When counting living beings, Korean uses specialized counters instead of 개:
1. 명 (General People Counter): - Used for friends, students, coworkers, family, and people in general: - *“학생 세 명”* *(three students)* - *“친구 네 명”* *(four friends)* - *“몇 명이에요?”* *(How many people are there?)*
2. 분 (Honorific People Counter): - The polite/honorific version of 명! Used for honored elders, teachers, and guests/customers: - *“선생님 한 분”* *(one teacher)* - *“손님 두 분”* *(two valued guests)* - *“몇 분 오세요?”* *(How many esteemed guests are coming?)*
3. 마리 (Animal Counter): - Used for all animals, pets, birds, and fish: - *“강아지 한 마리”* *(one puppy)* - *“고양이 두 마리”* *(two cats)*
Restaurant Manners: 몇 분 vs. 몇 명
When you enter a restaurant in Korea, the host will greet you respectfully: - Host: *“어서 오세요! 몇 분이세요?”* *(Welcome! How many in your party?)*
When answering for yourself and your group, use the humble/neutral 명 (you never honor yourself with 분!): - You: *“두 명이에요.”* *(Two people, please.)* - Host to coworkers: *“손님 두 분 들어오십니다!”* *(Two guests entering!)*
General People명 · Students, friends, general · 친구 두 명 (two friends)