There are several different standards of Arabic forms that exist in different Arabic-speaking areas. Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) is the standardized version that most people learn. It is the official language of more than 20 countries, as well as one of the official languages of the United Nations (UN). If you want to learn to count to 10 in Arabic, the words will be the same regardless of the shape. However, for larger numbers there will be some differences to be aware of.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Counting to 10 According to Modern Standard Arabic
Step 1. Start with the word for the numbers 1-5
To count to 10 in Arabic, start with the first five numbers. Repeat these words until you memorize them well. You can use memory cards to help test your memory.
- One is wahid (waa-hiid) (واحد).
- Dua is itnan (its-naain) (إثنان).
- Three is talata (tsa-laa-tsah) (ثلاثة).
- Four is arba'a (ar-ba-'ah) (أربع).
- Lima is hamsa (khom-sa) (خمسة). Note that h is a choking sound. Imagine exhaling strong, deep breaths from the back of your throat as you say it.
Step 2. Proceed to numbers 6-10
Once you've memorized the first five numbers perfectly, it's time to move on to the next five numbers. Practice the same way as before, then combine the ten numbers to count from 1 to 10 in Arabic.
- Six is sitta (sit-tah) (ستة).
- Seven is sab'a (sab-be-'ah) (سبعة).
- Eight is tamaniya (tsa-maa-nii-yah) (ثمانية).
- Nine is tis'a (tis-'ah) (تسعة). Say the last syllable from far back in the throat.
- Ten is ashra (ash-rah) (عشرة). The sound of the r is a bit shaken.
Step 3. Say sifr (siy-fur) (صفر) for "zero"
Quick fact, the word “zero” in English (zero) is absorbed from the Arabic word " sifr ". The concept of zero originated in India and Arabia and was carried over to Europe during the Crusades.
As in Indonesian, the word "zero" is usually not used when reading numbers, unless you mention a list of cardinal numbers, such as phone or credit card numbers
Step 4. Learn to recognize Arabic numerals
Numbers used in the west are often referred to as "Arabic" numbers. However, the numbers commonly used in Arabic are more commonly referred to as Hindu-Arabic numerals because they were imported from India.
- Hindu-Arabic numerals are 10 symbols or digits that represent the numbers 0 and 1 to 9:. Like Indonesian, these 10 digits are combined to form another number. So, 10 is a combination of 1 and 0, like in Indonesian: (10).
- Arabic is written and read from right to left. However, Arabic numerals are written and read from left to right, just like Indonesian.
Tip:
In Muslim countries (Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, and Palestine), Arabic numerals are often used in conjunction with the familiar Western numbers.
Part 2 of 3: Learning More Numbers
Step 1. Add the suffix un to the root of the number name to form the word tens
Except for the number 10 (which you say you already know), all the words for the tens are arranged by replacing the last syllable of the word with the suffix un. If you understand numbering in English, the rules are the same as taking the first digit of a number and adding the ending "ty" in English (for example, sixty in English is sixty, which is six (six) ending in ty.)
- Twenty (20) is isyrun. The word for the number two in Arabic is, itsnan; remove the last syllable, and replace it with un. Consonants ending in the first syllable change when writing a word using Western characters.
- Thirty (30) are tsalaatsun.
- Forty (40) is arbaa'un.
- Fifty (50) are khomsun.
- Sixty (60) is a sittun.
- Seventy (70) is sab'un.
- Eighty (80) is tsamaanun.
- Ninety (90) is tis'un.
Step 2. Combine numbers with ten to form words from numbers 11 to 19
For word forms from the numbers 11 to 19, start with the word for the second digit of the number, then add asyr.
For example, 13 is tsalaatsa 'asr. The literal translation is "three and ten." All other numbers from 11 to 19 follow the same formula
Step 3. Use the word tens with single digits for numbers from 21 to 99
To form large numbers, use the word for the last digit, followed by the words for and and the wa- link. Then, add the word tens as appropriate.
For example, (53) is tsalaatsa wa-khomsun. The literal translation is the same for the numbers 11 to 19. Tsalaatsa wa-khomsun can mean "three and fifty."
Step 4. Use the word mi'ah for numbers in the hundreds
Follow the tens formula to make the word hundreds; the word hundreds is formed by adding the word for 100, namely mi'ah, after the multiplier digit.
For example, the khomsun mi'ah is 300
Tip:
Use the same formula you used to form words for the numbers 21 through 99 to form words in the hundreds.
Part 3 of 3: Practice Numbers
Step 1. Listen to a counting song to familiarize yourself with Arabic words
There are many free videos on the internet, most of which are aimed at children, and will teach you how to count in Arabic. Sometimes you just need a catchy song to help you memorize Arabic words.
One of the free videos you can watch is https://www.youtube.com/embed/8ioZ1fWFK58. The playlist includes several songs that count in Arabic so you can watch multiple videos until you find one you like
Tip:
Counting songs and videos also help you pronounce words correctly. Sing along or just say the word until it sounds similar to the one in the video.
Step 2. Download the online app to practice counting
Head to the app store on your phone and look for an Arabic numeracy app or a multilingual numeracy app (if you want to expand your knowledge in addition to Arabic). Most of these applications can be obtained for free.
For example, the Polynumial app translates numbers and helps you learn to count. While the main app includes 50 languages, there is also a version that contains only Arabic. However, this app is only available for iPhone
Step 3. Repeat Arabic on all the numbers you meet throughout the day
As you go through the day, of course, you will find numbers in various places. Whenever you encounter a number, stop and translate it into Arabic. With practice, when you encounter a number, your brain will automatically translate it into Arabic.
For example, if you're checking your bank balance, try saying the numbers in Arabic. You can also apply it when counting steps, grocery shopping, remaining time off, or scores in sports events
Step 4. Try using card numbers to develop your Arabic vocabulary while practicing your number memorization
Standard counting cards, which are usually made for children, usually feature objects on one side and numbers on the other. There's nothing wrong with using these memorization cards to practice Arabic.
- You can buy Arabic memorization card sets online, at a regular bookstore, or at an Islamic bookstore. There are also sites that let you download memory cards for free to print later. Just enter the keyword "free printable counting flashcards" in an online search engine.
- Look for the object word on the internet, then practice the pronunciation of the word along with the number of objects.
