If you’re learning Arabic, one of the first things you’ll encounter is Arabic numbers in English. While Arabic script is written from right to left, the numbering system follows the same principles as the numerals used in the West. Arabic numbers have a logical structure that is easy to grasp once you get the hang of it.
In this article, we will explore why Arabic numbers are used in English. We will also provide quick tips on how to read and write Arabic numbers from 1 to 100, along with helpful pronunciation tips. Additionally, we dive into the fascinating history behind this numbering system.
Let’s start with the basics—numbers 1 to 10. In Arabic, these numbers have distinct shapes, and their pronunciation may vary slightly depending on the region. Here’s a quick look:
Arabic Numbers in English | Arabic Numeral | Number in Arabic | Pronunciation |
One | ١ | واحد | Wa hed |
Two | ٢ | اثنين | Eth nein |
Three | ٣ | ثلاثة | Tha la tha |
Four | ٤ | أربعة | Ar ba ’aa |
Five | ٥ | خمسة | Kham sa |
Six | ٦ | ستة | Set ta |
Seven | ٧ | سبعة | Sab’aa |
Eight | ٨ | ثمانية | Thama neya |
Nine | ٩ | تسعة | Tes’aa |
Ten | ١٠ | عشرة | Aash ra |
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Zero in Arabic is ٠ (صفر), pronounced “Sef fer.” Interestingly, the concept of zero originated from Arab scholars in the Middle Ages. It was first introduced by Al-Khwarizmi, the father of algebra, whose work greatly influenced modern mathematics.
Learning Arabic numbers beyond 10 requires understanding a simple rule. Just like in English where we add “ty” to create multiples of ten (e.g., twenty, thirty), Arabic numbers use the suffix “oon” or “een” for tens. The difference in suffixes is tied to the function of the word in the sentence.
Number (English) | Arabic Numeral | Number in Arabic | Pronunciation (two options) |
Twenty | ٢٠ | عشرون / عشرين | Esh roon – Esh reen |
Thirty | ٣٠ | ثلاثون / ثلاثين | Thalath oon – Thalath een |
Forty | ٤٠ | أربعون / أربعين | Arba’oun – Arba’een |
Fifty | ٥٠ | خمسون / خمسين | Khams oon – Khams een |
Sixty | ٦٠ | ستون / ستين | Sett oon – Sett een |
Seventy | ٧٠ | سبعون / سبعين | Sab’oun – Sab’een |
Eighty | ٨٠ | ثمانون / ثمانين | Thaman oon – Thaman een |
Ninety | ٩٠ | تسعون / تسعين | Tes ’oon – Tes ’een |
A Fun Fact: In Arabic, when saying numbers beyond 20, you say the single digit first, followed by the tens. For example, 21 would be “one and twenty” (واحد وعشرين), and 22 would be “two and twenty” (اثنين وعشرين).
Arabic letters in English numbers moving into the 100s, things get more intricate. In Arabic, the number for “hundred” is مائة (Me’aa) in Modern Standard Arabic, and ميّة (Meyya) in spoken Arabic. Here’s how you break down of the Arabic numeral system is used in English:
Number (English) | Arabic Numeral | Number in Arabic | Pronunciation |
Two Hundred | ٢٠٠ | مائتين | Me’a tein |
Three Hundred | ٣٠٠ | ثلاثمائة | Thalath me’aa |
Four Hundred | ٤٠٠ | أربعمائة | Arba’a me’aa |
Five Hundred | ٥٠٠ | خمسمائة | Khams me’aa |
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It’s important to differentiate between Arabic numerals and the Arabic numbering system. While numerals are the digits you recognize (like 1, 2, 3), the Arabic numbering system is a cultural legacy that shaped much of modern mathematics.
Arabic uses two distinct “TH” sounds. The unvoiced “TH” is found in numbers like three (ثلاثة) and eight (ثمانية). It’s pronounced as a puff of air, similar to how the “TH” in the word “thumb” sounds in English. On the other hand, the voiced “TH” sound, found in words like “there,” requires a slightly different tongue position. Knowing the difference will help you sound more authentic in your pronunciation.
Aspect | Arabic Numerals | English Numerals |
Definition | The digits 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 | The same digits are used in the Western Arabic numeral system (0, 1, 2, 3, etc.). |
Origin | Developed in India; introduced to Arabic scholars around 800 AD. | These are the same numerals used globally, including in English-speaking countries. |
European Adoption | Introduced to Europe through Arabic scholars. | Became widely used in Europe after Fibonacci’s book Liber Abaci in the 13th century. |
Adoption in English | These numerals became the standard form used in English. | The numerals used in English are the same as Western Arabic numerals. |
Western Arabic Numerals | 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 (e.g., 4, 5, 6). | Same as Western Arabic numerals used globally in English. |
Eastern Arabic Numerals | ٠, ١, ٢, ٣, ٤, ٥, ٦, ٧, ٨, ٩ (e.g., ٤, ٥, ٦ in some regions). | Not used in English but in some Middle Eastern and Persian regions. |
Arabic is spoken across many regions, and while the numbers themselves remain the same, pronunciation can differ. For example, Egyptians often pronounce the number 3 as “Talata” (instead of Thalatha).
If you are just starting, it’s helpful to know which dialect you want to focus on. Mixt Academy offers tailored lessons, where you can choose from various Arabic dialects, whether you’re looking to learn Egyptian, Levantine, or any other regional variety.
Learning Arabic numbers can be a fun and rewarding experience. Once you understand the pattern and pronunciation rules, it becomes much easier to expand your skills. From basic numerals to complex sentences, numbers in Arabic follow a logical structure that will make your learning journey smoother.
If you’re interested in further improving your Arabic skills, Mixt Academy offers excellent resources and guidance for learners of all levels. Whether you’re aiming to master numbers or delve deeper into Arabic grammar, professional tutors are here to help you succeed.
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