How to Count to Ten in Arabic

Learn to count to ten in Arabic.

Knowing the basic numbers of one through 10 in another language is fun and educational. The Arabic language is a very significant world language and well worth the attention of the English-speaking world. The Arabs led the way in mathematics in the ancient world. The English word "zero" (as well as the concept of zero) came from the Arab world.

Instructions

1. Zero is pronounced "sifr" (with just a slight roll to the "r").

2. One is pronounced "wa-Had." The H is capitalized because it is an emphatic, breathy "h." The accent is on the first syllable.

3. Two is pronounced "ith-nain." The accent is on the second syllable.

4. Three is pronounced "thah-lath-ah," with the accent on "lath."

5. Four is pronounced "ar-bah." When you say the final "ah" constrict the area around your vocal chords.

6. Five is pronounced "kham-sah." To make the "kh" sound, pretend you have something on the very back of the roof of your mouth that you are trying to clear out. (It's the noise men make before they spit.) The first syllable gets the accent.

7. Six is pronounced "sit-ah." The accent is on the first syllable.

8. Seven is pronounced "sub-ah." On the second syllable, constrict your throat muscles, just like in "ar-bah." The syllables are fairly even, but the first gets slightly more emphasis.

9. Eight is pronounced "thah-mahn-ee-ah." The syllable "mahn" gets the the accent.

10. Nine is pronounced "tiss-ah," with the same constriction of the throat at the end. The first syllable gets the accent.

11. Ten is pronounced "ash-ra" with a slight roll to the "r." The first syllable is accented, and you constrict your throat when saying it.