Level 2

인분

inbun

How many people counter for at restaurants

TOPIK 2

Meaning and Usage

The Korean word '인분' literally means 'servings for people' and is commonly used in restaurants to count how many people's worth of food is ordered or served. It is a counter that helps specify quantity based on the number of diners.

Common Contexts

You will often hear phrases like '2인분' or '3인분' when ordering food, meaning 'for two people' or 'for three people.' This helps the kitchen prepare the right amount of food.

Collocations and Patterns

  • '인분 주문하다' (to order servings for a number of people)
  • '인분 계산하다' (to calculate the amount based on number of servings)
  • '몇 인분' (how many servings)

These collocations are very common in everyday dining situations.

Register and Politeness

'인분' is neutral and used in both casual and formal settings when discussing food quantity.

Common Learner Mistake

Sometimes learners confuse '인분' with '인원' (number of people). '인분' refers to servings of food, while '인원' refers to the actual number of people. For example, you can have 3 people (3인원) but order 4 servings (4인분) if someone wants extra food.

Example Sentences

이 식당은 4인분을 주문해야 해요.

I sikdang-eun 4-inbun-eul jumunhaeya haeyo.

You have to order for 4 people at this restaurant.

저희는 3인분의 음식을 시켰어요.

Jeohui-neun 3-inbun-ui eumsig-eul sikyeosseoyo.

We ordered food for 3 people.

인분 단위는 보통 식당에서 사람 수를 나타낼 때 사용해요.

Inbun danwi-neun botong sikdang-eseo saram su-reul natanal ttae sayonghaeyo.

The unit '인분' is usually used in restaurants to indicate the number of people.