How to Count in Arabic

Learning to count from 1 to 10 in Arabic is a vital step in mastering the language. Arabic numbers are used across the Middle East and North Africa, and understanding them will help you with everything from reading prices in a souk to telling time.

It is important to note that while the Arabic language is written and read from right to left, numbers (digits) are actually written and read from left to right, just like in English. However, the spelled-out words for the numbers shown in the table above are written right-to-left.

The numbers presented here are in Modern Standard Arabic (MSA), which is understood across the Arab world. Local dialects may have slight variations in pronunciation, but MSA is the perfect starting point.

Pronunciation Tips

Arabic contains several sounds that do not exist in English, which are often represented by apostrophes or specific letter combinations in transliteration:

• The 'Ayn (ع): Seen in arba'a (4), saba'a (7), and tisa'a (9). This is a guttural sound produced deep in the throat. It sounds like a tightening of the throat while making an "ah" sound.
• Khamsa (5): The 'kh' (خ) is pronounced like the 'ch' in the Scottish word "loch" or the German "Bach". It is a raspy sound made at the back of the mouth.
• Th/T sounds: In MSA, ithnan (2) and talata (3) use a soft 'th' sound (like in "think"). In many spoken dialects, this shifts to a hard 't' sound.
• Emphasis: Pay attention to double consonants, like the 'tt' in sitta (6). You should hold the consonant slightly longer than a single letter.