Counting in Korean: Sino-Korean Number System

Your Ultimate Beginner-Friendly Guide (with Examples + Counters)

Did you know there are two number systems in Korean? Yup! It’s one of those curveballs that throws everyone off at first, but don’t worry, we’re breaking it down Kayi-style (clear, fun, and lowkey relatable).

If you missed it, check out Counting in Korean: Native Korean System, which is perfect for counting things like apples, animals, and hours.

But today’s star?

✨ Sino-Korean Numbers, the system that takes over when we’re talking dates, prices, phone numbers, and anything above 100.

Let’s dive into it.

🔢 What Is the Sino-Korean Number System?

The Sino-Korean counting system (한자어 수) is based on Chinese numerals and is used in many formal and daily life situations, such as telling time, reading phone numbers, counting money, or stating the date.

🧠 You’ll use this system when…

• Saying years, months, and days

• Talking about time (minutes, seconds)

• Reading phone numbers

• Counting floors, rooms, or buildings

• Dealing with numbers over 100

Here’s your cheat sheet to memorize the basics:

💡 Pro Tip: Combine them in the same way you would in English.

• 21 = 이십일 (i-sip-il) = 20 (이십) + 1 (일)

• 47 = 사십칠 (sa-sip-chil)

💸 Common Counters Using Sino-Korean Numbers

Just like Native Korean numbers, we pair Sino-Korean numbers with specific counter nouns depending on what we’re counting.

Here are the most common ones:

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🕐 ~분 / ~초 (Minutes / Seconds)

Used with Sino-Korean numbers.

• 30 minutes = 삼십 분

• 15 seconds = 십오 초

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🏢 ~층 (Floors)

• 3rd floor = 삼 층

• 10th floor = 십 층

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☎️ Phone Numbers

Sino-Korean all the way.

• 010-1234-5678 = 공일공-일이삼사-오육칠팔

📌 Use “공” instead of “영” for phone numbers.

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💰 Money / Prices

Korean Won is counted with Sino-Korean numbers.

• ₩1,000 = 천 원

• ₩5,300 = 오천삼백 원

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📅 Dates

Another Sino-Korean system fave!

• 2025 = 이천이십오 년 (year)

• 6월 (June), 30일 (30th)
  Example: 2025년 6월 30일

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🔁 ~번 (Number of times / Order)

Be careful — 번 shows up in both number systems, but with Sino-Korean, it refers to order (like 1st, 2nd) or event number.

• First train = 일 번 열차

• Bus No. 5 = 오 번 버스

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📘 ~과 / ~호 / ~번 출구

• 과 = lesson/chapter

• 호 = room number

• 번 출구 = subway exit

Examples:

• 3과 = Lesson 3

• 205호 = Room 205

• 7번 출구 = Exit 7

How to Practice

Here’s how you can master Sino-Korean numbers faster:

• Memorize 1–10 first, then build from there.

• Read price tags and try to “read them out loud” in Korean.

• Listen to announcements in K-dramas or news clips.

• Practice by writing your birthdate and age using Sino-Korean numbers!

📝 Final Thoughts

Learning the Sino-Korean system might feel intimidating at first, especially with both number systems swirling in your brain. And honestly? I still get confused sometimes (you're not alone 😅). But once you understand the usage rules, it gets easier.

🌟 Stay tuned for more beginner-friendly Korean language lessons here on the blog — and don’t forget to check out my YouTube channel [TheAsianBelle] and follow me on socials @KoreanWithKayi for more content like this!