Understanding Korean Counter Words: A Guide to Subullyusa
If you have ever studied Korean, you may have noticed that counting objects isn't as simple as just saying a number. Unlike English, where we might say "two papers" (though "two sheets of paper" is more precise), Korean requires specific words to categorize what is being counted. These special measure words are known as subullyusa (수분류사), which are classified linguistically as dependent nouns.
Similar to the systems found in Chinese and Japanese, these counters act as classifiers. They provide context to the noun, indicating its shape, type, or nature. For example, to say "ten bus tickets," you wouldn't just use the number ten; you would use the counter jang (장), which refers to thin, flat objects like sheets of paper or tickets.
Interestingly, these meanings can be quite flexible. While jang is used for paper, it can also be applied to other thin items, such as leaves (namunnip). This allows speakers to use counter words in creative or metaphorical ways based on the visual characteristics of the object.
Key Facts
- Subullyusa are dependent nouns used as specific measure words for different objects.
- Korean uses two distinct numeral systems: Native Korean and Sino-Korean.
- Native Korean numbers are typically used with most counters to indicate quantity.
- Sino-Korean numbers are generally used for specific series (like lesson numbers), money, and scientific measurements.
- Some counters can change the pronunciation of the numbers preceding them (e.g., 6월 becomes yuwol).
The Two Numeral Systems
To use counter words correctly, you must first understand the two different ways to count in Korean. Choosing the wrong system can change the meaning of your sentence entirely.
Native Korean Numerals
Native Korean numerals are the "go-to" system for most everyday counting. They are used with the majority of counter words to express a general quantity of items. For instance, if you are counting animals, people, or books, you will likely use Native Korean numbers.
Sino-Korean Numerals
Sino-Korean numerals serve a different purpose. They are primarily used for:
- Indicating a specific item in a series (e.g., "Lesson 10" vs. "ten lessons").
- Monetary units and currency.
- Scientific measurements and dates.
- Specific time measurements like minutes and seconds.
Sometimes, both systems are used together in a single phrase. In these cases, the Native Korean numeral indicates the quantity, while the Sino-Korean numeral indicates the ordinal position (the order in a sequence).
| Example (Hangul) | Meaning | Numeral System Used |
|---|---|---|
| 열 과 (yeol gwa) | Ten lessons (quantity) | Native Korean |
| 십 과 (sip gwa) | Lesson ten (ordinal/series) | Sino-Korean |
Common Counter Words and Their Usage
Because there are so many counters, it is helpful to group them by how they are used. Below is a summary of various categories found in the Korean language.
General and Physical Objects
Some counters are very specific to an object's shape, while others are "coverall" terms used when the specific counter is unknown.
- Gae (개): A general counter for "things," often used by children or when the specific category is unclear.
- Jang (장): For thin, flat objects like paper, photos, or stamps.
- Mari (마리): Used specifically for animals.
- Myeong (명): An informal counter for people.
- Gwon (권): Used for counting books.
- Dae (대): Used for vehicles (cars, airplanes) and machinery (computers).
- Chae (채): Used for houses, large objects, or furniture.
- Jeong (정): Used for tablets of medicine.
Food, Liquids, and Nature
Korean has a rich variety of counters for natural elements and food items.
- Song-i (송이): For picked flowers or bunches of fruit (like grapes or bananas).
- Al (알): For small, round objects like grains or certain fruits.
- Spoonfuls (술 - sul): Used for spoonfuls of food.
- Baek (배 - bae): Used for glasses of beverages.
- Gorang (고랑): Used for ridges or furrows in planting crops.
- Geuru (그루): Used for trees and shrubs.
Multiples and Specialized Units
In certain contexts, such as traditional markets or specific industries, Korean uses unique units to count in multiples or specific bundles.
- Daseu (다스): A dozen (derived from English).
- Jeop (접): A unit for 100 fruits, radishes, or cabbages.
- Kyeolle (켤레): Used for pairs of items like socks, shoes, or gloves.
- Boru (보루): A bundle of 10 packs of cigarettes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'si' and 'sigan' when counting time?
In Korean, si (시) is used with Native Korean numbers to indicate the specific hour of the day. In contrast, sigan (시간) is used to describe a duration or length of time (hours).
Why do some months change their pronunciation?
Certain counters modify the pronunciation of the preceding number for ease of speech. For example, while June is written as 6월, it is pronounced as yuwol. Similarly, October (10월) is pronounced as siwol.
Can I use 'gae' for everything?
While gae (개) is a common "coverall" counter used when the specific counter is unknown, using it for everything can sound unnatural or even incorrect in formal settings. Using the specific counter (like mari for animals or myeong for people) is much more accurate.
How do I count a specific lesson in a book?
To indicate a specific lesson number in a series, you should use the Sino-Korean numeral followed by the counter gwa (과). For example, "Lesson 10" would be sip gwa.
What is the difference between 'myeong' and 'bun' when referring to people?
Both are used for people, but myeong (명) is generally used in informal contexts, whereas bun (분) is the honorific form used to show respect to the individuals being counted.