Pure Korean Numbers
Why are numbers a pure pain? Because, in addition to the pain that involves memorising numbers, Korean is kind enough to bless us with two, yes, TWO sets of numbers; one, the Pure Korean, and, the second, Sino-Korean. Let's start with the Pure Korean set.
Pure Korean numbers only range from 1-99, this obviously does not mean that for every other number we simply use the Sino-Korean set and that is how we explain the existence of two sets. NO! 아니요! While zero and numbers greater than 99 for lack of alternative fall under the Sino-Korean domain, there are a number of brain-wrecking rules that determine which system should be used in numbers ranging from one to 99.
Having said that, the general rule states that Pure Korean numbers are used to count a limited number (well, at least until 99) of objects or people. On the other hand, the Sino-Korean set is used for larger numbers (shall not they remain unaccounted for) and, in general (key word... GENERAL), for essentially abstract counting such as mathematics, decimals, fractions, distances and money.
In addition to the rules of usage, these numbers present yet another challenge for learners... pronunciation. There are a number of unconventional or new pronunciation rules that I will have to add to the existing list.
First things first, here are the Pure Korean ones:
1. 하나
2. 둘
3. 셋 (set)
4. 넷 (net)
5. 다섯 (da-sot)
6. 여섯 (yeo-sot)
7. 일곱
8. 여덟 (yeo-deol)
9. 하홉
10. 열
The remaining are quite logical, it follows the rule (10+nr); therefore, once the first ten are mastered, these become easy.
10. 열
11. 열하나 (yeo-ra-na)
12. 열둘
13. 열셋
14. 열넷 (yeol-let)
15. 열다섯
16. 열여섯 (yeol-yeo-seot)
17. 열일곱
18. 열여덟
19. 열아홉 (yeo-ra-hop)
From here one the numbers do not follow such a simple logic (as in the Sino-Korean case)
20. 스물
30. 서른
40. 마흔
50. 쉰
60. 예순
70. 일흔 (i-reun)
80. 여든
90. 아흔
The end! 끝!
NOT SO FAST!
Mnemonic-ing...
First and foremost, I find it much easier to remember them if placed side by side since there is sometimes some phonetic continuity or connection.
하나 열 totally unrelated!
둘 스물 the 울 sound is still there, but there seems to be the need for two syllable from here forth
셋 서른 after the first two all numbers end with the nasal sound ㄴ, first letter still the same ㅅ. Not much logic but try not to feel too sore about it. Wow, fantastic.
넷 마흔 more complicated case in which the first letter changes, albeit it continues with a nasal sound. from net to ma-eun... men in nets, merman, mermale, oops not a mermaid.
다섯 쉰 swing, fifties... ㄴ. You feel sore because you got a merman but decide to dance swing so as not to waste a perfectly good opportunity to have fun.
여섯 예순 여, 예 and ㅅ remaining constant. change in sound from yeo to ye u. Yeah, son!! Or should I say "bloody sun!"
일곱 일흔 일still there but then it gets tricky. Causing me a headache and making me feel ill!
여덟 여든 여ㄷ...well, it has to end in ㄴso improvise whatever comes in between. You then... then what? disappear?
하홉 아흔 the trend to turn ㅂinto 은 remains a constant, strange disappearence of ㅎ for a first syllable!
NOT SO FAST!
Mnemonic-ing...
First and foremost, I find it much easier to remember them if placed side by side since there is sometimes some phonetic continuity or connection.
하나 열 totally unrelated!
둘 스물 the 울 sound is still there, but there seems to be the need for two syllable from here forth
셋 서른 after the first two all numbers end with the nasal sound ㄴ, first letter still the same ㅅ. Not much logic but try not to feel too sore about it. Wow, fantastic.
넷 마흔 more complicated case in which the first letter changes, albeit it continues with a nasal sound. from net to ma-eun... men in nets, merman, mermale, oops not a mermaid.
다섯 쉰 swing, fifties... ㄴ. You feel sore because you got a merman but decide to dance swing so as not to waste a perfectly good opportunity to have fun.
여섯 예순 여, 예 and ㅅ remaining constant. change in sound from yeo to ye u. Yeah, son!! Or should I say "bloody sun!"
일곱 일흔 일still there but then it gets tricky. Causing me a headache and making me feel ill!
여덟 여든 여ㄷ...well, it has to end in ㄴso improvise whatever comes in between. You then... then what? disappear?
하홉 아흔 the trend to turn ㅂinto 은 remains a constant, strange disappearence of ㅎ for a first syllable!
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