[Series 10/50] The Ultimate Korean Number Masterclass: Pronunciation, Combinations, & Rules

The 1-10 Full Pronunciation Table

Korean number system

If you are learning Korean, numbers are the most vital tool in your daily life. But the system is complex: you have two types of numbers (Native and Sino-Korean) and they change shape depending on what you are counting. Stop guessing! This guide is your "All-In-One" manual. We will cover every single number from 1 to 100, the transformation rules, and the logic of large numbers.

[1. The Basic 1-10 Pronunciation Chart]

how to read Korean numbers.  Sino-Korean vs Native-Korean.

Number	Native	Pronunciation	Sino	Pronunciation
1	하나	[ha-na]	일	[il]
2	둘	[dul]	이	[i]
3	셋	[set]	삼	[sam]
4	넷	[net]	사	[sa]
5	다섯	[da-seot]	오	[o]
6	여섯	[yeo-seot]	육	[yuk]
7	일곱	[il-gop]	칠	[chil]
8	여덟	[yeo-deol]	팔	[pal]
9	아홉	[a-hop]	구	[gu]
10	열	[yeol]	십	[sip]

[2. Full List: 11-100 (Native Korean)]

To count above 10, combine the tens and the units. Note: Native numbers are used up to 99.

No.	Native	Pronunciation	No.	Native	Pronunciation
11	열하나	[yeol-ha-na]	21	스물하나	[seu-mul-ha-na]
12	열둘	[yeol-dul]	22	스물둘	[seu-mul-dul]
13	열셋	[yeol-set]	23	스물셋	[seu-mul-set]
14	열넷	[yeol-net]	24	스물넷	[seu-mul-net]
15	열다섯	[yeol-da-seot]	25	스물다섯	[seu-mul-da-seot]
16	열여섯	[yeol-yeo-seot]	26	스물여섯	[seu-mul-yeo-seot]
17	열일곱	[yeol-il-gop]	27	스물일곱	[seu-mul-il-gop]
18	열여덟	[yeol-yeo-deol]	28	스물여덟	[seu-mul-yeo-deol]
19	열아홉	[yeol-a-hop]	29	스물아홉	[seu-mul-a-hop]
20	스물	[seu-mul]	30	서른	[seo-reun]

(Continue this pattern: 40-마흔, 50-쉰, 60-예순, 70-일흔, 80-여든, 90-아흔)

[3. The 5 Golden Transformation Rules (Crucial!)]

The "5 Transformation Rules" chart with icon examples (Age, Items)

When these specific numbers meet a counter (like '살' for age, '개' for items, '시' for hours), they change their form. Memorize this:

• 1 (하나) → 한 [han] | Example: 1 item (한 개)

• 2 (둘) → 두 [du] | Example: 2 items (두 개)

• 3 (셋) → 세 [se] | Example: 3 items (세 개)

• 4 (넷) → 네 [ne] | Example: 4 items (네 개)

• 20 (스물) → 스무 [seu-mu] | Example: 20 items (스무 개)

[4. The Logic of Large Numbers (Sino-Korean)]

4-digit Large Number Logic (Man/Eok) with an example like 123,456

Large numbers in Korean are grouped into 4-digit blocks, which is different from the 3-digit system (thousands/millions) used in English.

• 10,000 = 만 (Man)

• 100,000,000 = 억 (Eok)

To read any large number, break it down from right to left in groups of four, and insert the unit name. Here are three clear examples to help you master this:

Example 1: A smaller 5-digit number

• Number: 56,789

• Breakdown: 5(오) 만 + 6789(육천칠백팔십구)

• Read as: O-man yuk-cheon-chil-baek-pal-ship-gu

Example 2: A 6-digit number

• Number: 123,456

• Breakdown: 12(십이) 만 + 3456(삼천사백오십육)

• Read as: Ship-i-man sam-cheon-sa-baek-o-ship-yuk

Example 3: A 9-digit number (Entering the 'Eok' zone)

• Number: 123,456,789

• Breakdown: 1(일) 억 + 2345(이천삼백사십오) 만 + 6789(육천칠백팔십구)

• Read as: Il-eok i-cheon-sam-baek-sa-ship-o-man yuk-cheon-chil-baek-pal-ship-gu

Pro Tip: Always visualize a comma every four digits from the right (e.g., 1,2345,6789). It makes reading these numbers significantly easier!

"Now that you understand the rules, try these practice questions to see if you've mastered them!"

[5. Practice Zone]

1. I am 31 years old. (서른 + 한 + 살) -> 서른한 살

2. 4 people. (넷 + 명 -> 네 + 명) -> 네 명

3. 22 apples. (스물 + 둘 + 개 -> 스물 + 두 + 개) -> 스물두 개

(Comment below with your own practice examples!)

[Conclusion]

Korean numbers are a challenge, but they are the bedrock of the language. If you master the transformation rules and the 4-digit counting logic, you are halfway to fluency. Save this page, practice the pronunciation out loud daily, and you will never fear numbers again! See you in Part 11!

Ready to take your Korean to the next level?

Mastering Korean numbers is just the beginning. To truly internalize these sounds, I highly recommend watching my [ Korean numbers - part 2 ] to practice along with native pronunciation. Hearing the rhythm of the language is key!

Also, if you’re looking to build a stronger foundation, don't miss my other guides on [k-lifestylemaster]. They are designed to complement this lesson and help you achieve fluency faster. Happy studying, and I look forward to seeing your progress in the comments below!