You Just Met Someone New in Korean
You are having a pleasant conversation, maybe over a bowl of bibimbap or while waiting for the bus. Things are going well. Then, the inevitable question comes: “나이가 어떻게 되세요?” (naiga eotteoke doeseyo?). A moment of panic sets in. You know they are asking about your age, but how do you answer correctly? Do you just say the number? Is there a special word? The social stakes feel surprisingly high.
In Korean culture, age is not just a number. It is a fundamental social coordinate that determines how people address each other, the level of formality in speech, and even who pours the drinks at a meal. Knowing how to state your age properly is your first key to navigating these social waters smoothly and showing respect.
This guide will walk you through everything from the basic vocabulary and grammar to the cultural nuances behind the question. By the end, you will be able to state your age with confidence, understand why it matters so much, and even ask others their age appropriately.
Why Age Matters So Much in Korean
Before we learn the words, it helps to understand the context. In Korea, age establishes a person’s position within a social hierarchy. This concept is known as “누나/오빠/형/언니” (nuna/oppa/hyeong/eonni) culture, but it extends far beyond family terms.
Knowing someone’s age tells you which version of the Korean language to use. There are different levels of speech, primarily formal (존댓말, jondaetmal) and informal (반말, banmal). Using the wrong level with someone older can be seen as rude, while using overly formal speech with a close friend who is younger might create distance.
Age also dictates small but important social rituals. The oldest person typically eats first, is served drinks by others, and often pays the bill in group settings. When you state your age, you are not just sharing a fact; you are subtly defining the relationship framework.
The Two Essential Korean Words for “Age”
There are two main nouns you need to know. The one you use depends on the level of politeness required.
“나이” (nai) is the common, everyday word for age. You use it in most informal and standard polite situations. For example, when talking with friends, classmates, or colleagues of a similar level.
“연세” (yeonse) is the honorific term for age. You use this exclusively when speaking to or about someone significantly older than you, especially elders, or in very formal settings to show great respect. It would sound strange to use “연세” for a child or a peer.
Remembering this distinction is your first step toward a culturally appropriate answer.
How to Ask Someone Their Age
Asking about age is common, but you must do it politely. The standard, polite way to ask an adult is: “나이가 어떻게 되세요?” (naiga eotteoke doeseyo?). This translates to “How old are you?” using the formal polite ending -세요.
For someone you suspect is much older, or to be extra respectful, you would use the honorific noun: “연세가 어떻게 되세요?” (yeonsega eotteoke doeseyo?).
With close friends or people clearly younger than you, a more casual form is acceptable: “나이가 어떻게 돼?” (naiga eotteoke dwae?) or simply “몇 살이야?” (myeot sariya?), which means “How many years are you?”.
When you are asked, a simple and complete polite answer is: “저는 [age] 살이에요” (jeoneun [age] sarieyo). Let’s break down exactly how to build that sentence.
The Step-by-Step Formula for Stating Your Age
Constructing your answer is straightforward once you know the parts. Here is the formula you will use 90% of the time.
First, start with the subject marker. “저는” (jeoneun) means “I” in a humble, polite form. If you are in a very casual setting with friends, you can use “나는” (naneun).
Next, state your age using pure Korean numbers. This is crucial. For stating age, you almost always use the native Korean number system, not the Sino-Korean system used for dates, money, or minutes. The counter word “살” (sal) means “years old.”
Finally, end with the polite declarative ending “이에요” (ieyo) or “예요” (yeyo). Use “이에요” after a consonant, and “예요” after a vowel. Since “살” ends with a consonant, you use “저는 스물 살이에요” (jeoneun seumul sarieyo).
Pure Korean Numbers You Must Know
Here are the Pure Korean numbers from 1 to 10, and the key teens and tens you will need for age.
– 하나 (hana) -> 한 살 (han sal) – 1 year old
– 둘 (dul) -> 두 살 (du sal) – 2 years old
– 셋 (set) -> 세 살 (se sal) – 3 years old
– 넷 (net) -> 네 살 (ne sal) – 4 years old
– 다섯 (daseot) -> 다섯 살 (daseot sal) – 5 years old
– 여섯 (yeoseot) -> 여섯 살 (yeoseot sal) – 6 years old
– 일곱 (ilgop) -> 일곱 살 (ilgop sal) – 7 years old
– 여덟 (yeodeol) -> 여덟 살 (yeodeol sal) – 8 years old
– 아홉 (ahop) -> 아홉 살 (ahop sal) – 9 years old
– 열 (yeol) -> 열 살 (yeol sal) – 10 years old
For the teens, you combine “열” (ten) with the single digits: 열한 살 (yeolhan sal) for 11, 열두 살 (yeoldu sal) for 12, up to 열아홉 살 (yeolahop sal) for 19.
The tens are unique words: 스물 (seumul) for 20, 서른 (seoreun) for 30, 마흔 (maheun) for 40, 쉰 (swin) for 50, 예순 (yesun) for 60, 일흔 (ilheun) for 70, 여든 (yeodeun) for 80, and 아흔 (aheun) for 90.
To say 25, you would say “스물다섯 살” (seumuldaseot sal). It is a direct combination of 20 and 5.
Putting It All Together: Example Sentences
Let’s see the full formula in action with common ages.
For a polite, standard answer (to a colleague, someone you just met): “저는 스물다섯 살이에요.” (I am twenty-five years old.)
For a more formal, respectful answer (to an elder or in a business meeting): “저는 서른 세 살입니다.” Here, we use the formal ending -입니다. Note that for the number 3, we use the Sino-Korean “세” instead of “셋” when combined with tens. So 33 is “서른세 살,” not “서른셋 살.”
For a casual answer to a friend: “나는 스물 살이야.” or simply “스물 살이야.” (I’m twenty.)
When answering about someone else politely: “제 친구는 스물두 살이에요.” (My friend is twenty-two.)
When answering about someone else honorifically: “할아버지께서는 여든 연세세요.” (My grandfather is eighty years old.) Notice the shift to “연세” and the honorific subject marker “께서.”
Navigating the Korean Age System
This is where it gets interesting, and where many learners get confused. You may have heard of “Korean age.” In Korea, a person is often considered one year old at birth, and everyone gains a year on January 1st, not on their individual birthday. This can make a person one or even two years older in Korea than their international age.
So, which one should you use when asked? In daily, practical conversation, especially with foreigners, Koreans will understand and often use “만 나이” (man nai), which is your international age. This is the age from your last birthday.
If you want to fully integrate, you can learn your “한국 나이” (hanguk nai). The quick formula is: (Current year – Your birth year) + 1. If your birthday has not passed this year, some will use a more precise method, but the +1 method is common.
When in doubt, stating your international age is perfectly acceptable. You can even specify: “저는 만으로 스물 살이에요” (jeoneun maneuro seumul sarieyo) meaning “I am twenty in international age.”
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Using Sino-Korean numbers by accident. Remember, for age, it’s native Korean numbers with “살.” Saying “십 살” (sip sal) for 10 is incorrect; it must be “열 살.”
Forgetting the counter “살.” You cannot just say the number. “저는 스물이에요” sounds like “I am twenty (items),” not “I am twenty years old.”
Mixing formal and informal speech. Using casual “나” (I) with the formal ending “-입니다” can sound awkward. Stick to “저는…이에요” for standard polite and “저는…입니다” for formal.
Using “연세” for yourself. “연세” is an honorific term for others. Never say “제 연세는…” to refer to your own age; it sounds arrogant. Always use “나이” for yourself.
Beyond the Basics: Age in Social Context
Once age is established, the real social navigation begins. If you are younger, you will likely address the older person by an appropriate title: “오빠” (older brother of a female), “형” (older brother of a male), “누나” (older sister of a male), or “언니” (older sister of a female).
You should also use the polite level of speech (존댓말) until given permission to use casual speech (반말). That permission often comes in the form of “말 편하게 해” (mal pyeonhage hae) – “Speak comfortably.”
In group settings, wait for the oldest to start eating, pour drinks for those older than you (using two hands), and receive drinks or items with two hands as a sign of respect.
Answering Frequently Asked Questions
What if I do not want to say my age? While it is a common question, you can deflect politely if uncomfortable. A smile and a gentle “비밀입니다!” (bimilimnida! – It’s a secret!) or “여자의 나이는 비밀이에요” (yeojaui naineun bimirieyo – A woman’s age is a secret) can work in casual settings.
How do I ask a child their age? With children, the casual “몇 살이야?” (myeot sariya?) is perfectly fine and expected.
Is it rude to ask a woman her age? It is less taboo than in some Western cultures, but sensitivity is still appreciated. The question itself is not considered rude, but pressing after a deflection would be.
How do I say “I am [age] years old” in the past or future? For past age, use “저는 스물 살이었어요” (I was twenty). For future, “저는 서른 살이 될 거예요” (I will be thirty).
Your Path to Confident Communication
Learning to state your age in Korean is a small linguistic skill with significant social payoff. It demonstrates respect, shows cultural awareness, and opens the door to more natural and meaningful interactions. Start by mastering the basic formula with your own age. Practice saying it out loud: “저는 [Your Age] 살이에요.”
Then, pay attention to how age influences the conversations and interactions around you. Listen for the terms “오빠,” “형,” “누나,” and “언니.” Notice when speech levels change. This observational learning is just as important as the vocabulary.
Do not be afraid to make mistakes. Most Koreans are delighted and encouraging when foreigners make an effort to learn their language and customs. A sincere attempt to get the age right is always appreciated, even if your pronunciation of “스물다섯” is a little shaky at first. Your willingness to learn is what truly builds the connection.
