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십 — meaning in English: ten

sib · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for decade
십
sib
정렬
jeonglyeol
회사
hoesa
공항
gonghang
변환
byeonhwan
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neutral very common
Usage
Native speakers use the word 십 (sib) when discussing quantities, time, or counting in everyday situations. For example, while shopping, someone might say '이것은 십 원이에요' (This costs ten won), or in a classroom setting, a teacher might ask students to count to ten using '십' as one of the numbers.
Synonyms & nuances
While 십 (sib) specifically means 'ten', it is part of a broader numerical system in Korean that distinguishes between native Korean and Sino-Korean numbers. For instance, native Korean uses ‘열’ (yeol) for counting ten in everyday scenarios, but 십 (sib) is preferred in formal contexts or when dealing with money.
Culture
The word 십 (sib) has its roots in the Sino-Korean counting system, which incorporates Chinese characters into the Korean language. Interestingly, the number ten holds significance in Korean culture, symbolizing completeness and perfection, much like in many other cultures where ten is often considered a round number.
FAQ
Q.How do you pronounce 십 in Korean?
십 is pronounced as 'sib'. It’s a simple pronunciation that is essential for counting in Korean.
Q.What is the significance of the number ten in Korean culture?
In Korean culture, the number ten symbolizes completeness and perfection, reflecting its importance in counting and numbering systems.
Q.Is there a difference between 십 and 열?
Yes, 십 (sib) is the Sino-Korean word for 'ten', while 열 (yeol) is the native Korean equivalent. You would use 십 in formal settings like mathematics or finance, and 열 in everyday counting.
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