Learning Arabic numbers and counting can open up a new world of communication and understanding, especially for those interested in exploring Arabic-speaking cultures. The Arabic numeral system, which is used globally, originates from this language. However, the spoken and written numerals in Arabic can pose a challenge for beginners. This comprehensive guide aims to provide you with a strong foundation in recognizing, pronouncing, and using Arabic numbers and counting.
Understanding the Basics of Arabic Numerals
Arabic numerals are utilized worldwide in mathematics and everyday counting. However, the way numbers are written and pronounced in Arabic is different from the standard numeral system most are familiar with. In Arabic, numbers are written from left to right, but the language itself is written from right to left, which can initially be confusing for learners.
The Arabic Digits
Here are the Arabic digits from 0 to 9:
0 – ٠ (ṣifr)
1 – ١ (wāḥid)
2 – ٢ (ithnān)
3 – ٣ (thalātha)
4 – ٤ (arba‘a)
5 – ٥ (khamsa)
6 – ٦ (sitta)
7 – ٧ (sab‘a)
8 – ٨ (thamāniya)
9 – ٩ (tis‘a)
These digits form the building blocks of all other numbers in Arabic.
Counting from 1 to 10
Starting with the basics, let’s count from one to ten in Arabic:
1. ١ – wāḥid
2. ٢ – ithnān
3. ٣ – thalātha
4. ٤ – arba‘a
5. ٥ – khamsa
6. ٦ – sitta
7. ٧ – sab‘a
8. ٨ – thamāniya
9. ٩ – tis‘a
10. ١٠ – ‘ashara
Practice pronouncing these numbers until you feel comfortable. Repetition is key in mastering any new language skill.
Counting Beyond 10
Once you’re comfortable with numbers 1 to 10, you can move on to higher numbers. Numbers 11 to 19 are formed with a unique pattern:
11. ١١ – ḥidā‘ashar
12. ١٢ – ithnā‘ashar
13. ١٣ – thalātha‘ashar
14. ١٤ – arba‘a‘ashar
15. ١٥ – khamsa‘ashar
16. ١٦ – sitta‘ashar
17. ١٧ – sab‘a‘ashar
18. ١٨ – thamāniya‘ashar
19. ١٩ – tis‘a‘ashar
Notice how these numbers combine the single digit with “‘ashar” (ten). This pattern simplifies learning numbers up to 19.
Counting in Tens
Numbers from 20 onwards follow a different pattern. The tens are formed by combining the word for ten (عشر – ‘ashar) with the corresponding unit digit. Here are the tens:
20. ٢٠ – ‘ishrīn
30. ٣٠ – thalāthīn
40. ٤٠ – arba‘īn
50. ٥٠ – khamsīn
60. ٦٠ – sittīn
70. ٧٠ – sab‘īn
80. ٨٠ – thamānīn
90. ٩٠ – tis‘īn
Combining Tens and Units
Combining tens and units follows a straightforward pattern. For example:
21. ٢١ – wāḥid wa‘ishrīn (one and twenty)
32. ٣٢ – ithnān wa-thalāthīn (two and thirty)
45. ٤٥ – khamsa wa-arba‘īn (five and forty)
This pattern continues up to 99.
Hundreds, Thousands, and Beyond
For numbers in the hundreds, thousands, and beyond, Arabic follows a similar pattern to English:
100. ١٠٠ – mi’a
200. ٢٠٠ – mi’atān
300. ٣٠٠ – thalāth mi’a
400. ٤٠٠ – arba‘a mi’a
And for thousands:
1000. ١٠٠٠ – alf
2000. ٢٠٠٠ – alfān
3000. ٣٠٠٠ – thalāth alāf
The same logic applies to larger numbers. For example, 1234 would be ألفان وميتان وأربعة وثلاثون (alfān wa-mī’atān wa-arba‘a wa-thalāthūn).
Ordinal Numbers
Just like in English, Arabic has ordinal numbers to indicate positions (first, second, third, etc.). Here are the ordinal numbers from first to tenth:
1. First – الأوّل (al-awwal)
2. Second – الثاني (ath-thānī)
3. Third – الثّالث (ath-thālith)
4. Fourth – الرّابع (ar-rābi‘)
5. Fifth – الخامس (al-khāmis)
6. Sixth – السّادس (as-sādis)
7. Seventh – السّابع (as-sābi‘)
8. Eighth – الثّامن (ath-thāmin)
9. Ninth – التّاسع (at-tāsi‘)
10. Tenth – العاشر (al-‘āshir)
Ordinal numbers are essential for giving directions, dates, and rankings.
Common Usage and Practice
To master Arabic numbers, practice using them in everyday contexts. Here are a few practical applications:
Giving Your Phone Number:
When giving your phone number in Arabic, you would say each digit individually. For example, 123-4567 would be said as “wāḥid ithnān thalātha – arba‘a khamsa sitta sab‘a”.
Telling the Time:
Telling time in Arabic follows a similar pattern to English but with a few differences. For example, 3:15 would be الساعة الثالثة والربع (as-sā‘a ath-thālitha wa-rub‘).
Shopping:
When shopping, you might need to know numbers for prices and quantities. For example, “How much does this cost?” is “كم سعر هذا؟” (kam si‘r hādhā?).
Tips for Learning Arabic Numbers
Consistent Practice:
Regular practice is crucial. Write down numbers, say them out loud, and use them in sentences.
Flashcards:
Create flashcards with Arabic numerals on one side and the English equivalent on the other. This helps with quick recognition and recall.
Listening Practice:
Listen to Arabic speakers using numbers in context. This could be through Arabic music, movies, or news broadcasts.
Language Apps:
Use language learning apps that offer interactive exercises specifically for Arabic numbers.
Engage with Native Speakers:
If possible, practice with native Arabic speakers. This will give you a real-world context and improve your pronunciation and understanding.
Conclusion
Mastering Arabic numbers and counting is an essential step in your journey to learning Arabic. With consistent practice and engagement, you’ll find that you can easily incorporate these numbers into everyday conversations. Remember, every language learning journey requires patience and persistence. Keep practicing, and soon you’ll find yourself confidently using Arabic numbers in various contexts. Happy learning!
