonjjae).
Numbers with Units of Measurement
When using numbers with units of measurement, the choice between Sino-Korean and Native Korean depends on the specific unit. Generally, Sino-Korean numbers are preferred for most measurements, including length, weight, and volume. Therefore, when expressing “40 meters” or “40 kilograms,” you would use the Sino-Korean number 사십 (saship).
Examples: Saying “40” in Different Contexts
Age
When expressing age, the Native Korean system is generally used. Therefore, to say “I am 40 years old,” you would use 저는 마흔 살입니다 (jeoneun maheun salimnida). However, the Sino-Korean system can also be used, especially in formal contexts. In that case, you would say 저는 사십 세입니다 (jeoneun saship seimnida). Both forms are acceptable, but the Native Korean form is more common in everyday conversation.
Here are some examples of using “40” to express age:
| Korean (Native) | Korean (Sino) | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 마흔 살 (maheun sal) | 사십 세 (saship se) | 40 years old |
| 저는 마흔 살입니다 (jeoneun maheun salimnida) | 저는 사십 세입니다 (jeoneun saship seimnida) | I am 40 years old. |
| 그녀는 마흔 살이에요 (geunyeoneun maheun sarieyo) | 그녀는 사십 세예요 (geunyeoneun saship seieyo) | She is 40 years old. |
| 마흔이 넘었어요 (maheuni neomeosseoyo) | 사십이 넘었어요 (sashibi neomeosseoyo) | I’m over 40. |
| 마흔을 바라보고 있어요 (maheuneul barabogo isseoyo) | 사십을 바라보고 있어요 (sashibeul barabogo isseoyo) | I’m approaching 40. |
| 마흔 즈음에 (maheun jeueume) | 사십 즈음에 (saship jeueume) | Around 40 |
| 마흔에 은퇴하고 싶어요 (maheune euntoe hago sipeoyo) | 사십에 은퇴하고 싶어요 (sashibe euntoe hago sipeoyo) | I want to retire at 40. |
| 마흔부터 새로운 시작이야 (maheunbuteo saeroun sijagiya) | 사십부터 새로운 시작이야 (sashipbuteo saeroun sijagiya) | It’s a new beginning from 40. |
| 마흔이 되면 (maheuni doemyeon) | 사십이 되면 (sashibi doemyeon) | When I turn 40 |
| 마흔 전에 (maheun jeone) | 사십 전에 (saship jeone) | Before 40 |
| 마흔 후반 (maheun huban) | 사십 후반 (saship huban) | Late forties |
| 마흔 초반 (maheun choban) | 사십 초반 (saship choban) | Early forties |
| 마흔 중반 (maheun jungban) | 사십 중반 (saship jungban) | Mid forties |
| 마흔 넘은 (maheun neomeun) | 사십 넘은 (saship neomeun) | Over 40 |
| 마흔 동갑 (maheun donggap) | 사십 동갑 (saship donggap) | Same age (40) |
| 마흔 기념 (maheun ginyeom) | 사십 기념 (saship ginyeom) | Celebrating 40 |
| 마흔 파티 (maheun pati) | 사십 파티 (saship pati) | 40th birthday party |
| 마흔 생일 (maheun saengil) | 사십 생일 (saship saengil) | 40th birthday |
| 마흔 축하해 (maheun chukhahae) | 사십 축하해 (saship chukhahae) | Congratulations on turning 40 |
| 마흔의 시작 (maheune sijak) | 사십의 시작 (sashibe sijak) | The beginning of 40 |
The table above illustrates multiple ways to express and use the number 40, both in Native Korean and Sino-Korean forms, when discussing age. Notice the subtle differences in connotation and context.
The Native Korean form is generally more common in daily life.
Money
When dealing with money, the Sino-Korean system is always used. Therefore, to say “40 won,” you would say 사십 원 (saship won). This rule applies to all amounts, regardless of the currency.
Here are some examples of using “40” when talking about money:
| Korean | English Translation |
|---|---|
| 사십 원 (saship won) | 40 won |
| 사십 달러 (saship dalleo) | 40 dollars |
| 사십 유로 (saship yureo) | 40 euros |
| 사십 엔 (saship en) | 40 yen |
| 이것은 사십 원입니다 (igeoseun saship wonimnida) | This is 40 won. |
| 사십 달러를 지불했어요 (saship dalleoreul jibulhaesseoyo) | I paid 40 dollars. |
| 사십 유로가 필요해요 (saship yureoga piryohaeyo) | I need 40 euros. |
| 총 사십 엔입니다 (chong saship enimnida) | It’s 40 yen in total. |
| 사십 원만 주세요 (saship wonman juseyo) | Please give me only 40 won. |
| 사십 달러에 팔았어요 (saship dalleoe parasseoyo) | I sold it for 40 dollars. |
| 사십 유로를 받았어요 (saship yureoreul badasseoyo) | I received 40 euros. |
| 사십 엔으로 충분해요 (saship eneuro chungbunhaeyo) | 40 yen is enough. |
| 사십 원짜리 사탕 (saship wonjjari satang) | 40 won candy |
| 사십 달러짜리 셔츠 (saship dalleojjari syeocheu) | 40 dollar shirt |
| 사십 유로짜리 책 (saship yureojjari chaek) | 40 euro book |
| 사십 엔짜리 껌 (saship enjjari ggeom) | 40 yen gum |
| 사십 원의 가치 (saship wonui gachi) | The value of 40 won |
| 사십 달러의 손해 (saship dalleoui sonhae) | A loss of 40 dollars |
| 사십 유로의 이익 (saship yureoui iik) | A profit of 40 euros |
| 사십 엔의 차이 (saship enui chai) | A difference of 40 yen |
| 사십 원으로 뭘 살 수 있을까요? (saship woneuro mwol sal su isseulkkayo?) | What can I buy with 40 won? |
| 사십 달러면 충분할 거예요 (saship dalleomyeon chungbunhal geoeyo) | 40 dollars should be enough. |
| 사십 유로면 괜찮아요 (saship yureomyeon gwaenchanayo) | 40 euros is fine. |
| 사십 엔이면 살 수 있어요 (saship enimyeon sal su isseoyo) | You can buy it for 40 yen. |
| 사십 원을 내세요 (saship woneul naeseyo) | Pay 40 won. |
This table provides various examples of how “40” is used in the context of money in Korean. It consistently uses the Sino-Korean form (사십) because it’s the standard system for monetary values.
Time
When telling time, both Sino-Korean and Native Korean numbers are used, but for different parts of the time. Hours are generally expressed using Native Korean numbers, while minutes are expressed using Sino-Korean numbers. Therefore, to say “4:40,” you would say 네 시 사십 분 (ne si saship bun). 네 (ne) is “four” in Native Korean, 시 (si) means “hour,” and 사십 분 (saship bun) means “40 minutes” using the Sino-Korean system.
Here are some examples illustrating the use of “40” in expressing time:
| Korean | English Translation |
|---|---|
| 네 시 사십 분 (ne si saship bun) | 4:40 |
| 오후 네 시 사십 분 (ohu ne si saship bun) | 4:40 PM |
| 오전 네 시 사십 분 (ojeon ne si saship bun) | 4:40 AM |
| 사십 분 남았어요 (saship bun namasseoyo) | 40 minutes left |
| 사십 분 후에 만나요 (saship bun hue mannayo) | Let’s meet in 40 minutes. |
| 사십 분 동안 기다렸어요 (saship bun dongan gidaryeosseoyo) | I waited for 40 minutes. |
| 사십 분 걸려요 (saship bun geollyeoyo) | It takes 40 minutes. |
| 정각 사십 분 전 (jeonggak saship bun jeon) | 40 minutes before the hour |
| 거의 사십 분 됐어요 (geoui saship bun dwaesseoyo) | It’s almost been 40 minutes. |
| 매 시 사십 분마다 (mae si saship bunmada) | Every hour at 40 minutes past |
| 사십 분 간격으로 (saship bun gangyeogeuro) | At 40-minute intervals |
| 사십 분 늦었어요 (saship bun neujeosseoyo) | I’m 40 minutes late. |
| 사십 분 일찍 왔어요 (saship bun iljjik wasseoyo) | I came 40 minutes early. |
| 사십 분 더 주세요 (saship bun deo juseyo) | Give me 40 more minutes. |
| 사십 분만 기다려 주세요 (saship bunman gidaryeo juseyo) | Please wait just 40 minutes. |
| 사십 분은 너무 길어요 (saship buneun neomu gireoyo) | 40 minutes is too long. |
| 사십 분은 충분해요 (saship buneun chungbunhaeyo) | 40 minutes is enough. |
| 사십 분이 지났어요 (saship buneun jinasseoyo) | 40 minutes have passed. |
| 사십 분이 필요해요 (saship buni piryohaeyo) | I need 40 minutes. |
| 사십 분 안에 끝낼 수 있어요 (saship bun ane kkeutnael su isseoyo) | I can finish it within 40 minutes. |
| 사십 분 후에 시작할 거예요 (saship bun hue sijakhal geoeyo) | I will start in 40 minutes. |
| 사십 분 전에 예약했어요 (saship bun jeone yeyakhaesseoyo) | I made a reservation 40 minutes ago. |
| 사십 분 동안 회의했어요 (saship bun dongan hoeuihaesseoyo) | We had a meeting for 40 minutes. |
| 정확히 사십 분 걸렸어요 (jeonghwakhi saship bun geollyeosseoyo) | It took exactly 40 minutes. |
This table demonstrates how “40” (사십) is predominantly used with the unit “minutes” (분) in the context of telling time. It also showcases how hours are typically used with Native Korean numbers, while minutes utilize Sino-Korean numbers, highlighting the mixed system used for expressing time in Korean.
Phone Numbers
Phone numbers are always expressed using the Sino-Korean system. Each digit is pronounced individually. For example, if the phone number ends in “40,” you would say 사 공 (sa gong). 공 (gong) is used for “zero” in phone numbers.
Here are some examples of using “40” in phone numbers (assuming the last two digits are 40):
| Korean | English Explanation |
|---|---|
| 일이삼사-오육칠-사공 (il-i-sam-sa-o-yuk-chil-sa-gong) | 1234-567-40 (each digit pronounced) |
| 영일공-일이사-사공사공 (yeong-il-gong-il-i-sa-sa-gong-sa-gong) | 010-124-4040 (each digit pronounced) |
| 전화번호 끝자리가 사공이에요 (jeonhwabeonho kkeutjariga sagongieyo) | The last digits of the phone number are 40. |
| 제 전화번호는 사공으로 끝나요 (je jeonhwabeonhoneun sagongeuro kkeunnayo) | My phone number ends in 40. |
| 사공 맞죠? (sa gong matjyo?) | Is it 40, right? (referring to the last digits) |
| 사공으로 변경했어요 (sagongeuro byeonggyeonghaesseoyo) | I changed it to 40. (referring to the last digits) |
| 사공을 눌러주세요 (sagongeul nulleojuseyo) | Please press 40. (referring to digits on a phone) |
| 사공이 안 돼요 (sagongi an dwaeyo) | 40 doesn’t work. (referring to entering digits) |
| 사공이 맞는지 확인해 주세요 (sagongi manneunji hwaginhae juseyo) | Please confirm if it’s 40. (referring to digits) |
| 사공으로 시작하는 번호 (sagongeuro sijakhaneun beonho) | A number starting with 40. |
| 사공을 포함한 번호 (sagongeul pohamhan beonho) | A number including 40 |
| 사공으로 끝나는 번호를 찾고 있어요 (sagongeuro kkeutnaneun beonhoreul chatgo isseoyo) | I’m looking for a number that ends with 40. |
| 사공을 기억하세요 (sagongeul gieokhaseyo) | Remember 40. |
| 사공을 적어두세요 (sagongeul jeogeoduseyo) | Write down 40. |
| 사공이 중요한 번호 (sagongi jungyohan beonho) | The number where 40 is important |
| 사공을 다시 말해주세요 (sagongeul dasi malhaejuseyo) | Please say 40 again. |
| 사공이 잘 안 들려요 (sagongi jal an deullyeoyo) | I can’t hear 40 well. |
| 사공으로 수정해주세요 (sagongeuro sujeonghaejuseyo) | Please correct it to 40. |
| 사공으로 입력했어요 (sagongeuro imnyeokhaesseoyo) | I entered it as 40. |
| 사공을 확인했어요 (sagongeul hwaginhaesseoyo) | I verified 40. |
| 사공을 사용하지 마세요 (sagongeul sayonghaji maseyo) | Don’t use 40. |
| 사공을 빼고 말해주세요 (sagongeul ppaego malhaejuseyo) | Please say it without 40. |
| 사공이 없어요 (sagongi eopseoyo) | There is no 40. |
| 사공이 필요해요 (sagongi piryohaeyo) | 40 is needed. |
| 사공을 추가해주세요 (sagongeul chugahaejuseyo) | Please add 40. |
This table demonstrates how the Sino-Korean number “4” (사) and “0” (공) are used when reciting phone numbers. It highlights the consistent use of the Sino-Korean system for phone numbers and provides practical phrases related to using and discussing phone numbers.
Counting Objects
When counting objects, the choice between Sino-Korean and Native Korean depends on the counter word (unit) used. For many general objects, Native Korean numbers are used with appropriate counter words. However, for some specific counters, Sino-Korean numbers are preferred. For example, when counting books (권, gwon), you would typically use Sino-Korean numbers.
Examples of counting objects with “40”:
| Korean | English Translation |
|---|---|
| 책 사십 권 (chaek saship gwon) | 40 books |
| 사람 마흔 명 (saram maheun myeong) | 40 people |
| 개 마흔 마리 (gae maheun mari) | 40 dogs |
| 사과 마흔 개 (sagwa maheun gae) | 40 apples |
| 꽃 마흔 송이 (kkot maheun songi) | 40 flowers |
| 펜 사십 자루 (pen saship jaru) | 40 pens |
| 나무 마흔 그루 (namu maheun geuru) | 40 trees |
| 집 마흔 채 (jip maheun chae) | 40 houses |
| 차 사십 대 (cha saship dae) | 40 cars |
| 신발 마흔 켤레 (sinbal maheun kyeolle) | 40 pairs of shoes |
| 병 사십 개 (byeong saship gae) | 40 bottles |
| 종이 마흔 장 (jongi maheun jang) | 40 sheets of paper |
| 텔레비전 사십 대 (tellebijeon saship dae) | 40 televisions |
| 컴퓨터 마흔 대 (keompyuteo maheun dae) | 40 computers |
| 의자 마흔 개 (uija maheun gae) | 40 chairs |
| 가방 사십 개 (gabang saship gae) | 40 bags |
| 시계 마흔 개 (sigye maheun gae) | 40 clocks |
| 모자 사십 개 (moja saship gae) | 40 hats |
| 인형 마흔 개 (inhyeong maheun gae) | 40 dolls |
| 바지 사십 벌 (baji saship beol) | 40 pairs of pants |
| 셔츠 마흔 벌 (syeocheu maheun beol) | 40 shirts |
| 스커트 사십 벌 (seukeoteu saship beol) | 40 skirts |
| 양말 마흔 켤레 (yangmal maheun kyeolle) | 40 pairs of socks |
| 장갑 사십 켤레 (janggap saship kyeolle) | 40 pairs of gloves |
| 수건 마흔 장 (sugeon maheun jang) | 40 towels |
In the table above, the usage of “40” (마흔 or 사십) depends on the counter word used with the object. Some counters, like 명 (people) and 개 (general objects), commonly use Native Korean numbers, while others like 권 (books) are more often used with Sino-Korean numbers. Context is key.
Usage Rules: When to Use Each System
The correct usage of Sino-Korean and Native Korean numbers is crucial for accurate communication. Here’s a summary of the general rules:
- Sino-Korean Numbers: Use for dates, phone numbers, money, measurements, addresses, and counting minutes.
- Native Korean Numbers: Use for age, counting objects (with appropriate counter words), and counting hours.
However, there are exceptions to these rules. For instance, while age is generally expressed using Native Korean numbers, the Sino-Korean system can be used in formal contexts.
Similarly, when counting certain objects, the Sino-Korean system may be preferred depending on the counter word used. It’s essential to familiarize yourself with common usage scenarios to avoid errors.
Common Mistakes: Avoiding Errors with Korean Numbers
One of the most common mistakes is using the wrong number system in a given context. For example, saying 사십 살 (saship sal) instead of 마흔 살 (maheun sal) when expressing age in a casual setting. While not grammatically incorrect, it sounds unnatural.
Another common mistake is mispronouncing the numbers. Sino-Korean numbers, in particular, can be challenging due to their similarity to Chinese pronunciations.
Practicing pronunciation and listening to native speakers can help avoid these errors.
Here are some examples of common mistakes and their corrections:
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 사십 시 (saship si) – “40 o’clock” | 네 시 (ne si) – “4 o’clock” | Hours use Native Korean numbers. |
| 마흔 원 (maheun won) – “40 won” | 사십 원 (saship won) – “40 won” | Money uses Sino-Korean numbers. |
| 저는 사십 살입니다 (formal context) (jeoneun saship salimnida) | 저는 사십 세입니다 (jeoneun saship seimnida) | Although both are correct, “세” is more appropriate for formal contexts than “살” when using Sino-Korean numbers for age. |
Practice Exercises: Test Your Knowledge
Test your understanding of Korean numbers with the following exercises:
Exercise 1: Translate the following into Korean (use the appropriate number system):
| Question | Answer |
|
|
|---|
Exercise 2: Choose the correct Korean expression:
- Which is the correct way to say “40 minutes”?
a) 사십 분 (saship bun)
b) 마흔 분 (maheun bun) - Which is the correct way to say “I am 40 years old” (casual)?
a) 사십 세입니다 (saship seimnida)
b) 마흔 살입니다 (maheun salimnida)
Advanced Topics: Beyond the Basics
Once you’ve mastered the basics of saying “40” and using the two number systems, you can delve into more advanced topics. This includes understanding how to combine numbers to express larger quantities, learning more counter words, and exploring regional variations in number usage.
For instance, in some dialects, the pronunciation of certain numbers may differ slightly. Additionally, certain situations may call for a more nuanced understanding of formality levels when using numbers.
Advanced learners should also focus on expanding their vocabulary of counter words to count a wider range of objects accurately.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Is it okay to mix Sino-Korean and Native Korean numbers?
- A: Generally, it’s best to stick to one system within a single phrase or sentence, except in specific cases like telling time. Mixing them can sound awkward or confusing.
- Q: How do I know which counter word to use?
- A: Counter words depend on the type of object you’re counting. There are counters for people, animals, books, vehicles, and many other categories. Learning common counter words is essential for accurate counting.
- Q: Can I use Sino-Korean numbers for age?
- A: Yes, especially in formal situations or when stating someone’s age in official documents. However, Native Korean numbers are more common in everyday conversation.
- Q: Are there any resources for practicing Korean numbers?
- A: Yes, many online resources, language learning apps, and textbooks offer exercises and quizzes to help you practice Korean numbers. Immersion through Korean media (TV shows, movies, music) can also be beneficial.
Conclusion
Mastering Korean numbers, including how to say “40,” is a significant step in your language learning journey. By understanding the differences between Sino-Korean and Native Korean numbers and practicing their usage in various contexts, you can communicate more effectively and confidently.
Remember to pay attention to the specific situations in which each system is used, and don’t be afraid to ask native speakers for clarification when needed. Keep practicing, and you’ll soon be counting like a pro!