Spanish numbers are the words used to count, measure, and express numerical values in Spanish. They cover everything from basic digits (0-10), to teens, tens, hundreds, and even large numbers like thousands, millions, and billions. Mastering Spanish numbers is essential for everyday situations like shopping, telling time, giving addresses, and understanding dates.
- Spanish numbers span from simple digits to large-scale figures.
- They are used in all kinds of real-world contexts.
- Number knowledge links to grammar, especially for agreement and gender.
Spanish numbers are used for counting, measuring, and expressing numerical values in all kinds of contexts.
1–10
Numbers 1–10 in Spanish are the foundation for all other numbers and are used in many daily situations.
The numbers 1–10 in Spanish are: uno, dos, tres, cuatro, cinco, seis, siete, ocho, nueve, diez. They form the basis for learning all other numbers and are used in countless everyday situations.
- 1–10: uno, dos, tres, cuatro, cinco, seis, siete, ocho, nueve, diez
- They are foundational for building higher numbers.
- Used for counting, dates, and simple transactions.
uno, cinco, diez are 1–10; once and veinte are beyond 10.
You use 1–10 for counting people, phone numbers, simple math, and more.
'siete' is seven.
11–20
11–20 are important because they have unique forms distinct from 1–10 and the tens, and are essential for fluency.
The numbers 11–20 in Spanish are: once, doce, trece, catorce, quince, dieciséis, diecisiete, dieciocho, diecinueve, veinte. After diez (10), the numbers 11–15 have unique names, and 16–19 are formed by combining “diez” with the unit.
- 11–15: once, doce, trece, catorce, quince
- 16–19: dieciséis, diecisiete, dieciocho, diecinueve (combo of “diez” + unit)
- 20 is “veinte”
Once, doce, trece are 11–13. Diez is 10; veintiuno is 21.
'quince' is 15.
16–19 use a combo of 'diez' and the unit (dieciséis, etc.).
'Veinte' is 20.
Tens (20–90)
The tens (20–90) follow a regular pattern and are essential for forming most numbers.
The tens from 20 to 90 are: veinte (20), treinta (30), cuarenta (40), cincuenta (50), sesenta (60), setenta (70), ochenta (80), noventa (90). After 30, a regular pattern emerges, and numbers between the tens are formed by adding “y” + unit.
- 20–90: veinte, treinta, cuarenta, cincuenta, sesenta, setenta, ochenta, noventa
- Use “y” to link units after 30 (e.g., treinta y uno)
treinta, cuarenta, cincuenta are correct for 30, 40, 50.
'Thirty-one' is 'treinta y uno.'
setenta, ochenta, noventa are correct.
One Hundred!
‘Cien’ is 100, but for numbers like 101, 'ciento' is used.
The word for 100 is cien (used alone). For 101 and beyond, use ciento (e.g., 101 = ciento uno).
- 100 = cien
- 101+ = ciento + rest of number
'Cien' is 100.
'Ciento' is used for 101 and above.
For 101–199, use 'ciento' plus the number (e.g., 115 = ciento quince).
Thousands, Millions, Billions
Thousand is 'mil,' million is 'millón,' and billion is 'mil millones.'
- 1,000 = mil (no plural for 1,000)
- Millions: 1,000,000 = un millón (plural: millones)
- Billions: 1,000,000,000 = mil millones (literal 'thousand millions')
'Mil' is 1,000 and 'un millón' is 1,000,000.
'millones' is the correct plural for millions.
'mil millones' is the common term for a billion (10^9).
Conclusion
Spanish numbers provide the tools to navigate everyday life, from simple counting to complex transactions. With roots in 1–10, a unique system for teens, and logical patterns for tens and beyond, mastering numbers opens up new doors in Spanish.
- Spanish numbers span simple to complex, covering 1 to billions.
- Key patterns include unique forms for 11–15 and regular tens.
- Understanding numbers aids in travel, shopping, time, and more.
siete
cuarenta y cinco
'Ciento veinte' is correct because after 100, use 'ciento'...