Learning numbers in Hebrew, a Semitic language spoken in Israel and by Jewish communities worldwide, is essential for anyone looking to understand the language and culture deeply. Hebrew numbers have unique features and are used extensively in daily life, religious contexts, and cultural traditions. This lesson aims to provide a comprehensive guide to Hebrew numbers, including pronunciation tips, structure explanations, and practical applications.

Introduction to Hebrew Numerals

Hebrew numerals follow a decimal system but are represented by letters of the Hebrew alphabet for numbers 1 through 10, multiples of 10, and some combinations thereof. Understanding these numbers is crucial for various everyday contexts, such as shopping, telling time, discussing prices, and more.

Basic Numbers (1-10)

Mastering numbers 1 through 10 is essential as they form the foundation for creating larger numbers. Here are the basic Hebrew numbers with their phonetic pronunciations:

1. אחת (Achat) – [akh-at] – One (feminine)
2. שתיים (Shtayim) – [sh-tah-yeem] – Two (feminine)
3. שלוש (Shalosh) – [sha-losh] – Three (feminine)
4. ארבע (Arba) – [ar-ba] – Four (feminine)
5. חמש (Chamesh) – [kha-mesh] – Five (feminine)
6. שש (Shesh) – [shesh] – Six (feminine)
7. שבע (Sheva) – [she-va] – Seven (feminine)
8. שמונה (Shmona) – [shmo-na] – Eight (feminine)
9. תשע (Tesha) – [te-sha] – Nine (feminine)
10. עשר (Eser) – [eh-ser] – Ten (feminine)

Note: Hebrew has both masculine and feminine forms for numbers. The list above uses feminine forms, commonly used for counting objects. Masculine forms are slightly different, e.g., אחד (Echad) for “one” (masculine).

Forming Numbers (11-19)

Numbers from 11 to 19 are formed mostly by adding “עשרה (esreh)” to the base number:

• אחד עשר (Ahad esre) – [aˈχad ˈɛsre] – 11
• שתים עשרה (Shtayim esreh) – [ʃtaˈjim ˈɛsre] – 12
• שלוש עשרה (Shalosh esreh) – [ʃaˈloʃ ˈɛsre] – 13
• ארבע עשרה (Arba esreh) – [arˈba ˈɛsre] – 14
• חמש עשרה (Chamesh esreh) – [χaˈmɛʃ ˈɛsre] – 15
• שש עשרה (Shesh esreh) – [ʃɛʃ ˈɛsre] – 16
• שבע עשרה (Sheva esreh) – [ʃɛˈva ˈɛsre] – 17
• שמונה עשרה (Shmoneh esreh) – [ʃmoˈne ˈɛsre] – 18
• תשע עשרה (Tesha esreh) – [tɛˈʃa ˈɛsre] – 19

Counting in Tens (20-100)

Understanding how to count by tens is crucial for forming larger numbers:

• עשרים (Esrim) – [es-reem] – 20
• שלושים (Shloshim) – [shlo-sheem] – 30
• ארבעים (Arba’im) – [ar-ba-eem] – 40
• חמישים (Chamishim) – [kha-mee-sheem] – 50
• שישים (Shishim) – [shee-sheem] – 60
• שבעים (Shiv’im) – [she-veem] – 70
• שמונים (Shmonim) – [shmo-neem] – 80
• תשעים (Tish’im) – [tee-sheem] – 90
• מאה (Me’ah) – [meh-ah] – 100

Compound Numbers (21-99)

For numbers between 21 and 99, Hebrew forms compound numbers by stating the tens and then the unit, connected by “ו” (Vav) meaning “and”:

• עשרים ואחת (Esrim Ve’achat) – [es-reem ve-akh-at] – 21 (feminine)
• שלושים ושלוש (Shloshim U’shalosh) – [shlo-sheem oo-sha-losh] – 33 (feminine)

Larger Numbers

Understanding larger numbers is essential for discussing dates, quantities, and financial transactions:

• מאה (Me’ah) – [meh-ah] – 100
• מאתיים (Matayim) – [mah-tah-yeem] – 200
• אלף (Elef) – [eh-lef] – 1,000
• שניים אלפים (Shnayim Alafim) – [shnah-yeem ah-lah-feem] – 2,000
• עשרת אלפים (Asarat Alafim) – [ah-sah-raht ah-lah-feem] – 10,000
• מאה אלף (Me’ah Elef) – [meh-ah eh-lef] – 100,000
• מיליון (Milyon) – [mee-lyon] – 1,000,000

Practice and Exercises

1. Listening and Pronunciation Practice: Use audio resources or language learning apps to familiarize yourself with the pronunciation of Hebrew numbers. Practice speaking them aloud.
2. Writing and Reading: Practice writing numbers in both numeral and word forms to enhance your reading and writing skills in Hebrew.
3. Practical Application: Try to use numbers in everyday situations, such as discussing prices, dates, or quantities, to reinforce your learning.

Tips for Effective Learning

• Consistent Practice: Regular practice with numbers will help solidify your understanding and improve recall.
• Flashcards: Use flashcards with numbers on one side and their word forms on the other to test your memory.
• Language Exchange: Practice speaking with native speakers or fellow learners. Using numbers in conversation will help you become more comfortable with their pronunciation and usage.

Conclusion

Mastering numbers in Hebrew is a crucial step towards achieving fluency in the language. By starting with the basics, gradually moving to more complex numbers, and consistently practicing, you’ll enhance your ability to communicate effectively in Hebrew. Remember, patience and consistent practice are your best tools for learning this ancient and culturally rich language.