Korean Numerals - Pronunciation

Pronunciation

The initial consonants of measure words and numbers following the native cardinals 여덟 ("eight", only when the ㅂ is not pronounced) and 열 ("ten") become tensed consonants when possible. Thus for example:

• 열 셋 yeolset (thirteen) is pronounced like yeolsset
• 여덟 권 yeodeolgwon (eight (books)) is pronounced like yeodeolkkwon

Several numerals have long vowels, namely 둘 (two), 셋 (three) and 넷 (four), but these become short when combined with other numerals / nouns (such as in twelve, thirteen, fourteen and so on).

The usual liaison and consonant-tensing rules apply, so for example, 예순 여섯(sixty-six) is pronounced like (yesunnyeoseot) and 칠십 chilsip (seventy) is pronounced like chilssip.