Learning numbers in Arabic is not only essential for basic communication but also opens doors to understanding the culture and traditions where Arabic is spoken. Arabic numerals are used worldwide, making them an integral part of global numeric understanding. This lesson will guide you through Arabic numbers, focusing on Modern Standard Arabic (MSA), providing a comprehensive overview of both the numeral system and pronunciation.

Introduction to Arabic Numerals

Arabic uses a decimal system, similar to what’s used in English. However, Arabic script is written from right to left, and numbers are an important part of the language. Understanding the basics will help you in daily activities such as shopping, telling time, and negotiating prices.

Basic Numbers (1-10)

Let’s start with the basics. Here are the numbers 1 through 10 in Arabic with transliterations:

1. واحد (wāḥid) – [waahid]
2. اثنان/اثنين (ithnān/ithnayn) – [ith-naan/ith-nayn] for masculine/feminine
3. ثلاثة (thalātha) – [tha-laa-thah] for feminine
   • ثلاث (thalaath) – [tha-laath] for masculine
4. أربعة (arba‘a) – [ar-ba‘ah] for feminine
   • أربع (arba‘) – [ar-ba‘] for masculine
5. خمسة (khamsa) – [kham-sah] for feminine
   • خمس (khams) – [khams] for masculine
6. ستة (sitta) – [sit-tah] for feminine
   • ست (sitt) – [sitt] for masculine
7. سبعة (sab‘a) – [sab‘ah] for feminine
   • سبع (sab‘) – [sab‘] for masculine
8. ثمانية (thamāniya) – [tha-maa-nee-yah] for feminine
   • ثمان (thamān) – [tha-maan] for masculine
9. تسعة (tis‘a) – [tis‘ah] for feminine
   • تسع (tis‘) – [tis‘] for masculine
10. عشرة (‘ashara) – [‘a-sha-rah] for feminine
    • عشر (‘ashr) – [‘ashr] for masculine

Forming Numbers (11-19)

Numbers from 11 to 19 have a relatively straightforward pattern.

• أحد عشر (ahad ‘ashr) – [ʔaħad ˈʕaʃr] – 11
• اثنا عشر (ithnā ‘ashr) – [ˈiθnaː ˈʕaʃr] – 12
• ثلاثة عشر (thalātha ‘ashr) – [θaˈlaːθa ˈʕaʃr] – 13
• أربعة عشر (arba‘a ‘ashr) – [ˈarbaʕa ˈʕaʃr] – 14
• خمسة عشر (khamsa ‘ashr) – [ˈxamsa ˈʕaʃr] – 15
• ستة عشر (sitta ‘ashr) – [ˈsitta ˈʕaʃr] – 16
• سبعة عشر (sab‘a ‘ashr) – [ˈsabʕa ˈʕaʃr] – 17
• ثمانية عشر (thamāniya ‘ashr) – [θaˈmaːnija ˈʕaʃr] – 18
• تسعة عشر (tis‘a ‘ashr) – [ˈtɪsʕa ˈʕaʃr] – 19

Counting in Tens (20-100)

The numbers from 20 to 100 in Arabic are straightforward, but note that Arabic forms compound numbers differently from English, especially from 20 to 99.

• عشرون (‘ishrūn) – 20 [‘ish-roon]
• ثلاثون (thalāthūn) – 30 [tha-laa-thoon]
• أربعون (arba‘ūn) – 40 [ar-ba‘oon]
• خمسون (khamsūn) – 50 [kham-soon]
• ستون (sittūn) – 60 [sit-toon]
• سبعون (sab‘ūn) – 70 [sab‘oon]
• ثمانون (thamānūn) – 80 [tha-maa-noon]
• تسعون (tis‘ūn) – 90 [tis‘oon]
• مائة (mi’a) – 100 [mee-ah]

Compound Numbers (21-99)

For numbers 21 through 99, Arabic uses a unique formation where the unit precedes the tens, and they are connected with “and” (و). For example:

• واحد وعشرون (wāḥid wa ‘ishrūn) – 21 [waahid wa ‘ish-roon] for masculine
  • واحدة وعشرون (wāḥida wa ‘ishrūn) – 21 [waahidah wa ‘ish-roon] for feminine
• This pattern continues, with the numeral changing based on gender and grammatical case.

Larger Numbers

• مائتان (mi’atān) – 200 [mee-ah-taan]

• ثلاثمائة (thalāthmi’a) – 300 [tha-laa-thmee-ah]

• Continue in hundreds up to 900.

• ألف (alf) – 1,000 [alf]

• ألفان (alfān) or ألفين (alfayn) – 2,000 [al-faan/al-fayn]

• Continue with thousands as needed.

• مليون (milyūn) – 1,000,000 [mil-yoon]

Practice and Exercises

1. Listening and Pronunciation Practice: Use Arabic language learning apps or online resources to hear the pronunciation of numbers. Practice speaking them aloud.
2. Reading and Writing: Practice writing numbers in Arabic script to familiarize yourself with the numerals. Convert numbers from digits to words and vice versa.
3. Practical Application: Incorporate numbers into your daily life by using them in real-life situations, such as when making purchases, discussing prices, or scheduling times.

Tips for Effective Learning

• Understand Gender Variations: Pay attention to the gender differences in numbers, especially when they modify nouns.
• Pattern Recognition: Identify patterns in the formation of numbers to make learning more systematic.
• Regular Practice: Consistency is key. Engage with numbers in Arabic daily to improve retention and familiarity.

Conclusion

Mastering numbers in Arabic is crucial for anyone looking to become proficient in the language. By breaking down the learning process into manageable steps and practicing regularly, you’ll find yourself becoming more comfortable with Arabic numbers. Remember, patience and consistent practice are essential as you navigate through the complexities of Arabic numerals.