This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure here.
The counter 분 (bun) is used to count people in an honorific way, typically when showing respect or talking about others in a formal context.
How to use 분:
- 한 분 (han bun) = one person (honorific)
- 두 분 (du bun) = two people (honorific)
- 세 분 (se bun) = three people (honorific)
Example sentences:
Structure: noun + number + counter
- 선생님 한 분을 모셨어요. = We invited one teacher.
- 몇 분 오셨습니까? = How many people came?
When counting people casually, you use 명 (myeong). For example, 한 명 (han myeong) instead of 한 분. However, 분 is essential in polite or formal speech to maintain respect. Always pair it with native Korean numbers.
