Korean Numbers 1 to 10: Both Systems Side by Side
10-Second Answer
Here are Korean's two full number systems from 1 to 10, side by side. If you haven't already, read the native-vs-Sino comparison page first for WHEN to use each — this page is the practical drill chart to memorize both lists.
The Full 1–10 Chart
| Number | Native Korean | Sino-Korean |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 하나 (hana) | 일 (il) |
| 2 | 둘 (dul) | 이 (i) |
| 3 | 셋 (set) | 삼 (sam) |
| 4 | 넷 (net) | 사 (sa) |
| 5 | 다섯 (daseot) | 오 (o) |
| 6 | 여섯 (yeoseot) | 육 (yuk) |
| 7 | 일곱 (ilgop) | 칠 (chil) |
| 8 | 여덟 (yeodeol) | 팔 (pal) |
| 9 | 아홉 (ahop) | 구 (gu) |
| 10 | 열 (yeol) | 십 (sip) |
The Shortened Counting Forms
When native Korean numbers combine with a counter word (like 개, 명, 시), the first four numbers actually shorten: 하나→한, 둘→두, 셋→세, 넷→네.
사과 한 개
sagwa han gae
one apple
하나 → 한 before 개 (the generic counter).
커피 두 잔
keopi du jan
two coffees
둘 → 두 before 잔 (cup/glass counter).
친구 세 명
chingu se myeong
three friends
셋 → 세 before 명 (people counter).
This shortened set is exactly what you saw quietly at work on the native-vs-Sino comparison page's example (두 잔) and on the ordering-food page (이 인분 uses the Sino form since 인분 is a Sino-Korean counter) — now you have the full pattern spelled out.
Quick Drill Sentences
일, 이, 삼, 사, 오...
One, two, three, four, five... (counting up, Sino-Korean — the way Koreans count seconds or steps)
하나, 둘, 셋!
One, two, three! (native Korean — the countdown before a group photo)
Common Mistakes
Mistake #1 — Not knowing the shortened counting forms
한/두/세/네 (not 하나/둘/셋/넷) are what actually attach before counters — a very common early stumble.
Mistake #2 — Mixing up which system for which context
Revisit the native-vs-Sino comparison page any time you're unsure — age, objects, and hours use native; money, dates, and minutes use Sino-Korean.
Mini Quiz
1. What is the shortened counting form of 하나 (one) before a counter word?
2. What is "seven" in Sino-Korean?
3. 친구 세 명 means "three friends." What is 세 short for?
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Start today's study →Last updated: 2026-08-10 · Written and reviewed by a native Korean speaker.