In Korean ‘counting nouns’ are commonly used when counting objects with a
number. One example of a counting noun, ‘시 (o’clock)’
An example of an English counting noun is the word ‘cup’ when we
say, ‘I’ll have two cups of coffee’ rather than ‘I’ll have two coffees’.
In English, however, counting nouns are mainly used with ‘uncountable’ or
‘mass nouns’, for example, ‘two loaves of bread’ instead of ‘two breads’ or
‘three pieces of furniture’ instead of ‘three furnitures’. (Note that in Korean
all nouns must be used in their singular form when a number is specified.)
(1) 커피 두 잔 주세요. Can I please have two cups of coffee?
(2) 사과 한 개 주세요. Can I please have one apple?
The use of counting nouns in English is very limited. However, there is a
wide range of different counting nouns in Korean. A very common one is 개,
which can be used with most objects, although it cannot be used for people.
For people, use 명 or 분 (honorific). 분 is an honorific form and should be
used for elders, seniors, customers etc. For example, when customers arrive at
a restaurant:
(3) 종업원: 몇 분이세요? How many of you are there?
손님: 세 명이에요. There are three of us.
—(Check mm for examples)—
VOUS LISEZ
KEY TO KOREAN (키 투 코리얀)
AléatoireWelcome to KEY TO KOREAN! Your story of reliable korean lessons. This book will help you learn, speak, and write useful Korean words. Together, Let's Learn Korean! Some lessons are from my notes and others are come from different sources. I only co...
