Learning to count in Korean is a fundamental step in mastering the language. While the Korean number system might seem daunting at first, especially when it comes to larger numbers like 60, understanding its structure unlocks a significant part of Korean grammar and vocabulary.
This article will provide a comprehensive guide on how to say 60 in Korean, covering the two main number systems, their usages, and common mistakes to avoid. Whether you are a beginner or an intermediate learner, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and practice you need to confidently use the number 60 in various contexts.
This article is designed for anyone learning Korean, from absolute beginners to intermediate learners who want to solidify their understanding of Korean numbers. We’ll cover the two number systems, Sino-Korean and Native Korean, and explain when each is used.
We will also provide plenty of examples and practice exercises to help you master saying and using the number 60 correctly in Korean. By the end of this article, you’ll have a solid grasp of how to say 60 in Korean and be able to apply this knowledge in real-life situations.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Definition: Korean Number Systems
- Structural Breakdown of Saying 60
- Types of Number Systems in Korean
- Examples of Saying 60 in Korean
- Usage Rules for Korean Numbers
- Common Mistakes When Using Korean Numbers
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics: Complex Number Combinations
- FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Definition: Korean Number Systems
Korean uses two primary number systems: Sino-Korean and Native Korean. Each system has its own set of numbers and specific contexts in which it is used. Understanding the difference between these two systems is crucial for accurately expressing numbers in Korean.
Sino-Korean numbers are derived from Chinese and are used for counting money, dates, phone numbers, addresses, and measurements. They are generally used for larger numbers and more formal situations. The number 60 in the Sino-Korean system is 육십 (yuk-sip).
Native Korean numbers are indigenous to the Korean language and are used for counting objects, age, and hours. They are generally used for smaller numbers and more informal situations. However, Native Korean numbers only go up to 99; beyond that, Sino-Korean numbers are used. There isn’t a direct equivalent of 60 using *only* native Korean numbers, as you’d combine numbers. The closest concept would be to use the numbers that create “60” which would involve using the native korean number “열” (yeol) which means ten, but you’d need to combine it with Sino-Korean numbers to express sixty exactly.
Structural Breakdown of Saying 60
To say 60 in Korean, we primarily use the Sino-Korean number system. The number 60 is constructed by combining two Sino-Korean numbers: 6 and 10.
The Sino-Korean number for 6 is 육 (yuk), and the Sino-Korean number for 10 is 십 (sip). To say 60, you combine these two numbers to form 육십 (yuk-sip). This literally translates to “six ten,” similar to how we say “sixty” in English.
Therefore, the structure for saying 60 in Korean is:
6 (육 / yuk) + 10 (십 / sip) = 60 (육십 / yuk-sip)
Understanding this simple structure makes it easier to understand and remember how to say 60 and other multiples of ten in Korean.
Types of Number Systems in Korean
As mentioned earlier, it’s essential to understand the two different number systems in Korean to accurately use numbers in various contexts. Let’s delve deeper into each system.
Sino-Korean Numbers
Sino-Korean numbers are derived from Chinese and are widely used in various situations. They are often used for mathematics, dates (year, month, day), money, phone numbers, addresses, and units of measurement.
Here are the basic Sino-Korean numbers you should know:
- 0: 영 (yeong) / 공 (gong)
- 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)
- 100: 백 (baek)
- 1,000: 천 (cheon)
- 10,000: 만 (man)
As we learned earlier, 60 in Sino-Korean is 육십 (yuk-sip), combining 육 (6) and 십 (10).
Native Korean Numbers
Native Korean numbers are indigenous to the Korean language and are mainly used for counting objects, age, and hours (when telling time). They are generally used for numbers 1-99.
After 99, Sino-Korean numbers are typically used.
Here are the basic Native Korean numbers you should know:
- 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)
- 20: 스물 (seumul)
- 30: 서른 (seoreun)
- 40: 마흔 (maheun)
- 50: 쉰 (swin)
- 60: 예순 (yesun)
The Native Korean word for 60 is 예순 (yesun). While the Sino-Korean number system is more commonly used for the number 60, knowing the Native Korean number can be useful in specific contexts, such as stating someone’s age in an informal setting.
Examples of Saying 60 in Korean
Now that we understand the structure and the two number systems, let’s look at some practical examples of how to use the number 60 in Korean.
Age
When stating someone’s age, you can use both Sino-Korean and Native Korean numbers, but the choice depends on the formality and context.
Using Sino-Korean:
To say “I am 60 years old” using Sino-Korean numbers, you would say: 저는 육십 살입니다 (Jeoneun yuk-sip sal-imnida). Here, 육십 (yuk-sip) means 60, and 살 (sal) means “years old.”
Using Native Korean:
To say “I am 60 years old” using Native Korean numbers, you would say: 저는 예순 살입니다 (Jeoneun yesun sal-imnida). Here, 예순 (yesun) means 60, and 살 (sal) means “years old.” This is more common in informal settings.
The following table provides more examples of stating ages using both Sino-Korean and Native Korean numbers:
| Age | Sino-Korean (Formal) | Native Korean (Informal) |
|---|---|---|
| 60 | 육십 살 (yuk-sip sal) | 예순 살 (yesun sal) |
| 61 | 육십일 살 (yuk-sip-il sal) | 예순한 살 (yesun-han sal) |
| 62 | 육십이 살 (yuk-sip-i sal) | 예순두 살 (yesun-du sal) |
| 63 | 육십삼 살 (yuk-sip-sam sal) | 예순세 살 (yesun-se sal) |
| 64 | 육십사 살 (yuk-sip-sa sal) | 예순네 살 (yesun-ne sal) |
| 65 | 육십오 살 (yuk-sip-o sal) | 예순다섯 살 (yesun-daseot sal) |
| 66 | 육십육 살 (yuk-sip-yuk sal) | 예순여섯 살 (yesun-yeoseot sal) |
| 67 | 육십칠 살 (yuk-sip-chil sal) | 예순일곱 살 (yesun-ilgop sal) |
| 68 | 육십팔 살 (yuk-sip-pal sal) | 예순여덟 살 (yesun-yeodeol sal) |
| 69 | 육십구 살 (yuk-sip-gu sal) | 예순아홉 살 (yesun-ahop sal) |
| 70 | 칠십 살 (chil-sip sal) | 일흔 살 (ilheun sal) |
| 71 | 칠십일 살 (chil-sip-il sal) | 일흔한 살 (ilheun-han sal) |
| 72 | 칠십이 살 (chil-sip-i sal) | 일흔두 살 (ilheun-du sal) |
| 73 | 칠십삼 살 (chil-sip-sam sal) | 일흔세 살 (ilheun-se sal) |
| 74 | 칠십사 살 (chil-sip-sa sal) | 일흔네 살 (ilheun-ne sal) |
| 75 | 칠십오 살 (chil-sip-o sal) | 일흔다섯 살 (ilheun-daseot sal) |
| 76 | 칠십육 살 (chil-sip-yuk sal) | 일흔여섯 살 (ilheun-yeoseot sal) |
| 77 | 칠십칠 살 (chil-sip-chil sal) | 일흔일곱 살 (ilheun-ilgop sal) |
| 78 | 칠십팔 살 (chil-sip-pal sal) | 일흔여덟 살 (ilheun-yeodeol sal) |
| 79 | 칠십구 살 (chil-sip-gu sal) | 일흔아홉 살 (ilheun-ahop sal) |
This table shows how to say ages from 60 to 79, illustrating the difference between the Sino-Korean and Native Korean systems.
Minutes
When referring to minutes in time, the Sino-Korean number system is used.
To say “60 minutes,” you would say: 육십 분 (yuk-sip bun). Here, 분 (bun) means “minutes.”
Here are more examples of using 60 in the context of minutes:
| Time | Korean | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 60 minutes | 육십 분 (yuk-sip bun) | Sixty minutes |
| 60 minutes ago | 육십 분 전에 (yuk-sip bun jeon-e) | Sixty minutes ago |
| In 60 minutes | 육십 분 후에 (yuk-sip bun hu-e) | In sixty minutes |
| Exactly 60 minutes | 정확히 육십 분 (jeonghwakhi yuk-sip bun) | Exactly sixty minutes |
| Almost 60 minutes | 거의 육십 분 (geoui yuk-sip bun) | Almost sixty minutes |
| About 60 minutes | 약 육십 분 (yak yuk-sip bun) | About sixty minutes |
| Less than 60 minutes | 육십 분 보다 적게 (yuk-sip bun boda jeokge) | Less than sixty minutes |
| More than 60 minutes | 육십 분 보다 많이 (yuk-sip bun boda mani) | More than sixty minutes |
| 60 minutes remaining | 육십 분 남았어요 (yuk-sip bun namasseoyo) | Sixty minutes remaining |
| It takes 60 minutes | 육십 분 걸려요 (yuk-sip bun geollyeoyo) | It takes sixty minutes |
| Every 60 minutes | 매 육십 분마다 (mae yuk-sip bunmada) | Every sixty minutes |
| For 60 minutes | 육십 분 동안 (yuk-sip bun dongan) | For sixty minutes |
| Within 60 minutes | 육십 분 이내에 (yuk-sip bun inae-e) | Within sixty minutes |
| Up to 60 minutes | 최대 육십 분까지 (choedae yuk-sip bunkkaji) | Up to sixty minutes |
| Around 60 minutes | 육십 분 정도 (yuk-sip bun jeongdo) | Around sixty minutes |
| Close to 60 minutes | 육십 분에 가깝게 (yuk-sip bun-e gakkapge) | Close to sixty minutes |
| Exactly in 60 minutes | 정확히 육십 분 안에 (jeonghwakhi yuk-sip bun ane) | Exactly in sixty minutes |
| In just 60 minutes | 단 육십 분 만에 (dan yuk-sip bun mane) | In just sixty minutes |
| After 60 minutes | 육십 분 후에 (yuk-sip bun hu-e) | After sixty minutes |
| Before 60 minutes | 육십 분 전에 (yuk-sip bun jeon-e) | Before sixty minutes |
This table demonstrates how to incorporate “60 minutes” into various phrases, all using the Sino-Korean number system.
Counting Objects
When counting objects, the choice between Sino-Korean and Native Korean numbers depends on the type of object and the context.
Generally, for counting items, Native Korean numbers are used up to 99. However, when counting larger quantities or in more formal settings, Sino-Korean numbers are preferred.
For example, if you were counting 60 books, you would typically use Sino-Korean numbers: 육십 권 (yuk-sip gwon). Here, 권 (gwon) is the counter for books.
Here’s a table with different counters and how they combine with the number 60:
| Object | Counter | Korean | Translation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Books | 권 (gwon) | 육십 권 (yuk-sip gwon) | 60 books |
| People | 명 (myeong) | 육십 명 (yuk-sip myeong) | 60 people |
| Cars | 대 (dae) | 육십 대 (yuk-sip dae) | 60 cars |
| Bottles | 병 (byeong) | 육십 병 (yuk-sip byeong) | 60 bottles |
| Sheets of paper | 장 (jang) | 육십 장 (yuk-sip jang) | 60 sheets of paper |
| Animals | 마리 (mari) | 육십 마리 (yuk-sip mari) | 60 animals |
| Pieces | 개 (gae) | 육십 개 (yuk-sip gae) | 60 pieces |
| Cups | 잔 (jan) | 육십 잔 (yuk-sip jan) | 60 cups |
| Pairs | 켤레 (kyeolle) | 육십 켤레 (yuk-sip kyeolle) | 60 pairs |
| Trees | 그루 (geuru) | 육십 그루 (yuk-sip geuru) | 60 trees |
| Houses | 채 (chae) | 육십 채 (yuk-sip chae) | 60 houses |
| Songs | 곡 (gok) | 육십 곡 (yuk-sip gok) | 60 songs |
| Times (occurrences) | 번 (beon) | 육십 번 (yuk-sip beon) | 60 times |
| Floors | 층 (cheung) | 육십 층 (yuk-sip cheung) | 60 floors |
| Kilograms | 킬로그램 (killo-geuraem) | 육십 킬로그램 (yuk-sip killo-geuraem) | 60 kilograms |
| Meters | 미터 (miteo) | 육십 미터 (yuk-sip miteo) | 60 meters |
| Dollars | 달러 (dalleo) | 육십 달러 (yuk-sip dalleo) | 60 dollars |
| Won | 원 (won) | 육십 원 (yuk-sip won) | 60 won |
| Weeks | 주 (ju) | 육십 주 (yuk-sip ju) | 60 weeks |
| Months | 개월 (gaewol) | 육십 개월 (yuk-sip gaewol) | 60 months |
This table shows how different counters are used with the Sino-Korean number 60 to count various objects.
Phone Numbers
When reciting phone numbers in Korean, the Sino-Korean number system is used. Each digit is read individually.
For example, if a part of a phone number is 6060, you would say 육공육공 (yuk-gong-yuk-gong). Here, 육 (yuk) is 6, and 공 (gong) is 0.
Here are some examples of phone numbers using 60 mixed with other numbers:
| Phone Number | Korean Pronunciation |
|---|---|
| 010-1234-6060 | 공일공 – 일이삼사 – 육공육공 (gong-il-gong – il-i-sam-sa – yuk-gong-yuk-gong) |
| 02-9876-6000 | 공이 – 구팔칠육 – 육공공공 (gong-i – gu-pal-chil-yuk – yuk-gong-gong-gong) |
| 011-555-6012 | 공일일 – 오오오 – 육공일이 (gong-il-il – o-o-o – yuk-gong-il-i) |
| 070-777-6034 | 공칠공 – 칠칠칠 – 육공삼사 (gong-chil-gong – chil-chil-chil – yuk-gong-sam-sa) |
| 010-8888-6056 | 공일공 – 팔팔팔팔 – 육공오육 (gong-il-gong – pal-pal-pal-pal – yuk-gong-o-yuk) |
| 031-111-6078 | 공삼일 – 일이일 – 육공칠팔 (gong-sam-il – il-il-il – yuk-gong-chil-pal) |
| 064-222-6090 | 공육사 – 이이이 – 육공구공 (gong-yuk-sa – i-i-i – yuk-gong-gu-gong) |
| 053-333-6021 | 공오삼 – 삼삼삼 – 육공이일 (gong-o-sam – sam-sam-sam – yuk-gong-i-il) |
| 042-444-6043 | 공사이 – 사사사 – 육공사삼 (gong-sa-i – sa-sa-sa – yuk-gong-sa-sam) |
| 051-555-6089 | 공오일 – 오오오 – 육공팔구 (gong-o-il – o-o-o – yuk-gong-pal-gu) |
| 010-9999-6001 | 공일공 – 구구구구 – 육공공일 (gong-il-gong – gu-gu-gu-gu – yuk-gong-gong-il) |
| 032-666-6011 | 공삼이 – 육육육 – 육공일일 (gong-sam-i – yuk-yuk-yuk – yuk-gong-il-il) |
| 061-777-6033 | 공육일 – 칠칠칠 – 육공삼삼 (gong-yuk-il – chil-chil-chil – yuk-gong-sam-sam) |
| 054-888-6055 | 공오사 – 팔팔팔 – 육공오오 (gong-o-sa – pal-pal-pal – yuk-gong-o-o) |
| 043-123-6077 | 공사삼 – 일이삼 – 육공칠칠 (gong-sa-sam – il-i-sam – yuk-gong-chil-chil) |
| 052-456-6099 | 공오이 – 사오육 – 육공구구 (gong-o-i – sa-o-yuk – yuk-gong-gu-gu) |
| 010-2468-6022 | 공일공 – 이사이팔 – 육공이이 (gong-il-gong – i-sa-yuk-pal – yuk-gong-i-i) |
| 033-135-6044 | 공삼삼 – 일이오 – 육공사사 (gong-sam-sam – il-sam-o – yuk-gong-sa-sa) |
| 062-579-6066 | 공육이 – 오칠구 – 육공육육 (gong-yuk-i – o-chil-gu – yuk-gong-yuk-yuk) |
| 055-680-6088 | 공오오 – 육팔공 – 육공팔팔 (gong-o-o – yuk-pal-gong – yuk-gong-pal-pal) |
This table demonstrates how the Sino-Korean number system is used when reciting phone numbers, with each digit pronounced individually.
Usage Rules for Korean Numbers
Understanding the usage rules for Korean numbers is crucial for accurate communication. Here are some key guidelines:
- Sino-Korean numbers are used for dates (years, months, days), money, phone numbers, addresses, and measurements.
- Native Korean numbers are used for counting objects (up to 99), age, and hours (when telling time).
- When telling time, hours are expressed using Native Korean numbers, while minutes are expressed using Sino-Korean numbers. For example, 3:30 would be 세 시 삼십 분 (se si sam-sip bun).
- When counting objects, always use the appropriate counter word after the number. For example, 책 세 권 (chaek se gwon) means “three books,” where 권 (gwon) is the counter for books.
- For numbers greater than 99, Sino-Korean numbers are generally used.
Knowing these rules will help you choose the correct number system and use it appropriately in different situations.
Common Mistakes When Using Korean Numbers
Here are some common mistakes that learners often make when using Korean numbers and how to avoid them:
- Incorrectly choosing the number system: Using Native Korean numbers for dates or Sino-Korean numbers for age in informal settings. Correct: 2023년 (i-cheon-i-sip-sam nyeon) for the year 2023 (Sino-Korean). Incorrect: *스물 스물셋 년 (*seumul seumulset nyeon*).
- Forgetting counter words: Omitting the counter word when counting objects. Correct: 사과 다섯 개 (sagwa daseot gae) for “five apples.” Incorrect: *사과 다섯 (*sagwa daseot*).
- Mispronouncing numbers: Confusing similar-sounding numbers. Practice pronunciation to avoid errors.
- Using Native Korean numbers for large quantities: Native Korean numbers are generally used up to 99. For larger numbers, switch to Sino-Korean.
Here’s a table illustrating some common mistakes and their corrections:
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| *여섯십 분 (*yeoseotsip bun*) | 육십 분 (yuk-sip bun) | Using Native Korean number for minutes. |
| *육십 살이 (*yuk-sip sal-i*) | 육십 살 (yuk-sip sal) | Incorrect word order. |
| *여섯십 개 (*yeoseotsip gae*) | 육십 개 (yuk-sip gae) | Using Native Korean number with a counter for larger quantities. |
| *하나 시 삼십 분 (*hana si sam-sip bun*) | 한 시 삼십 분 (han si sam-sip bun) | Using the wrong form of Native Korean number for telling time. |
| *이천이십 넷 년 (*icheon isip net nyeon*) | 이천이십사 년 (icheon isipsa nyeon) | Incorrectly using native Korean number in a year. |
By being aware of these common mistakes, you can improve your accuracy when using Korean numbers.
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding with these practice exercises. Provide the Korean translation for each phrase using the correct number system.
- Translate “60 years old” (formal).
- Translate “60 minutes.”
- Translate
Translate “60 books.”
- Translate the phone number “010-6060-1234.”
- Translate “There are 60 people.”
Check your answers below:
- 육십 살입니다 (yuk-sip sal-imnida)
- 육십 분 (yuk-sip bun)
- 육십 권 (yuk-sip gwon)
- 공일공 – 육공육공 – 일이삼사 (gong-il-gong – yuk-gong-yuk-gong – il-i-sam-sa)
- 육십 명 있습니다 (yuk-sip myeong isseumnida)
Advanced Topics: Complex Number Combinations
Once you’re comfortable with basic numbers, you can explore more complex combinations. Here are some examples involving numbers close to 60:
- 65: 육십오 (yuk-sip-o) – six ten five
- 68: 육십팔 (yuk-sip-pal) – six ten eight
- 160: 백육십 (baek-yuk-sip) – one hundred six ten
- 600: 육백 (yuk-baek) – six hundred
- 1,600: 천육백 (cheon-yuk-baek) – one thousand six hundred
Understanding how to combine numbers allows you to express a wide range of quantities and measurements in Korean.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Is it okay to mix Sino-Korean and Native Korean numbers?
Generally, it’s best to stick to one system within the same phrase, unless you’re dealing with telling time (hours in Native Korean and minutes in Sino-Korean). Mixing them can sound awkward or incorrect.
How do I know which number system to use?
Refer to the usage rules mentioned earlier. Sino-Korean is for dates, money, phone numbers, and measurements, while Native Korean is for counting objects, age, and hours.
Are there any exceptions to the usage rules?
Yes, there can be exceptions depending on regional dialects or specific contexts. However, the general rules provided in this article are a solid foundation.
Can I use Native Korean numbers for numbers greater than 99?
While technically possible, it’s not common or practical. Sino-Korean numbers are preferred for numbers greater than 99.
Is there a difference in formality between using Sino-Korean and Native Korean numbers?
Yes, Sino-Korean numbers often sound more formal, while Native Korean numbers are more informal, especially when referring to age.
Conclusion
Saying 60 in Korean, whether 육십 (yuk-sip) in Sino-Korean or 예순 (yesun) in Native Korean, is a valuable skill for any Korean language learner. By understanding the two number systems, their usage rules, and common mistakes to avoid, you can confidently use numbers in various contexts. Practice the examples and exercises provided in this guide to solidify your knowledge and improve your fluency. Happy learning!