Count Your K-Pop Photocards! Master Korean Numbers 7-10
Hello! It’s your favorite Korean tutor, [Everyday Hangul], here to level up your Korean skills!
Have you ever wanted to count your favorite snacks, the number of friends you’re meeting, or maybe… your growing K-Pop photocard collection? Today, we’re going to learn the essential Korean numbers from 7 to 10 so you can do just that! Lately in Korea, and all over the world, collecting photocards (known as ‘poka’) is a huge trend among fans. So, let’s learn how to count your precious collection like a true fan!
Core Expressions: Numbers 7-10
For counting objects, people, and age, Koreans use a special set of numbers called Native Korean numbers. Let’s learn the next four!
1. Seven: 일곱
- Pronunciation [Romanization]: ilgop
- English Meaning: Seven
- Detailed Explanation: This is the Native Korean number for seven. You use it when counting physical items. For example, “seven photocards” would be “포토카드 일곱 장” (potokadeu ilgop jang).
- 💡 Pronunciation Tip:
Notice the last letter is ‘ㅂ’ (b), but we write the romanization as ‘p’ (ilgop). In Korean, when a ‘ㅂ’ is at the end of a syllable and nothing comes after it, it makes a soft ‘p’ sound. You basically close your lips as if to say ‘b’ but don’t release the sound with your voice. Try it: il-gop!
2. Eight: 여덟
- Pronunciation [Romanization]: yeodeol
- English Meaning: Eight
- Detailed Explanation: This is the number eight, and it has a tricky-looking bottom part! It’s one of the few Korean words with a double consonant at the end. But don’t worry, the pronunciation is easier than it looks.
- 💡 Pronunciation Tip:
The final consonant is ‘ᆲ’, which is a combination of ‘ㄹ’ (l) and ‘ㅂ’ (b). When you see this, you can ignore the ‘ㅂ’ sound completely! So, you do not pronounce it as “yeodeolb.” Instead, just say [여덜 / yeodeol]. It’s a secret rule that will make you sound much more natural!
3. Nine: 아홉
- Pronunciation [Romanization]: ahop
- English Meaning: Nine
- Detailed Explanation: This is the Native Korean number for nine. Just like ‘일곱’, you’ll use this when counting things around you. “Nine friends” is “친구 아홉 명” (chingu ahop myeong).
- 💡 Pronunciation Tip:
Similar to ‘일곱’, the final consonant ‘ㅍ’ (p) is also pronounced as a soft, unreleased ‘p’ sound. You say a-hop, closing your lips at the end without a strong puff of air.
4. Ten: 열
- Pronunciation [Romanization]: yeol
- English Meaning: Ten
- Detailed Explanation: And finally, we have ten! This is a very common number you’ll hear a lot.
- 💡 Pronunciation Tip:
The ‘ㄹ’ (l/r) sound in Korean can be tricky. For ‘열’, your tongue should lightly tap the roof of your mouth, right behind your front teeth. It’s a bit like the ‘l’ in the English word “call.” Try to make the sound light and quick: yeol!
Example Dialogue: Trading Photocards
Let’s see how these numbers are used in a real conversation between two K-Pop fans, A and B.
A: 와, 너 BTS 포토카드 정말 많다! 몇 개 있어?
(Wa, neo BTS potokadeu jeongmal manta! Myeot gae isseo?)
Wow, you have so many BTS photocards! How many do you have?
B: 음… 한 번 세어볼게. 와! 여덟 개나 있어!
(Eum… han beon seeobolge. Wa! Yeodeol gaena isseo!)
Hmm… let me count. Wow! I have eight!
A: 진짜? 나는 일곱 개밖에 없어. 이 정국 포토카드 정말 예쁘다!
(Jinjja? Naneun ilgop gaebakke eopseo. I Jungkook potokadeu jeongmal yeppeuda!)
Really? I only have seven. This Jungkook photocard is so pretty!
B: 그렇지? 나는 열 개까지 모으는 게 목표야!
(Geureochi? Naneun yeol gaekkaji moeuneun ge mokpyoya!)
I know, right? My goal is to collect ten!
Culture Tip & Trend Deep Dive
As you saw in the dialogue, collecting photocards is a huge part of K-Pop fan culture in Korea. Here are some key points to know:
- “포카” (Poka): This is the shortened, slang term for “포토카드” (potokadeu). If you use the word “poka,” you’ll sound just like a local fan!
- The Thrill of the Hunt: These cards often come randomly inside albums, so fans trade them online or at offline events to get their favorite member, known as their “최애” (choeae), or ultimate bias.
- Your New Skill: Now, when you see a friend’s collection, you can confidently ask “몇 개 있어?” (Myeot gae isseo? – How many do you have?) and count them together using 일곱, 여덟, 아홉, 열! It’s a perfect way to practice and connect with other fans.
Let’s Wrap It Up & Practice!
Great job today! You’ve learned the Native Korean numbers 7, 8, 9, and 10, and you even got a peek into the fun world of K-Pop photocard collecting. Remember the special pronunciation rules, especially for 여덟 (yeodeol)!
Now, let’s test your knowledge. Fill in the blanks with the correct Korean number.
- I have 9 books. -> 저는 책이 _______ 권 있어요. (Jeoneun chaegi ______ gwon isseoyo.)
- There are 10 cats. -> 고양이가 _______ 마리 있어요. (Goyangiga ______ mari isseoyo.)
(Answers: 1. 아홉 (ahop), 2. 열 (yeol))
Leave a comment below and tell us something you have 7, 8, 9, or 10 of! For example: “I have 7 pencils!” (저는 연필이 일곱 개 있어요!).
Fighting! You can do it
