📏 Using Counters in Korean – 개, 명, 권, 잔 Explained
📏 Beyond 'Gae': The Complete Guide to Korean Counters
Master over 15 essential units to sound like a native Korean speaker in 2026.
In English, you can simply say "two apples" or "three people." But in Korean, nouns require a specific "Counter" (수분류사) based on their shape, function, or nature. Using the wrong counter (like calling a person a 'thing') can sound quite awkward. This guide provides an exhaustive list of units you’ll encounter in daily life—from the grocery store to the car dealership.
🔢 Rule #1: The Transformation
Most counters use Native Korean numbers (하나, 둘, 셋...). However, when followed by a counter, the first few numbers change their form:
하나 → 한 | 둘 → 두 | 셋 → 세 | 넷 → 네 | 스물 → 스무
Ex: 한 명 (One person), 스무 살 (Twenty years old)
📌 The Essential Counter Encyclopedia
| Category | Counter | Use For | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| People | 명 (myeong) | General people | 친구 세 명 |
| 분 (bun) | People (Polite) | 선생님 두 분 | |
| Food/Drink | 그릇 (geureut) | Bowls of food | 비빔밥 한 그릇 |
| 잔 (jan) | Cups / Glasses | 맥주 네 잔 | |
| 병 (byeong) | Bottles | 콜라 세 병 | |
| Nature/Items | 송이 (song-i) | Flowers / Bunches | 장미 한 송이 |
| 켤레 (kyulle) | Shoes / Socks (Pairs) | 구두 한 켤레 | |
| 갑 (gap) | Small boxes / Packs | 담배 한 갑 | |
| Structures | 대 (dae) | Machinery / Cars | 에어컨 두 대 |
| 채 (chae) | Houses / Buildings | 집 세 채 |
🗣️ Real-Life Scenario: At the Market
손님: 사장님, 사과 네 개랑 포도 한 송이 주세요.
사장님: 네, 여기 있습니다. 더 필요한 거 있으세요?
손님: 아, 물 두 병도 같이 계산해 주세요.
🏛️ Did You Know? Traditional Units
Despite using the metric system, Koreans still use traditional units in local markets.
- 근 (Geun): A weight unit (~600g for meat, ~400g for vegetables).
- 마지기 (Majigi): A unit for measuring farmland size.
👩🏫 Teacher Hoon's Expert Tip
If you forget a specific counter, you can usually use 개 (gae) for inanimate objects, and people will still understand you. However, never use 개 for people! Always stick to 명 (myeong) or 분 (bun) to stay polite. Also, remember that for ages, you must use 살 (sal) with Native Korean numbers: "저는 서른 살이에요" (I am 30 years old).
🌟 Part of the "Living in Korea" Master Series
Mastering numbers is just the start. For a full roadmap on how to navigate the lifestyle, banking, and housing in Korea, visit our hub:
Ultimate Guide to Living in Korea 2026🚀 Want to Master Counters Automatically?
Let’s practice counting items in your own home or office! I'll give you instant feedback on your pronunciation and grammar. Book a 1:1 "Survival Grammar" session with Hoon on italki today.
Practice Live with HoonUpdated: December 24, 2025 | Part of the "Mastering Korean Basics" Expert Series.
