How to Count in Hebrew: A Simple Beginner’s Guide

Learning how to count is one of the most useful and rewarding parts of starting a new language. Whether you’re telling someone your age, buying something in a shop, or just trying to understand Hebrew numbers in a text, knowing how to count in Hebrew gives you the confidence to handle everyday situations with ease.

At Easy Learn Hebrew, we help beginners learn Hebrew step-by-step using proven, effective methods. In this blog, you’ll learn how to count in Hebrew, including the numbers 1–10 and beyond, pronunciation tips, and fun facts about Hebrew numbers.

Hebrew Numbers 1–10 (Masculine Form)

Hebrew numbers have masculine and feminine forms depending on what you’re counting. Here, we’ll start with the masculine forms, which are the default in most basic usage.

NumberHebrewPronunciation
1אחדechad
2שנייםshnayim
3שלושהshaloshah
4ארבעהarba’ah
5חמישהchamishah
6שישהshishah
7שבעהshiv’ah
8שמונהshmonah
9תשעהtish’ah
10עשרהasarah

These forms are used when counting masculine nouns (like books, chairs, etc.), or when reciting numbers on their own.

Hebrew Numbers 1–10 (Feminine Form)

When you’re counting feminine nouns, the numbers change slightly:

NumberHebrewPronunciation
1אחתachat
2שתייםshtayim
3שלושshalosh
4ארבעarba
5חמשchamesh
6ששshesh
7שבעsheva
8שמונהshmoneh
9תשעtesha
10עשרeser

Example:

  • Two boys = shnayim banim
  • Two girls = shtayim banot

As you progress, you’ll learn when to use the masculine and feminine forms more naturally, especially through real-life examples in the Easy Learn Hebrew lessons.

Counting from 11 to 20 in Hebrew

Here’s how the numbers continue:

NumberHebrewPronunciation
11אחד עשרechad asar
12שנים עשרshneim asar
13שלושה עשרshloshah asar
14ארבעה עשרarba’ah asar
15חמישה עשרchamishah asar
16שישה עשרshishah asar
17שבעה עשרshiv’ah asar
18שמונה עשרshmonah asar
19תשעה עשרtish’ah asar
20עשריםesrim

Beyond 20, the system becomes even more regular:

  • 30 = שלושים (shloshim)
  • 40 = ארבעים (arba’im)
  • 50 = חמישים (chamishim)
    …and so on.

Tips for Learning Hebrew Numbers

  1. Start with 1–10
    Master these before moving to larger numbers. Use flashcards, repeat out loud, and count objects around you.
  2. Use Real-Life Practice
    Count steps, books, or food items in Hebrew as part of your day.
  3. Say the Numbers Out Loud
    Pronunciation is important in Hebrew. At Easy Learn Hebrew, our video lessons include clear native pronunciation so you can repeat and speak with confidence.
  4. Learn Gender Usage Gradually
    Don’t stress too much about masculine vs. feminine forms in the beginning. As you practice, this will become second nature.

Why Counting Helps You Read Hebrew

Learning numbers is more than just a memory game—it builds your Hebrew reading fluency. Many numbers appear frequently in religious texts, signs, calendars, addresses, and more. At Easy Learn Hebrew, we teach students how to recognize and pronounce Hebrew numbers in both pointed (with vowels) and unpointed text.

Start Counting with Confidence

Hebrew numbers may seem tricky at first, but with a step-by-step approach, they’re surprisingly easy to learn. Whether you’re preparing for a trip to Israel or studying Hebrew for personal or religious reasons, numbers are essential vocabulary—and a great way to build confidence early in your journey.

Ready to take the next step?

Visit EasyLearnHebrew.com to start your Hebrew journey with our proven, beginner-friendly program.

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