Numbers in Hebrew
עִבְרִית
Numbers in Hebrew follow a primarily decimal system with unique features characteristic of Semitic languages. Spoken by about 9 million people, mainly in Israel, Hebrew is a revived language with deep historical roots. Its counting system combines regular patterns with special forms for numbers from one to nineteen, and compound formations for larger numbers. The language’s structure reflects both ancient traditions and modern adaptations, making the numbers in Hebrew both fascinating and complex. Understanding these rules reveals the rich linguistic and cultural heritage embedded in everyday counting and numerals in Hebrew.
Number system
Hebrew counting is primarily decimal, with numbers from one to nineteen having distinct feminine and masculine forms. For example, 1 is אַחַת (achat) in feminine and אֶחָד (echad) in masculine, while 11 combines the feminine form אֲחַת-עֶשְׂרֵה (achat-’asar). Tens like עֶשֶׂר (’eser) for 10 and עֶשְׂרִים (’esrim) for 20 are formed from roots with added suffixes, e.g., שְׁלֹשִׁים (shloshim) for 30. Compound numbers like 22 are formed by combining עֶשְׂרִים (’esrim) and שְׁתַּיִם (shtayim) with וּ (u’, and): עֶשְׂרִים וּשְׁתַּיִם (’esrim u’shtayim). Hundreds are formed from the digit plus מֵאוֹת (meot), e.g., מֵאָה (mea) for 100, and thousands from the digit plus ת (t) and אלפים (alafim), e.g., אֶלֶף (elef) for 1,000. Larger numbers like מיליון (miliyon) for million follow standard patterns, with specific suffixes and forms.
Number list (29)
Counting rules
Numbers 1-19 have distinct feminine and masculine forms
For example, 1 is אַחַת (achat) in feminine and אֶחָד (echad) in masculine. Similarly, 2 is שְׁתַּיִם (shtayim) feminine and שְׁנַיִם (shnayim) masculine. Numbers 11 to 19 are formed by combining the unit with a hyphen and a form of ten, such as אֲחַת-עֶשְׂרֵה (achat-’asar) for 11, and שְׁלֹשָה-עָשָׂר (shlosha-’asar) for 13.
Numbers from twenty onward are in a single form
Starting at 20, the numerals are uniform: עֶשְׂרִים (’esrim) for 20, שְׁלֹשִׁים (shloshim) for 30, and so forth. Compound numbers like 22 are formed by combining the tens and units with ו (u’, and): עֶשְׂרִים וּשְׁתַּיִם (’esrim u’shtayim). For 77, it is שִׁבְעִים וָשֶׁבַע (shiv’im ve’sheva).
Hundreds are formed by the digit plus מֵאוֹת (meot)
For example, 100 is מֵאָה (mea), 200 is מָאתַיִם (matayim), and 300 is שְׁלֹש מֵאוֹת (shlosh meot). Larger hundreds like 700 are שְׁבַע מֵאוֹת (shva meot). The number 101 is מֵאָה וְאֶחָד (mea ve’echad), combining hundred with the unit.
Thousands are formed with the digit plus ת (t) and אלפים (alafim)
For example, 1,000 is אֶלֶף (elef), 2,000 is אַלְפַּיִם (alpaim), and 3,000 is שְׁלֹשָה אֲלָפִים (shlosha alafim). Numbers above 10,000 revert to the singular form of אלף, such as 11,000 being אַחַד עָשָׂר אֶלֶף (achad-’asar elef).
Unique features
Numbers 1-19 have separate feminine and masculine forms, e.g., אַחַת (achat) vs אֶחָד (echad).
Compound numbers like 78 are formed with ו (u’, and): שִׁבְעִים וָשֶׁבַע (shiv’im ve’sheva).
The number 11 is אַחַד-עֶשְׂרֵה (achad-’asar), combining the unit with a hyphen, reflecting Semitic morphology.
Large numbers like 1,000,000 are expressed as מִילְיוֹן (miliyon), following the decimal pattern with specific suffixes.
The word for thousand, אֶלֶף (elef), is borrowed from ancient Semitic roots, emphasizing cultural continuity.
Cultural context
Hebrew is spoken mainly in Israel, where it is the official language. It is a language of deep cultural and religious significance, used in daily life, education, and religious practices. Numbers appear in Jewish traditions, such as the 18 (חֲמִשָּׁה, chamisha) for life, symbolizing good luck, and the number 7 (שֶׁבַע, sheva’) often appears in religious rituals. Large numbers are used in historical texts and modern finance, with special attention to precise pronunciation and formality. Certain numbers like 13 may be avoided in superstitions, but overall, Hebrew numerals are integral to cultural identity and daily communication.
Fun facts
The number 18 is חֲמִשָּׁה (chamisha), which is also associated with life in Jewish tradition, as in the phrase 'chai' (life).
Unlike English, Hebrew uses different forms for numbers 1-19 based on gender, e.g., אַחַת (achat) vs אֶחָד (echad).
The formation of 11 as אַחַד-עֶשְׂרֵה (achad-’asar) reflects the Semitic root structure, combining 'one' and 'ten' with a hyphen.
The word for million, מִילְיוֹן (miliyon), is borrowed from European languages but adapted into Hebrew phonology.
For very large numbers, Hebrew uses specific terms like מִילְיוֹן (million) and מִילְיַרְדּ (billion), showing a clear scale pattern.
Frequently asked questions
How do you count to 10 in Hebrew?
1- אַחַת (achat), 2- שְׁתַּיִם (shtayim), 3- שָׁלֹשׁ (shalosh), 4- אַרְבַּע (arba’), 5- חָמֵשׁ (chamesh), 6- שֵׁשׁ (shesh), 7- שֶׁבַע (sheva’), 8- שְׁמוֹנֶה (shmone), 9- תֵּשַׁע (tesha’), 10- עֶשֶׂר (’eser).
What number base does Hebrew use?
Hebrew uses a decimal (base-10) system, evidenced by the formation of 20 (עֶשְׂרִים), 30 (שְׁלֹשִׁים), and 100 (מֵאָה). Compound numbers like 22 (עֶשְׂרִים וּשְׁתַּיִם) combine tens and units, showing a clear base-10 pattern.
How do you say 42 in Hebrew?
42 is שְׁלֹשִׁים וְאַרְבַּע (shloshim ve’arba’): 30 (shloshim) plus 4 (arba’), joined with ו (u’, and).
How do you say 100 in Hebrew?
100 is מֵאָה (mea). Larger hundreds are formed by combining the digit with מֵאוֹת (meot), e.g., 200 is מָאתַיִם (matayim).
How many people speak Hebrew?
Approximately 9 million people speak Hebrew, mainly in Israel.
Is Hebrew related to other languages?
Yes, Hebrew is part of the Semitic language family, related to Arabic, Aramaic, and Amharic.
What makes Hebrew counting unique?
The gender-specific forms for numbers 1-19 and the hyphenated compound forms for 11-19 are distinctive features, e.g., אַחַת-עֶשְׂרֵה (achat-’asar).