Learn to count from 1 to 100 — click any number to hear it!
Learning Arabic numbers means learning two things: the Eastern Arabic numerals (٠ ١ ٢ ٣…) used in Arabic text, and the Arabic number words (واحد، اثنان، ثلاثة…) used when speaking or reading. Interestingly, the numerals used in Western countries (1, 2, 3…) are actually called "Arabic numerals" because they were introduced to Europe from the Arab world in the Middle Ages — a testament to the Arab world's historical contribution to mathematics. This activity covers numbers 1–100 in both numeral and word form, with audio pronunciation and a quiz.
The numerals used in Arabic text are: ٠ ١ ٢ ٣ ٤ ٥ ٦ ٧ ٨ ٩ (0–9). These are distinct from the Western numerals (0–9) we use in English, though both families share the same mathematical origin. Recognising these numeral shapes is an important milestone in Arabic literacy.
1 واحد (wahid) · 2 اثنان (ithnan) · 3 ثلاثة (thalatha) · 4 أربعة (arba'a) · 5 خمسة (khamsa) · 6 ستة (sitta) · 7 سبعة (sab'a) · 8 ثمانية (thamaniya) · 9 تسعة (tis'a) · 10 عشرة (ashara)
Teens (11–19) combine the unit + عشر (ashara). For example: 11 = أحد عشر, 12 = اثنا عشر, 13 = ثلاثة عشر. Tens follow a pattern: 20 = عشرون, 30 = ثلاثون, 40 = أربعون… 100 = مئة. In-between numbers combine the unit + "wa" + the ten: 25 = خمسة وعشرون (five and twenty).
The number system we use worldwide today — including zero — was developed and transmitted to Europe by Arab mathematicians. The word zero comes from Arabic صفر (sifr), and algebra comes from الجبر (al-jabr). Learning Arabic numbers connects children to one of humanity's most important scientific legacies.