🎂 Asking Someone’s Age Politely – Beginner Level (TOPIK 1–2)
In Korean, asking someone's age is quite common—especially when you first meet! 👋 But you have to ask it politely depending on the situation and the person's age. Let’s learn how to ask and answer age-related questions, and understand the cultural meaning behind certain birthdays like 환갑 (60th birthday) and 칠순 (70th birthday).
🗣 How to Ask Age Politely
| Korean | Romanization | English |
|---|---|---|
| 나이가 어떻게 되세요? | naiga eotteoke doeseyo? | How old are you? (Polite) |
| 연세가 어떻게 되세요? | yeonsega eotteoke doeseyo? | How old are you? (Honorific for elders) |
| 몇 살이에요? | myeot sarieyo? | How old are you? (Casual) |
⚠️ Use “연세” (yeonse) when talking to elders, and avoid asking age directly unless it’s culturally appropriate.
🎉 How to Answer Your Age
- 저는 25살이에요.
jeoneun seu-mul-da-seot sarieyo
I am 25 years old. - 저는 올해 스물세 살이에요.
jeoneun olhae seu-mul-se sal-ieyo
This year, I am 23 years old.
🔢 How to Count Age in Korean
Koreans usually use native Korean numbers when talking about age.
| Number | Korean (Native) | Romanization |
|---|---|---|
| 20 | 스물 | seumul |
| 30 | 서른 | seoreun |
| 40 | 마흔 | maheun |
| 50 | 쉰 | swin |
| 60 | 예순 | yesun |
| 70 | 일흔 | ilheun |
💬 Practice Dialogue
naiga eotteoke doeseyo?
How old are you?
B: 저는 스물다섯 살이에요.
jeoneun seumul-daseot sar-ieyo
I’m 25 years old.
A: 와, 저랑 비슷하네요!
wa, jeorang biseuthaneyo!
Wow, we’re similar in age!
🎊 Korean Birthday Traditions
- 환갑 (Hwangap): 60th birthday. A major celebration in Korean culture, as it traditionally marked one full cycle of the lunar calendar (60 years).
- 칠순 (Chilsun): 70th birthday. Families gather to celebrate elders’ long life and express gratitude and respect.
- 팔순 (Palsun): 80th birthday. Often a formal banquet with traditional Korean food and hanbok.
These milestones are celebrated with deep respect, gifts, and sometimes traditional performances. 🥳
💡 Did You Know?
In the past, Koreans traditionally considered everyone to be 1 year old at birth and gained another year on January 1st, not their birthday. But in 2023, Korea officially adopted the international age system! 🎉 Now, your age is counted like in most countries: from the day you were born.
💬 Practice Korean with Me on italki!
Want to practice talking about your age, family, and daily conversations in Korean? Book a fun and friendly class with me on italki and improve your Korean confidence! 🎯
Asking and answering age in Korean is a great way to get to know people and learn native expressions. Be polite, respectful, and have fun learning Korean culture too! 😊
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