Numbers & Age

This lesson covers the basic counting numbers 1–10 in both Korean number systems and the cultural protocol around asking and stating ages. Sino-Korean numbers (일, 이, 삼, 사, 오, 육, 칠, 팔, 구, 십) are used for abstract counting, time, dates, money. Native Korean numbers (하나, 둘, 셋, 넷, 다섯, 여섯, 일곱, 여덟, 아홉, 열) are used for counting people, objects with counters, and crucially for age.

Age in Korean follows a specific format: 스무 살 (20 years old), 서른 살 (30), 마흔 살 (40), with the native number plus 살. Note the modification rule: 둘 becomes 두 when modifying, 스물 becomes 스무. As of 2023, Korea officially uses international age, but the cultural habit of asking age early in a first meeting is still alive — knowing someone's age determines which speech level you should use with them and which honorifics apply. Be prepared to answer 몇 살이에요? (how old are you?) within the first few minutes of meeting a new Korean acquaintance.