Sino-Korean numbers (일…십)

What you will learn

You will use Sino-Korean numerals (일…십…) for dates, money, minutes, floors, and “math” counting — the same domain Korean schools drill early.

Step 1 — Memorize 1–10 cold

일 이 삼 사 오 육 칠 팔 구 십. Say them forward, backward, and in random order from flashcards.

Step 2 — 11–19 pattern

십 + unit: 십일, 십구… Watch 육 vs 륙 conventions in different contexts (recognition is enough at first).

Step 3 — When Sino wins

• Dates: 이천이십육 년
• Money: 삼천 원
• Minutes: 오 분
• Room numbers / bus lines

Step 4 — Classroom tasks

1. Write today’s date in Korean numerals.
2. Role-play paying: “이거 얼마예요?” + amounts.
3. Convert your phone area code digits to Korean reads.

Common mistakes

• Using native 하나…열댄 for minutes — use Sino.
• Mixing English number order — digit order follows Korean grouping rules in large numbers (advanced later).

Study rhythm: Skim “Sino-Korean numbers (일…십)” for structure, then re-read aloud. Fifteen-minute sessions usually beat one long cram when you are learning Korean from scratch.

Hands-on: Write three new sentences (do not copy the examples) using this pattern. When you learn Korean, forcing fresh sentences shows gaps early.