Embarking on a journey to grasp the enigmatic language of Arabic? Unlocking the secrets of Arabic numerals is an essential step in mastering this rich language. While they may appear exotic at first glance, the Arabic number system is remarkably intuitive and can be conquered with a bit of dedication. Join us as we delve into the enchanting world of Arabic numerals, guiding you through their unique characteristics and equipping you with the knowledge to count confidently in this enchanting language.
Unlike the familiar Western numerals, Arabic numerals are written from right to left, mirroring the direction of Arabic script. This subtle difference may initially seem disorienting, but with practice, you’ll find that the right-to-left flow adds a touch of elegance to the written form. Moreover, Arabic numerals possess a distinct calligraphic style, often adorned with intricate embellishments that transform them into miniature works of art. These flourishes not only enhance their visual appeal but also reflect the cultural heritage embedded within the Arabic language.
The journey of counting in Arabic unfolds with the numbers 1 to 10. Each number holds its own distinctive form and pronunciation, laying the foundation for more complex numerical expressions. As you progress beyond the basic numbers, you’ll discover that Arabic numerals follow a logical pattern, making it easier to retain and apply them. Furthermore, the language offers ingenious ways to express larger numbers, utilizing combinations of words and suffixes that elegantly convey even the most astronomical figures. With a little practice and a dash of perseverance, the once-unfamiliar Arabic numerals will effortlessly roll off your tongue, empowering you to navigate the numerical landscape of this vibrant language.
Counting from 1 to 10
### 1
In Arabic, the number 1 is “واحد” (pronounced as “wahid”). It is written as “١” in modern Arabic numerals.
### 2
The number 2 is “إثنان” (pronounced as “ithnaan”). It is written as “٢” in modern Arabic numerals.
### 3
The number 3 is “ثلاثة” (pronounced as “thalatha”). It is written as “٣” in modern Arabic numerals.
3 is an important number in Arabic culture, as it is the number of letters in the root of many Arabic words. For example, the root of the word “كتاب” (book) is “ك-ت-ب”, which consists of three letters.
| Number | Arabic Word | Pronunciation | Modern Arabic Numeral |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | واحد | wahid | ١ |
| 2 | إثنان | ithnaan | ٢ |
| 3 | ثلاثة | thalatha | ٣ |
### 4
The number 4 is “أربعة” (pronounced as “arba’a”). It is written as “٤” in modern Arabic numerals.
### 5
The number 5 is “خمسة” (pronounced as “khamsa”). It is written as “٥” in modern Arabic numerals.
### 6
The number 6 is “ستة” (pronounced as “sitta”). It is written as “٦” in modern Arabic numerals.
### 7
The number 7 is “سبعة” (pronounced as “sab’a”). It is written as “٧” in modern Arabic numerals.
### 8
The number 8 is “ثمانية” (pronounced as “thamaaniya”). It is written as “٨” in modern Arabic numerals.
### 9
The number 9 is “تسعة” (pronounced as “tis’a”). It is written as “٩” in modern Arabic numerals.
### 10
The number 10 is “عشرة” (pronounced as “ashara”). It is written as “١٠” in modern Arabic numerals.
Counting from 11 to 20
In Arabic, the numbers 11 to 20 are formed by adding the word “wa” (and) before the number from 1 to 9. For example, 11 is “wahad wa a’shar” (one and ten), 12 is “ithna wa a’shar” (two and ten), and so on.
The exception to this rule is the number 13, which is “talatha tha’ashara” (three over ten). This is because the Arabic word for “thirteen” is derived from the verb “thaththir” (to cut), and the number 13 is considered to be unlucky in Arabic culture.
4. أربعة (Arba’a)
The Arabic word for four is “arba’a”. It is a masculine noun, and its plural form is “arba’un”. The word “arba’a” is derived from the verb “raba’a” (to increase), and it is related to the word “arba’in” (forty).
In Arabic culture, the number four is considered to be a lucky number. This is because it is the number of the four pillars of Islam (the five daily prayers, fasting during Ramadan, the pilgrimage to Mecca, and charity).
Here are some examples of how to use the number four in Arabic:
| Arabic | English |
|---|---|
| أربعة طلاب | Four students |
| أربع سيارات | Four cars |
| أربع ساعات | Four hours |
Counting from 21 to 100
To count from 21 to 100 in Arabic, simply follow the pattern established in the previous section. For example:
21: واحد وعشرون (wāḥid wa-ʿišrūn)
22: اثنان وعشرون (iṯnān wa-ʿišrūn)
23: ثلاثة وعشرون (ṯalāṯah wa-ʿišrūn)
24: أربعة وعشرون (arbaʻah wa-ʿišrūn)
25: خمسة وعشرون (ḵamsah wa-ʿišrūn)
Counting 5 (خمسة – ḵamsah) – Detail
The number 5 is particularly important in Arabic, as it is one of the few numbers that has a unique feminine form. The masculine form of 5 is خمسة (ḵamsah), while the feminine form is خمس (ḵams). The feminine form is used when the noun being counted is feminine, such as:
| Masculine | Feminine |
|---|---|
| خمسة أشخاص (ḵamsah aškhāṣ) – 5 people | خمس نساء (ḵams nisāʾ) – 5 women |
The feminine form of 5 can also be used when the noun being counted is plural, regardless of gender, such as:
خمسة كتب (ḵamsah kutub) – 5 books
خمسة أقلام (ḵamsah aqlam) – 5 pens
10: عشرة (ʿashra)
The number 10 in Arabic is عشرة (ʿashra). It is a feminine noun and, like other feminine nouns, it takes the definite article “ال” (al-) when used in a defined context. For example:
| Indefinite | Definite |
|---|---|
| عشرة كتب (ʿashra kutub) | العشرة كتب (al-ʿashra kutub) |
When used as a cardinal number, عشرة (ʿashra) agrees in gender and number with the noun it modifies. For example:
| Masculine Singular | Feminine Singular | Masculine Plural | Feminine Plural |
|---|---|---|---|
| عشرة كتب (ʿashra kutub) | عشرة بنات (ʿashra banat) | عشرة رجال (ʿashra rijal) | عشرة نساء (ʿashra nisa’) |
When used as an ordinal number, عشرة (ʿashra) remains unchanged in form. For example:
الكتاب العاشر (al-kitab al-ʿashir) – the tenth book
Practice and Improve Your Arabic Counting Skills
There are several ways to practice and improve your Arabic counting skills. Here are a few suggestions:
- Count objects in your surroundings. Start with small numbers and gradually increase the quantity.
- Use flashcards. Create flashcards with Arabic numbers on one side and their English equivalents on the other.
- Listen to Arabic counting songs. This is a fun and engaging way to learn the numbers.
- Practice writing the Arabic numbers. This will help you to remember their shapes and strokes.
- Use an Arabic counting app. There are many apps available that can help you learn and practice Arabic counting.
How to Count in Arabic
Learning to count in Arabic is a great way to connect with the vibrant Arabic culture and enhance your communication skills. The Arabic numerals are quite different from the Western numerals, and they may appear a bit intimidating at first. However, with consistent practice and a step-by-step approach, you can master the art of counting in Arabic in no time.
Here are the basic steps to help you count in Arabic:
- Get Acquainted with the Arabic Numerals: Start by familiarizing yourself with the Arabic numerals from 0 to 9. They are: 0 (صفر), 1 (واحد), 2 (اثنان), 3 (ثلاثة), 4 (أربعة), 5 (خمسة), 6 (ستة), 7 (سبعة), 8 (ثمانية), 9 (تسعة).
- Practice Writing the Numerals: Once you’ve memorized the numerals, practice writing them repeatedly. This will help you internalize their shape and structure.
- Learn the Cardinal Numbers: Cardinal numbers are used to count objects or quantities. The Arabic cardinal numbers for 0 to 10 are: صفر (sifr), واحد (wahid), اثنان (ithnaan), ثلاثة (thalatha), أربعة (arba’a), خمسة (khamsa), ستة (sitta), سبعة (sab’a), ثمانية (thamania), تسعة (tis’a), عشرة (ashara).
- Mastering the Plural Forms: In Arabic, numbers usually agree with the noun they are counting in terms of gender and number. For example, the feminine plural form of "one" is "واحدة" (wahida), and the masculine plural form of "two" is "اثنان" (ithnaan).
- Counting Beyond Ten: To count beyond ten, combine the appropriate cardinal numbers and the place value. For example, 11 is "أحد عشر" (ahad ‘ashar), which literally means "one and ten."
People Also Ask
How to count to 100 in Arabic?
To count to 100 in Arabic, follow these steps:
- Learn the numbers 1 to 10 as mentioned above.
- For 11 to 19, combine the numbers 1 to 9 with “عشرة” (ashara), which means “ten.”
- For 20, say “عشرون” (‘ishruun).
- For 21 to 29, combine the numbers 1 to 9 with “وعشرون” (wa ‘ishruun), which means “and twenty.”
- For 30, say “ثلاثون” (thalathuun).
- Continue this pattern to count up to 99.
- For 100, say “مائة” (mi’a).
How to say "hundred" in Arabic?
The Arabic word for “hundred” is “مائة” (mi’a).
