Korean Number Pronunciation Guide181

Korean numbers are a fundamental aspect of the language, used in everyday conversations, transactions, and timekeeping. Understanding the correct pronunciation of Korean numbers is essential for effective communication and comprehension.

Hangul Numerals

Korean numbers are written using Hangul, the Korean alphabet. The Hangul numerals are:

일 (il): 1
이 (i): 2
삼 (sam): 3
사 (sa): 4
오 (o): 5
육 (yuk): 6
칠 (chil): 7
팔 (pal): 8
구 (gu): 9
십 (ship): 10

Pronunciation Rules

Pronunciation of Korean numbers follows specific rules:
Standard Korean:

Numbers 1-9 (일 to 구) are pronounced with a high tone.
The syllable "십" (ten) is pronounced with a low tone.

Korean Dialects:

In some dialects, the high tone on numbers 1-9 may be less pronounced.
The low tone on "십" may also be less pronounced.

Numbers 1 to 10

The pronunciation of Korean numbers from 1 to 10 is as follows:
1: 일 (il)
2: 이 (i)
3: 삼 (sam)
4: 사 (sa)
5: 오 (o)
6: 육 (yuk)
7: 칠 (chil)
8: 팔 (pal)
9: 구 (gu)
10: 십 (ship)

Numbers 11 to 99

Numbers between 11 and 99 are formed by combining powers of ten (십) with the corresponding digit.
11: 십일 (ship il)
12: 십이 (ship i)
13: 십삼 (ship sam)
20: 이십 (i ship)
21: 이십일 (i ship il)
37: 삼십칠 (sam ship chil)
45: 사십오 (sa ship o)
79: 칠십구 (chil ship gu)
99: 구십구 (gu ship gu)

Numbers 100 to 999

Similar to numbers 11 to 99, numbers between 100 and 999 are formed by combining higher powers of ten (백, 천) with the corresponding digits.
100: 백 (baek)
101: 백일 (baek il)
200: 이백 (i baek)
327: 삼백이십칠 (sam baek i ship chil)
485: 사백팔십오 (sa baek pal ship o)
729: 칠백이십구 (chil baek i ship gu)
999: 구백구십구 (gu baek gu ship gu)

Numbers 1000 and Above

Numbers greater than 999 follow the same pattern, adding additional powers of ten (천, 만, 억) as needed.
1,000: 천 (cheon)
10,000: 만 (man)
100,000: 십만 (ship man)
1,000,000: 백만 (baek man)
10,000,000: 천만 (cheon man)
100,000,000: 억 (eok)
1,000,000,000: 천억 (cheon eok)

Compound Numbers

Compound numbers are formed by combining multiple numbers. When combining numbers, the higher power of ten is pronounced first, followed by the lower power of ten.2,345: 이천삼백사십오 (i cheon sam baek sa ship o)
789,456: 칠십팔만구천사백오십육 (chil ship pal man gu cheon sa baek o ship yuk)

Conclusion

Understanding the pronunciation of Korean numbers is crucial for effective communication and comprehension. By following these pronunciation rules and practicing regularly, you can master Korean numbers with confidence.

2024-11-14

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