Counting in Arabic: Numbers 1 to 20 and Beyond183

Arabic, a language rich in history and culture, boasts a unique numerical system that reflects its linguistic evolution and influences. Understanding how to count in Arabic is not only crucial for linguistic immersion but also provides insight into the language's structure and its connection to other Semitic languages. This article delves into the intricacies of Arabic numerals from one to twenty, exploring their pronunciation, writing, and the underlying patterns that govern their formation.

Arabic numerals, unlike their Western counterparts, are written from right to left. This right-to-left script impacts not only the visual representation of the numbers but also influences their pronunciation and the order in which they are learned. Before we begin, it's important to distinguish between the two major forms of Arabic: Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) and the various dialects spoken across the Arab world. While MSA is used for formal writing and broadcasting, dialects exhibit regional variations in pronunciation and vocabulary. The numerals presented here primarily reflect MSA, although pronunciation may vary slightly depending on the dialect.

Let's begin with the numbers 1 to 10:

Number
Arabic (Numeral)
Arabic (Word)
Pronunciation (MSA)


1
١
واحد (wāḥid)
wah-hid


2
٢
اثنان (ithnān)
ith-nan


3
٣
ثلاثة (thalātha)
tha-la-tha


4
٤
أربعة (arba'a)
ar-ba-a


5
٥
خمسة (khamsa)
kham-sa


6
٦
ستة (sitta)
sit-ta


7
٧
سبعة (sab'a)
sab-a


8
٨
ثمانية (thamāniya)
tha-ma-ni-ya


9
٩
تسعة (tis'a)
tis-a


10
١٠
عشرة (ʿashara)
ash-ara

Notice the irregularities, particularly in the numbers 2 and 3. These are remnants of older grammatical forms. The numbers from 11 to 19 follow a more consistent pattern, combining the number 10 ("ʿashara") with the units (1-9). For example, 11 is "أحد عشر" (aḥad ʿashar), literally "one ten and one".

Numbers 11 to 20:

11 - أحد عشر (aḥad ʿashar) - ah-had ash-ar

12 - اثنا عشر (ithnā ʿashar) - ith-na ash-ar

13 - ثلاثة عشر (thalātha ʿashar) - tha-la-tha ash-ar

14 - أربعة عشر (arba'a ʿashar) - ar-ba-a ash-ar

15 - خمسة عشر (khamsa ʿashar) - kham-sa ash-ar

16 - ستة عشر (sitta ʿashar) - sit-ta ash-ar

17 - سبعة عشر (sab'a ʿashar) - sab-a ash-ar

18 - ثمانية عشر (thamāniya ʿashar) - tha-ma-ni-ya ash-ar

19 - تسعة عشر (tis'a ʿashar) - tis-a ash-ar

20 - عشرون (ʿishrūn) - ish-roon

The number 20, "ʿishrūn," marks a departure from the pattern. Beyond 20, the system becomes more complex, employing a combination of tens, hundreds, and thousands, with specific words used for each multiple. This complex structure showcases the rich grammatical depth of the Arabic language and the systematic evolution of its number system.

Mastering Arabic numerals requires consistent practice and exposure to the language. Utilizing flashcards, online resources, and engaging in conversation with native speakers are all effective methods for reinforcing learning. Understanding the underlying patterns and irregularities will greatly aid in memorization and comprehension. The journey of learning Arabic numerals, like the language itself, is a rewarding experience that unlocks a deeper appreciation for Arab culture and history.

2025-04-06

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