How to Say Numbers in Hebrew: A Beginner’s Guide
Learning a new language can be an exciting and rewarding experience, and Hebrew is no exception. As you embark on your journey to master this ancient language, one essential aspect you must familiarize yourself with is how to say numbers in Hebrew. In this article, we will guide you through the basics of Hebrew numerals and provide answers to some frequently asked questions.
Hebrew Numerals: An Overview
Hebrew numbers are unique in that they have both cardinal and ordinal forms. The cardinal numbers are used to express quantity, while the ordinal numbers indicate the order or sequence of things. Let’s begin with the cardinal numbers:
1. אחד (echad) – One
2. שניים (shnayim) – Two
3. שלושה (shlosha) – Three
4. ארבעה (arba’a) – Four
5. חמישה (chamisha) – Five
6. ששה (shisha) – Six
7. שבעה (sheva’a) – Seven
8. שמונה (shmona) – Eight
9. תשעה (tish’a) – Nine
10. עשרה (eser) – Ten
To form numbers from 11 to 19, you simply add the word עשרה (eser) after the corresponding digit. For example, 11 is אחד עשרה (echad eser) and 15 is חמישה עשרה (chamisha eser).
From 20 onwards, the Hebrew numbering system follows a pattern similar to English. The tens are formed adding the suffix -ים (-im) to the digit, except for the number 20, which is עשרים (esrim). For example, 30 is שלושים (shloshim), 40 is ארבעים (arba’im), and so on.
FAQs:
1. Are there different forms for masculine and feminine numbers in Hebrew?
No, Hebrew numbers do not have separate forms for masculine and feminine. They are gender-neutral.
2. How do I say “hundred” in Hebrew?
To express hundreds in Hebrew, you use the word מאה (me’ah). For example, 100 is מאה (me’ah), 200 is מאתיים (me’atayim), and 500 is חמישה מאות (chamisha me’ot).
3. How do I say “thousand” in Hebrew?
In Hebrew, the word for thousand is אלף (elef). For example, 1,000 is אלף (elef), 2,000 is אלפיים (alpayim), and 5,000 is חמישה אלפים (chamisha elefim).
4. How do I form ordinal numbers in Hebrew?
To form ordinal numbers, you add the suffix -י (-i) to the cardinal number. For example, first is ראשון (rishon), second is שני (sheni), and third is שלישי (shlishi).
5. How do I say dates in Hebrew?
In Hebrew, the format for dates is day-month-year. For example, if today is the 10th of May 2022, you would say עשרה במאי אלף תשע”ב (eser ba-May elef tish’a-bet).
6. Are there any irregularities in Hebrew numbers?
Yes, there are a few irregularities in Hebrew numbers. The number 15 is pronounced ט”ו (tet-vav), and 16 is ט”ז (tet-zayin). Additionally, the numbers 11 and 12 have unique forms: 11 is י”א (yud-alef) and 12 is י”ב (yud-bet).
7. How can I practice saying numbers in Hebrew?
A great way to practice saying numbers in Hebrew is counting objects around you or using flashcards with numbers written in Hebrew. You can also find online resources that provide audio exercises specifically for learning Hebrew numbers.
As you delve deeper into your Hebrew language journey, mastering numbers is essential for everyday conversations, telling time, and understanding dates. With the basic knowledge and practice provided in this article, you are well-equipped to confidently say numbers in Hebrew. Happy learning!