How To Say Thai Language Numbers

Learning Thai Numbers: A Step-by-Step Guide Thai number […]

Learning Thai Numbers: A Step-by-Step Guide

Thai numbers may seem daunting at first glance, but with a little practice, you’ll be counting like a native speaker in no time. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you master Thai numbers:

1. Start with the Basics: 0-10

The foundation of Thai numbers lies in the digits 0-10. Familiarize yourself with their pronunciation and spelling:

• 0 – ศูนย์ (soon)
• 1 – หนึ่ง (neung)
• 2 – สอง (song)
• 3 – สาม (saam)
• 4 – สี่ (see)
• 5 – ห้า (haa)
• 6 – หก (hoke)
• 7 – เจ็ด (jed)
• 8 – แปด (paet)
• 9 – เก้า (kao)
• 10 – สิบ (sip)

2. Build Numbers from Tens and Ones

Once you’ve grasped the basics, you can start forming numbers from tens and ones. For example, to say “twenty-one,” you combine the words for “ten” (สิบ, sip) and “one” (หนึ่ง, neung), resulting in “ยี่สิบเอ็ด” (yee sip et).

3. Learn the Special Case of Twenty

The word for “twenty” in Thai, “ยี่สิบ” (yee sip), is a unique exception to the pattern of combining tens and ones. For numbers between twenty and twenty-nine, simply add the corresponding digit to “ยี่สิบ” (yee sip). For instance, “twenty-two” is “ยี่สิบสอง” (yee sip song).

4. Counting Numbers from 30 to 99

To form numbers from thirty to ninety, follow a similar approach: combine the word for “hundred” (ร้อย, roy) with the corresponding ten and one digits. For example, “forty-five” would be “สี่ร้อยห้าสิบห้า” (see roy haa sip haa).

5. Handle Numbers from 100 to 999

When counting numbers from 100 to 999, you’ll need to use the word for “thousand” (พัน, phan) along with the corresponding hundred, ten, and one digits. For instance, “three hundred and fifty-six” would be “สามร้อยห้าสิบหกพัน” (saam roy haa sip haak phan).

6. Pronunciation Tips

Thai numbers are pronounced in a tonal language, which means that the pitch of your voice can change the meaning of a word. While mastering tones takes practice, here are some general guidelines:

• Numbers 1-5 have a rising tone.
• Numbers 6-9 have a falling tone.
• Numbers 0, 10, and 100 have a mid tone.

7. Practice and Repetition

Like any new skill, mastering Thai numbers requires consistent practice and repetition. Use flashcards, listen to audio recordings, and try counting everyday objects in Thai to improve your fluency.

Remember, learning Thai numbers is a journey, not a race. Be patient with yourself, celebrate your progress along the way, and enjoy the process of discovering a new language.