Learning Numbers in Spanish

Mastering numbers in Spanish is an essential part of learning the language, especially for beginners. Numbers are used in various aspects of daily life, from telling time and giving phone numbers to shopping and understanding prices. This comprehensive guide will cover numbers in Spanish, provide examples, and ensure that you understand their usage in different contexts. By the end of this article, you will be comfortable with Spanish numbers and able to use them confidently in conversation.

Basic Numbers (Los Números Básicos)

Let’s start with the basics: numbers from 0 to 20. These form the foundation for learning higher numbers.

• 0: cero
• 1: uno
• 2: dos
• 3: tres
• 4: cuatro
• 5: cinco
• 6: seis
• 7: siete
• 8: ocho
• 9: nueve
• 10: diez
• 11: once
• 12: doce
• 13: trece
• 14: catorce
• 15: quince
• 16: dieciséis
• 17: diecisiete
• 18: dieciocho
• 19: diecinueve
• 20: veinte

Pronunciation Guide

Here’s a quick pronunciation guide to help you say these numbers correctly:

• Cero: SEH-roh
• Uno: OO-noh
• Dos: DOHS
• Tres: TRES
• Cuatro: KWAH-troh
• Cinco: SEEN-koh
• Seis: SEH-ees
• Siete: SYEH-teh
• Ocho: OH-choh
• Nueve: NWAY-beh
• Diez: DYESS
• Once: OHN-seh
• Doce: DOH-seh
• Trece: TREH-seh
• Catorce: kah-TOR-seh
• Quince: KEEN-seh
• Dieciséis: dye-see-SEH-ees
• Diecisiete: dye-see-SYEH-teh
• Dieciocho: dye-see-OH-choh
• Diecinueve: dye-see-NWAY-beh
• Veinte: BAYN-teh

Numbers 21-100

After mastering the numbers 0-20, the next step is to learn numbers from 21 to 100. These numbers follow specific patterns that make them easier to remember.

• 21: veintiuno
• 22: veintidós
• 23: veintitrés
• 24: veinticuatro
• 25: veinticinco
• 26: veintiséis
• 27: veintisiete
• 28: veintiocho
• 29: veintinueve
• 30: treinta
• 31: treinta y uno
• 32: treinta y dos
• 33: treinta y tres
• 40: cuarenta
• 50: cincuenta
• 60: sesenta
• 70: setenta
• 80: ochenta
• 90: noventa
• 100: cien

Usage and Examples

Here are some examples to help you understand how to use these numbers in sentences:

1. Tengo veinticinco años. (I am 25 years old.)
2. La tienda abre a las nueve. (The store opens at nine.)
3. Hay treinta y un estudiantes en la clase. (There are 31 students in the class.)
4. Compré cuarenta manzanas. (I bought 40 apples.)
5. El libro cuesta cincuenta euros. (The book costs 50 euros.)
6. Vivimos en el número setenta y cinco. (We live at number 75.)
7. Mi hermano tiene ochenta años. (My brother is 80 years old.)
8. El coche alcanza los cien kilómetros por hora. (The car reaches 100 kilometers per hour.)

Numbers 101-1000

Understanding numbers beyond 100 involves combining the numbers you already know. Here’s how you can form numbers from 101 to 1000:

• 101: ciento uno
• 102: ciento dos
• 200: doscientos
• 300: trescientos
• 400: cuatrocientos
• 500: quinientos
• 600: seiscientos
• 700: setecientos
• 800: ochocientos
• 900: novecientos
• 1000: mil

Examples of Higher Numbers

1. Hay ciento cincuenta personas en la reunión. (There are 150 people at the meeting.)
2. El edificio tiene doscientos apartamentos. (The building has 200 apartments.)
3. Compré trescientos gramos de queso. (I bought 300 grams of cheese.)
4. Cuatrocientos estudiantes participaron en el evento. (400 students participated in the event.)
5. El coche cuesta quinientos mil euros. (The car costs 500,000 euros.)

Using Numbers in Different Contexts

Learning to use numbers in various contexts is crucial for fluency. Here are some common scenarios where numbers are used:

Telling Time

• Son las tres y media. (It’s 3:30.)
• La película empieza a las ocho. (The movie starts at 8:00.)

Dates

• Hoy es el cinco de mayo. (Today is May 5th.)
• Nací el veintitrés de abril. (I was born on April 23rd.)

Prices and Shopping

• ¿Cuánto cuesta? (How much does it cost?)
• Cuesta veinte euros. (It costs 20 euros.)
• Quiero comprar tres kilos de naranjas. (I want to buy three kilos of oranges.)

Phone Numbers

• ¿Cuál es tu número de teléfono? (What is your phone number?)
• Mi número es seis, cuatro, siete, uno, dos, tres, cuatro, cinco. (My number is 647-123-456.)

Practice Exercises

To reinforce your understanding of numbers in Spanish, try these exercises:

1. Translate the Numbers: Write the following numbers in Spanish:

• 45
• 67
• 89
• 123
• 456

1. Complete the Sentences: Fill in the blanks with the correct number in Spanish:

• Tengo __ (22) años.
• La clase empieza a las __ (9) en punto.
• Hay __ (15) estudiantes en la sala.
• Compré __ (5) manzanas.
• El libro cuesta __ (30) euros.

1. Match the Numbers: Match the Spanish numbers with their English equivalents:

• Cuarenta y tres
• Sesenta y ocho
• Noventa y dos
• Ciento cincuenta
• Doscientos veinte
• 220
• 43
• 92
• 150
• 68

1. Describe a Scenario: Write a short paragraph in Spanish describing a scenario that includes at least five different numbers. For example, describe your daily routine, a shopping list, or a family gathering.

Additional Tips for Learning Numbers

1. Use Flashcards: Create flashcards with numbers on one side and their Spanish equivalents on the other. This will help reinforce your memory.
2. Practice Counting: Regularly practice counting in Spanish, both forwards and backwards.
3. Listen to Spanish: Engage with Spanish media, such as songs, TV shows, and podcasts, to hear numbers used in context.
4. Engage in Conversations: Practice using numbers in conversation with a language partner or tutor.

Conclusion

Learning numbers in Spanish is a vital step for beginners. By mastering the basic numbers and understanding how to use them in different contexts, you will significantly enhance your ability to communicate in Spanish. Practice regularly, use the numbers in daily conversations, and soon you will be confident in your ability to use Spanish numbers fluently. ¡Buena suerte! (Good luck!)

Links:
Spanish Grammar
Spanish Vocabulary
Spanish Listening
Spanish Stories