Counter 개 (general objects)

Korean has two number systems. For counting things with 개, you must use Native Korean numbers. These are 하나, 둘, 셋, and so on. You do not use Sino-Korean numbers like 일, 이, 삼. Using the wrong number system is like wearing socks with sandals. It works, but it feels a bit off! The counter 개 always comes after the number. The most natural sentence structure is: Noun + Number + Counter. For example, 사과 한 개 means "one apple." You are literally saying "Apple one piece." It feels backwards at first, but you will get used to it quickly. Even native speakers mess up specific counters sometimes, so they fall back on 개 too.

1. 1To use 개 correctly, follow these three simple steps:
2. 2Start with the noun you want to count (e.g., 빵 for bread).
3. 3Choose the Native Korean number for the amount (e.g., 하나 for one).
4. 4Change the number form if it is 1, 2, 3, 4, or 20.
5. 5Add the counter 개 after the number.
6. 6Here are the special number changes you need to memorize:
7. 7하나 (1) becomes 한 before 개.
8. 8둘 (2) becomes 두 before 개.
9. 9셋 (3) becomes 세 before 개.
10. 10넷 (4) becomes 네 before 개.
11. 11스물 (20) becomes 스무 before 개.
12. 12All other numbers stay exactly the same. For example, five is 다섯 개 and six is 여섯 개. It is like a grammar traffic light. Most numbers are green, but those five are yellow and need a quick change!

You use 개 for almost any object that does not have its own special counter. It is perfect for small, solid items. Think of things you can pick up or touch. Use it for fruits like 사과 (apple) or 오렌지 (orange). Use it for snacks like 사탕 (candy) or 쿠키 (cookie). It is also used for household items like 의자 (chair) or 침대 (bed). In a restaurant, you can use it to order items that come in pieces. If you are ordering a hamburger, say 햄버거 한 개. If you are buying a new phone, use 핸드폰 두 개. It is the ultimate "thingy" counter for the physical world.

There are some very important "No-Go" zones for 개. First, never use it for people. For people, we use 명 or the polite 분. Calling your friend 한 개 is like calling them a "piece of friend." It is quite rude! Second, do not use it for animals. Animals use 마리. Third, do not use it for things that come in specific containers like liquids. For water, use 병 (bottle) or 잔 (cup). Fourth, books have their own counter called 권. Finally, avoid using it for thin, flat things like paper or stamps. Those use 장. While 개 is a general counter, using it for these specific categories will make you sound like a very young child.

The number one mistake is using Sino-Korean numbers. Do not say 일 개. It sounds very robotic and strange. Always use 한 개. Another mistake is the word order. Learners often try to say 한 개 사과. While this is technically possible, it is much less common than 사과 한 개. Also, remember the spacing! In written Korean, there should be a space between the noun and the number, and another space between the number and the counter. For example: 사과 한 개. It is not one long word. Lastly, do not forget the special changes for 1, 2, 3, 4, and 20. Saying 하나 개 is a classic beginner mistake that will give away your status instantly!

You might wonder when to use 개 versus specific counters like 대 or 벌. 대 is for machines and cars. 벌 is for sets of clothes. If you use 개 for a car, people will understand you, but it sounds a bit unrefined. Think of 개 as a generic brand of cereal. It does the job, but the specific counters are the "premium" version. As an A1 learner, using 개 for everything inanimate is a great survival strategy. As you get better, you will slowly replace 개 with more specific words. It is like leveling up in a video game. You start with the basic sword (개) and eventually get specialized weapons for different monsters.