Processing keyword: ~장 [jang] (Counting unit for items)

Korean Grammar Point: ~장 [jang] (Counting unit for items)

1. Introduction

In Korean, counters are essential when counting objects, people, or actions. One such counter is ~장 [jang], which is used for counting flat and thin objects like sheets of paper, tickets, pages, and photos. Understanding how to use ~장 correctly will enhance your ability to quantify items naturally in Korean.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

~장 is a counter used to indicate the number of flat, thin items. It's equivalent to saying "sheet(s)" or "piece(s)" in English when referring to papers or similar objects.

Structure

When counting items with ~장, the typical structure is:

[Number] + 장

When used in a sentence with a noun, it follows the noun:

[Noun] + [Number] + 장

Formation Diagram

Korean Structure	English Translation
종이 한 장	One sheet of paper
티켓 두 장	Two tickets
사진 세 장	Three photos
페이지 네 장	Four pages

3. Comparative Analysis

In Korean, different counters are used based on the characteristics of the items being counted. Compare ~장 with other counters:

Counter	Used For	Example
~개	General counter for items	사과 한 개 (One apple)
~명/분	People (informal/formal)	학생 세 명 (Three students)
~권	Books and bound volumes	책 두 권 (Two books)
~장	Flat, thin items	사진 네 장 (Four photos)

4. Examples in Context

Formal Situations

1. 제가 필요한 서류를 다섯 장 준비했습니다.
   • I prepared five sheets of the documents I need.
2. 여기에 서명된 계약서 한 장이 있습니다.
   • Here is one signed contract.

Informal Situations

1. 사진 몇 장 찍을래?
   • Do you want to take a few photos?
2. 티켓 두 장 더 있어.
   • I have two more tickets.

Conversational Contexts

1. 친구에게 엽서 한 장을 보냈어요.
   • I sent a postcard to a friend.
2. 노트북에 메모장을 세 장 붙였어요.
   • I stuck three memo sheets on my laptop.

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Korean culture, using the correct counter is important and reflects a speaker's proficiency and respect for the language. Misusing counters can lead to misunderstandings or sound unnatural.

Levels of Politeness and Formality

• In formal settings, such as business or with strangers, full sentence endings and polite forms are used.
  • 계산서를 두 장 발행해 주시겠어요?
    • Could you issue two invoices, please?
• In casual conversations, shortened forms and informal language are acceptable.
  • 표 한 장 더 있어?
    • Do you have one more ticket?

Idiomatic Expressions

• 한 장 하다: This idiom means to have a drink (often alcoholic).
  • 오늘 한 장 할래요?
    • Do you want to have a drink today?

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Using the wrong counter: Learners might mistakenly use ~개 instead of ~장 for flat items.
  • Incorrect: 종이 세 개 주세요.
    • Please give me three papers.
  • Correct: 종이 세 장 주세요.
    • Please give me three sheets of paper.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Associate 장 with "jang", sounding like "junk". Think of "junk mail" which often comes as flat papers.
• Practice with Objects: Count flat items around you using ~장, such as sheets of paper, tickets, or photos.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~장 is the counter for flat, thin items in Korean.
• It is used after the number when counting items.
• Using the correct counter is important for natural Korean.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. What counter would you use for counting tickets?
   • Answer: ~장
2. Translate to Korean: "Please give me four sheets of paper."
   • Answer: 종이 네 장 주세요.
3. Is it correct to say 사진 두 개?
   • Answer: No, it should be 사진 두 장.

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Happy studying! Remember that mastering counters like ~장 will greatly improve your fluency in Korean.

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