Learn Korean for Free | Beginner Korean Grammar #16
In Korean, a number usually needs a counter that matches what you count. The useful words 개, 잔, 명, 분, 그릇, 인분 help you shop, order food, and talk about people.
What Does N 개·잔·명·분·그릇·인분 Mean?
Use 개 for general objects, 잔 for cups or glasses, 명 for people, 분 as the respectful counter for people, 그릇 for bowls, and 인분 for restaurant portions.
The Rule
Place a number before the counter: 사과 두 개, 커피 세 잔, 학생 네 명. Before counters, 하나, 둘, 셋, 넷, 스물 usually become 한, 두, 세, 네, 스무. Write a space between the noun and number phrase: 사과 두 개.
Useful Korean Words
| Korean | English |
|---|---|
| 개 | general item counter |
| 잔 | cup/glass counter |
| 명 | person counter |
| 분 | honorific person counter |
| 그릇 | bowl counter |
| 인분 | serving counter |
| 한 | one before a counter |
| 두 | two before a counter |
Korean Grammar Examples
사과 세 개 주세요.
Please give me three apples.
커피 두 잔을 주문했어요.
I ordered two cups of coffee.
학생이 네 명 있어요.
There are four students.
손님 두 분이 오셨어요.
Two guests came.
비빔밥 한 그릇하고 불고기 이 인분 주세요.
One bowl of bibimbap and two servings of bulgogi, please.
A Short Dialogue
Staff: 몇 분이세요? — How many people are in your party?
Customer: 두 명이에요. — There are two of us.
Staff: 무엇을 드릴까요? — What would you like?
Customer: 비빔밥 두 그릇하고 만두 한 개 주세요. — Two bowls of bibimbap and one dumpling, please.
A Common Mistake to Avoid
Use 분 when respectfully counting customers, guests, or elders; do not use it simply to make yourself more important. 인분 counts menu servings, not necessarily separate plates. A restaurant may require a minimum number of servings, so read the menu. Sino-Korean numerals can appear with some units, but the six counters here are best practiced first with native Korean numbers.
Quick Quiz 🎯
Choose the best counter and change the number form when needed: ① 사과 1 __ ② 커피 2 __ ③ 학생 3 __ ④ 불고기 4 __.
Answers and Explanation
① 사과 한 개 ② 커피 두 잔 ③ 학생 세 명 ④ 불고기 네 인분. 하나, 둘, 셋, 넷 shorten before these counters.
Try It in Your Own Life
Say or write two original sentences with N 개·잔·명·분·그릇·인분. Use a person, place, food, class, or daily routine that is real for you. Then change one detail and say the new sentence aloud. This small change helps you practice the grammar as a speaking tool rather than memorizing only one example.
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