Dictionary — Entry No. 0927
열
yeol · noun
열
yeol
[yul]
nounbeginner
Meaning
The number ten in the pure Korean counting system. Essential numeral used for age, quantity, and daily communication. Represents completion of a single digit cycle.
K-Pop & K-Drama Context
Frequently used in K-pop and K-dramas for age references and rankings. BTS members’ ages are often referenced using this system. In Squid Game, age and count are critical to the plot.
Example Sentences
나이가 열 살입니다
nai-ga yeol sal-imnida
I am ten years old (pure Korean number) — used for age in traditional contexts
열 개의 사탕
yeol gae-ui satang
Ten pieces of candy — pure Korean counting for items
열시간 기다렸어
yeol si-gan gidaryeosseo
I waited for ten hours — combined with counter words
⚠️ Don’t use yeol when…
Don’t confuse 열 (ten) with 열다 (to open) — different words despite similar sound. Also, 열 uses pure Korean counting, while 일 uses Sino-Korean; each has specific counter word requirements.
🎵 Heard In
- K-Drama: Squid Game — contestants’ ages and game counts are critical; Game 1 involves numerical elimination
- K-Pop: BTS — ages referenced frequently in interviews, often using this counting system for members’ ages during debut era
ℹ️ Editorial Note: The cultural context and example usage are for educational reference only. Artist names, song titles, and drama references are used descriptively to illustrate vocabulary in context. This content is AI-assisted and reviewed for accuracy. For official information, please refer to the respective artists’ or studios’ official channels.