Numbers 1 to 10 in Hindi
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Quick Answer
| Numeral | English | Hindi | Romanisation | Audio |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | One | एक | ek | |
| 2 | Two | दो | do | |
| 3 | Three | तीन | teen | |
| 4 | Four | चार | char | |
| 5 | Five | पाँच | paanch | |
| 6 | Six | छः | chhah | |
| 7 | Seven | सात | saat | |
| 8 | Eight | आठ | aath | |
| 9 | Nine | नौ | nau | |
| 10 | Ten | दस | das |
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How to Count in Hindi
Hindi is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, and learning to count from 1 to 10 is an essential first step. Hindi uses the Devanagari script, which is written from left to right and features a characteristic horizontal line running along the top of the letters.
Unlike English, where numbers follow a strict, predictable pattern after 20, Hindi numbers from 1 to 100 are largely unique and must be memorized individually. However, mastering 1 through 10 provides the phonetic foundation you need.
Practice counting aloud: ek, do, teen, char, paanch, chhah, saat, aath, nau, das. These numbers are used universally in India for shopping, telling time, and daily conversation.
Pronunciation Tips
Hindi pronunciation includes aspirated consonants (said with a puff of air) and nasalized vowels, which can be new for English speakers:
- Ek (1): Pronounced like the English word "ache".
- Teen (3): The 't' is a soft dental 't'. Touch your tongue to the back of your upper teeth, not the roof of your mouth.
- Char (4): The 'ch' is pronounced like in "chair", and the 'r' is slightly tapped or rolled.
- Paanch (5): The 'n' indicates nasalization. Say "paach" but push the air through your nose on the vowel.
- Chhah (6): This is an aspirated 'ch'. Say "ch" with a strong puff of air, followed by a soft 'h' sound at the end.
- Aath (8): The 'th' is an aspirated retroflex 't'. Curl your tongue back to touch the roof of your mouth and release with a puff of air.
- Nau (9): Pronounced like the English word "now".
Frequently Asked Questions
What script are Hindi numbers written in?
Hindi is written in the Devanagari script. While India uses standard Arabic numerals (1, 2, 3) heavily in daily life, the traditional Devanagari numerals (१, २, ३) are also used.
What does the dot or 'n' mean in 'paanch'?
The dot above the letter in Devanagari (or the 'n' in transliteration) indicates a nasalized vowel. You pronounce the vowel while letting air escape through your nose.
Are Hindi numbers difficult to learn?
Numbers 1-10 are easy, but numbers 11-99 in Hindi do not follow a strict logical pattern like English (twenty-one, twenty-two). Each number up to 100 has its own unique word that must be memorized.
How do you pronounce the 't' and 'd' sounds in Hindi?
Hindi has two sets of 't' and 'd' sounds: dental (tongue on teeth, soft) and retroflex (tongue curled back, hard). 'Teen' (3) uses the soft dental 't', while 'Aath' (8) uses the hard retroflex 'th'.
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