How to Count From Zero to Ten in Greek

Counting from zero to ten in ancient Greek is really counting from one to ten, as zero was not considered a number. To further confuse the issue, each dialect had it's own unique structure of numbers, weights and measures, so it's common to find some variation of the ancient Greek numbers. The modern dialect is much more straightforward.

Instructions

1. Follow the most common practice for reciting ancient Greek numbers and use "alpha" for one, "beta" for two and "gamma" for three. "Delta" is the number four and "epsilon" is five. The number seven is expressed as "zeta," eight is "eta" and nine is "theta." The number ten is "Iota."

2. Choose from "digamma" or "stigma" for the number six in ancient Greek. Both are considered acceptable.

3. Use the modern dialect. Zero is "miden." The number one is "ena," two is "dio" and three is "tria." Four is "tessera," five is "pente" and six is "eksi." "Epta" is seven, eight is "okto," nine is "ennea" and ten is "deka."

4. Consider that the oldest system of numbering used specific symbols for 5, 10, 20 and so forth, marking the numbers in between with single lines to indicate placement, similar to the Roman Numeral system.

Tips & Warnings

• Pronunciation of the numbers also varies with the dialect of Greek you are speaking.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish