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A1 numeral 7 min read

ستة عشر

sitta 'ashar
Practice it Examples Notes & Tips ستة عشر in 30 Seconds
Explanation ستة عشر in your Level:
At the A1 level, learners are introduced to basic numbers. 'ستة عشر' is one of the cardinal numbers they will encounter. The focus is on recognizing and understanding the number when spoken or written, and using it in very simple contexts like counting objects or stating age. The structure of 'ستة عشر' (six + ten) is usually presented as a new vocabulary item to memorize. Examples would be straightforward, such as 'I have sixteen apples' or 'He is sixteen years old.' The grammatical rule about the singular accusative noun following numbers 11-19 might be introduced but not heavily emphasized at this stage. The primary goal is recognition and basic comprehension.
For A2 learners, the use of 'ستة عشر' becomes more integrated into sentence construction. They will be expected to use it more actively in simple sentences and understand it in slightly more complex contexts. This includes forming sentences like 'There are sixteen students in the classroom' or 'The book costs sixteen dollars.' The grammatical rule about the singular accusative noun following numbers 11-19 is reinforced. Learners are also encouraged to differentiate it from ordinal numbers. Practice might involve simple fill-in-the-blanks or matching exercises where they have to choose the correct number.
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At the B1 level, learners should be comfortable using 'ستة عشر' in a wider range of everyday situations. They can engage in simple conversations about quantities, prices, and ages involving this number. They are expected to understand its usage in contexts like discussing train tickets, hotel rooms, or event attendees. The nuances of its use, such as in durations or specific measurements, might be explored. For instance, they might hear or say, 'The journey took sixteen hours' or 'The event starts at sixteen minutes past the hour.' The distinction between cardinal and ordinal numbers is crucial here.
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B2 learners are expected to use 'ستة عشر' with fluency and accuracy in more complex sentences and discussions. They can understand and participate in conversations where this number is used in statistical data, news reports, or more detailed descriptions. For example, they might analyze a report stating 'an increase of sixteen percent' or discuss a historical event that happened on the 'sixteenth' day of a month (using the ordinal). They should be able to handle contexts where the number might be part of a larger calculation or comparison. The focus shifts towards the natural integration of the number in fluent speech and writing.
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At the C1 level, 'ستة عشر' is used seamlessly within sophisticated language. Learners can comprehend and produce nuanced arguments or descriptions that incorporate this number. They can understand its use in idiomatic expressions (if any exist involving numbers) or in specialized fields like finance or science where precise quantities are critical. They can discuss abstract concepts or complex scenarios where 'sixteen' might be a key data point. For instance, they might discuss a scientific study with sixteen experimental groups or analyze economic trends involving figures of sixteen million. The ability to use it in varied registers (formal, informal) is expected.
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C2 learners have native-like proficiency with 'ستة عشر'. They use it effortlessly in all contexts, understanding its subtle connotations and implications. They can interpret its use in highly specialized texts, literature, or complex legal documents. They can also employ it creatively in their own writing and speech, mirroring native-speaker fluency. This includes understanding any cultural references or historical uses of the number sixteen in Arabic-speaking societies. Their command is so complete that they rarely, if ever, make errors related to its usage, including grammatical, semantic, or pragmatic aspects.
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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

ستة عشر in 30 Seconds

  • The Arabic word for sixteen is 'ستة عشر' (sittata 'ashar).
  • It's a cardinal number used for quantity.
  • Remember the singular accusative ending for counted nouns (e.g., 'ستة عشر كتابًا').
  • It's important to distinguish from the ordinal 'السادس عشر' (the sixteenth).
Meaning
The Arabic word 'ستة عشر' (sittata 'ashar) directly translates to the number sixteen in English. It is a cardinal number used for counting and specifying quantities.
Usage
This number is used in everyday situations where you need to express the quantity of sixteen. This includes talking about age, time, prices, quantities of objects, and many other common scenarios. For instance, if you are sixteen years old, you would say 'عمري ستة عشر سنة' (ʿumrī sittata ʿashara sanah). When referring to a group of sixteen items, you would use this number in conjunction with the noun it modifies.
Structure
The word 'ستة عشر' is formed by combining 'ستة' (sittah), meaning six, and 'عشر' (ʿashar), meaning ten. This is a common pattern for numbers between eleven and nineteen in Arabic, where the unit is mentioned first, followed by 'عشر'.

I have ستة عشر books in my bag.

The meeting will start at ستة عشر minutes past the hour.

Grammatical Note
For numbers 11-19, the noun that is counted is in the singular accusative case (mansub). For example, 'ستة عشر كتابًا' (sittata ʿashara kitāban - sixteen books). However, when 'ستة عشر' is used on its own, like stating an age or a count without explicitly mentioning the noun, it remains as 'ستة عشر'.

My sister is ستة عشر years old.

Basic Sentence Structure
The number 'ستة عشر' can be used as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. When it precedes a noun, the noun is typically in the singular accusative form (ending in -an). For example, 'I saw sixteen cats': رأيتُ ستة عشر قطًا (raʾaytu sittata ʿashara qiṭṭan).
Age
When stating someone's age as sixteen, you would use 'عمري ستة عشر عامًا' (ʿumrī sittata ʿashara ʿāman) or 'عمري ستة عشر سنة' (ʿumrī sittata ʿashara sanatan). The word 'عام' or 'سنة' is singular and accusative.
Time
To say sixteen minutes past the hour, you can say 'الساعة السادسة عشر دقيقة' (as-sāʿah as-sādisata ʿashrata daqīqah), though it's more common to use ordinal numbers for time. However, if you are referring to a duration of sixteen minutes, you would say 'ستة عشر دقيقة' (sittata ʿashara daqīqah).

There are ستة عشر students in the class.

Quantities of Objects
When counting specific objects, the noun follows the number in the singular accusative form. For example, 'sixteen cars': ستة عشر سيارةً (sittata ʿashara sayyāratan).

I need to buy ستة عشر apples.

The price is ستة عشر dollars.

As a Standalone Number
In many contexts, such as stating age or a simple count, 'ستة عشر' can be used without an explicit noun following it. For example, 'How old are you?' - 'I am sixteen.' - 'كم عمرك؟' - 'عمري ستة عشر.' (kam ʿumruk? - ʿumrī sittata ʿashar.)
Everyday Conversations
You will frequently hear 'ستة عشر' in casual conversations. For example, when friends are discussing their ages, planning events, or talking about the number of items they have. A common scenario is someone asking about the age of a teenager: 'كم عمر ابنتك؟' (Kam ʿumru ibnatik? - How old is your daughter?) and the reply might be 'إنها تبلغ من العمر ستة عشر عامًا.' (Innahā tablughu min al-ʿumri sittata ʿashara ʿāman. - She is sixteen years old.)
Shopping and Transactions
In markets, shops, or when discussing prices, 'ستة عشر' will be used. For instance, if an item costs sixteen units of currency, a seller might say: 'هذا يكلف ستة عشر ريالًا.' (Hādhā yukallifu sittata ʿashara riyālan. - This costs sixteen riyals.) Or a customer might ask: 'هل لديك ستة عشر قطعة من هذا؟' (Hal ladayka sittata ʿashara qiṭʿatan min hādhā? - Do you have sixteen pieces of this?)

The bus arrived with ستة عشر passengers.

Educational Settings
In schools, when teaching numbers, mathematics, or discussing quantities in lessons, 'ستة عشر' is a fundamental part of the curriculum. Teachers might use it in examples: 'إذا كان لدينا ستة عشر قلمًا، ووزعنا نصفها، فكم يبقى؟' (Idhā kāna ladaynā sittata ʿashara qalamān, wa wazzaʿnā niṣfahā, fakam yabqā? - If we have sixteen pens, and we distribute half of them, how many remain?)

The exam has ستة عشر questions.

News and Reports
In news reports, statistics, or official documents, you might encounter 'ستة عشر' when referring to specific counts, dates, or figures. For instance, a news headline might read: 'تم تسجيل ستة عشر حالة وفاة جديدة.' (Tamma tasjīlu sittata ʿashara ḥālati wafātin jadīdah. - Sixteen new deaths were recorded.)
Incorrect Case Ending for Noun
A very common mistake for learners is to not put the noun following numbers 11-19 in the singular accusative case. For example, saying 'ستة عشر كتاب' instead of the correct 'ستة عشر كتابًا' (sittata ʿashara kitāban). This applies to all nouns counted with numbers from eleven to nineteen.
Confusing with Ordinal Numbers
Learners might confuse the cardinal number 'ستة عشر' (sixteen) with the ordinal number 'السادس عشر' (as-sādis ʿashar - the sixteenth). While related, they serve different purposes. 'ستة عشر' is for quantity, while 'السادس عشر' is for position or order.

Incorrect: I have ستة عشر book. Correct: I have ستة عشر كتابًا.

Pronunciation Errors
Mispronouncing the components of 'ستة عشر' can lead to confusion. For example, not clearly articulating the 't' sound in 'ستة' or the 'ʿ' sound in 'عشر'. It's important to practice the pronunciation to ensure clarity, especially the glottal stop and the emphatic consonants.

Incorrect: He is the sixteen student. Correct: He is the sixteenth student.

Gender Agreement Issues (Subtle)
While 'ستة عشر' itself is often used for both genders when it stands alone, when it forms part of a larger construction or when discussing specific number-noun interactions, subtle gender agreements can arise. However, for the number sixteen itself, this is less of a concern than for numbers 1-10.
Cardinal Numbers (11-19)
'ستة عشر' belongs to a group of numbers from eleven to nineteen. Each has a similar structure where the unit is combined with 'عشر'. For example:
- أحد عشر (aḥada ʿashar): Eleven
- اثنا عشر (ithnā ʿashar): Twelve
- ثلاثة عشر (thalāthata ʿashar): Thirteen
- أربعة عشر (arbaʿata ʿashar): Fourteen
- خمسة عشر (khamsata ʿashar): Fifteen
- سبعة عشر (sabʿata ʿashar): Seventeen
- ثمانية عشر (thamāniyata ʿashar): Eighteen
- تسعة عشر (tisʿata ʿashar): Nineteen
The key difference is the first part, representing the unit (one to nine).
Ordinal Numbers
The ordinal counterpart to 'ستة عشر' is 'السادس عشر' (as-sādis ʿashar), meaning 'the sixteenth'. This is used for position or order, not quantity. For example, 'the sixteenth chapter' is 'الفصل السادس عشر' (al-faṣl as-sādis ʿashar).

Quantity: I have ستة عشر books. Position: This is the سادس عشر book I've read.

Approximations
In less precise contexts, people might use words that imply 'around sixteen' or 'a number close to sixteen'. However, for specific counts, 'ستة عشر' is the direct and only correct term. There aren't common single words that mean 'around sixteen' in the same way English might use 'a dozen and a half' or similar phrases.

Direct: We need ستة عشر chairs. Implied (less common for exact numbers): We need about sixteen chairs.

Numbers in Other Languages
Of course, 'sixteen' in English, 'seize' in French, 'sechzehn' in German, and 'dieciséis' in Spanish are all alternatives in their respective languages, but within Arabic, 'ستة عشر' is the standard term.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The structure of numbers 11-19 in Arabic, where the unit is mentioned first followed by 'ten', is a notable feature. This contrasts with some other languages where the 'ten' part might come first. The 'tah' marbuta in 'sittah' is often pronounced when forming the compound number 'sittata 'ashar'.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /sɪt.tə.tə‿ˈʕa.ʃar/
US /sɪt.tə.tə‿ˈɑ.ʃər/
The primary stress falls on the second syllable of 'عشر' (a-SHAR).
Rhymes With
عشر (ashar) بشر (bashar) نشر (nashar) حشر (ḥashar) سكر (sukar - rhymes with the ending sound) حجر (ḥajar - rhymes with the ending sound) قمر (qamar - rhymes with the ending sound) شجر (shajar - rhymes with the ending sound)
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing the 'ع' (ayn) sound incorrectly, often replacing it with a glottal stop or an 'a' sound.
  • Not clearly articulating the 't' sound in 'sittata', sometimes slurring it.
  • Confusing the stress pattern with other Arabic words.
  • Omitting the final vowel sound of 'ashar'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Recognizing 'ستة عشر' in written text is straightforward for A1 learners. The main challenge is understanding its grammatical function, especially the case ending of the following noun, which might be introduced later.

Writing 2/5

Writing 'ستة عشر' correctly is relatively easy, but applying the rule of the singular accusative noun after it requires practice. Learners might forget the case ending or use the plural instead.

Speaking 2/5

Pronouncing 'ستة عشر' correctly, especially the 'ayn' sound, can be challenging for non-native speakers. Using it spontaneously in conversation requires memorization and practice.

Listening 1/5

Identifying 'ستة عشر' when spoken is generally easy due to its distinct sound, especially in clear contexts like stating age or counting.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

ستة (six) عشرة (ten) واحد (one) اثنان (two) ثلاثة (three) أربعة (four) خمسة (five) سبعة (seven) ثمانية (eight) تسعة (nine)

Learn Next

عشرون (twenty) ثلاثون (thirty) مائة (hundred) ألف (thousand) مليون (million) السادس عشر (the sixteenth - ordinal)

Advanced

Numbers in fractions and decimals Complex numerical expressions and calculations Idiomatic uses of numbers in proverbs and sayings Historical number systems

Grammar to Know

Numbers 11-19 and the Singular Accusative Noun

For numbers eleven to nineteen, the noun being counted is in the singular accusative case (ending in -an, -atan, or -an if definite). Example: ستة عشر كتابًا (sittata ʿashara kitāban - sixteen books).

Cardinal vs. Ordinal Numbers

'ستة عشر' (sixteen) is a cardinal number for quantity. 'السادس عشر' (as-sādis ʿashar - the sixteenth) is an ordinal number for position. Example: 'I have sixteen apples' vs. 'This is the sixteenth apple'.

Gender agreement with numbers

For numbers 11-19, the structure of the number itself (e.g., 'ستة عشر') is generally fixed and does not change based on the gender of the counted noun. The noun itself has a gender, but the number does not agree with it directly in the same way as numbers 1-10.

Using numbers with time

When referring to minutes or hours in a duration, the number is followed by the singular accusative noun. Example: ستة عشر دقيقة (sittata ʿashara daqīqah - sixteen minutes).

Using numbers with currency

Similar to other countable nouns, currency units follow the number in the singular accusative case. Example: ستة عشر ريالًا (sittata ʿashara riyālan - sixteen riyals).

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Examples by Level

1

لدي ستة عشر قلمًا.

I have sixteen pens.

The noun 'قلمًا' (qalamān) is singular and in the accusative case.

2

عمري ستة عشر سنة.

My age is sixteen years.

'سنة' (sanah) is singular and accusative.

3

هناك ستة عشر طالبًا.

There are sixteen students.

'طالبًا' (ṭāliban) is singular and accusative.

4

اشتريت ستة عشر تفاحة.

I bought sixteen apples.

'تفاحة' (tuffāḥatan) is singular and accusative.

5

في الحقيبة ستة عشر كتابًا.

In the bag are sixteen books.

'كتابًا' (kitāban) is singular and accusative.

6

هذه ستة عشر سيارة.

These are sixteen cars.

'سيارة' (sayyāratan) is singular and accusative.

7

دفعت ستة عشر درهمًا.

I paid sixteen dirhams.

'درهمًا' (dirhaman) is singular and accusative.

8

لدينا ستة عشر لونًا.

We have sixteen colors.

'لونًا' (lawnan) is singular and accusative.

1

كم عمرك؟ عمري ستة عشر عامًا.

How old are you? I am sixteen years old.

'عامًا' (ʿāman) is singular and accusative, used for years.

2

اشتريت ستة عشر قميصًا جديدًا.

I bought sixteen new shirts.

'قميصًا' (qamiṣan) is singular and accusative.

3

في الصف ستة عشر طالبة.

There are sixteen female students in the class.

'طالبة' (ṭālibatan) is singular and accusative.

4

هذه ستة عشر زهرة جميلة.

These are sixteen beautiful flowers.

'زهرة' (zahratan) is singular and accusative.

5

حضر الاجتماع ستة عشر شخصًا.

Sixteen people attended the meeting.

'شخصًا' (shakhṣan) is singular and accusative.

6

يحتوي الصندوق على ستة عشر قطعة حلوى.

The box contains sixteen pieces of candy.

'قطعة' (qiṭʿatan) is singular and accusative.

7

لقد انتظرت ستة عشر دقيقة.

I waited for sixteen minutes.

'دقيقة' (daqīqatan) is singular and accusative.

8

وصلت الرحلة في ستة عشر من شهر مايو.

The trip arrived on the sixteenth of May.

Here, 'ستة عشر' is used more like an ordinal in context of a date, but the number itself is cardinal. The explicit ordinal is 'السادس عشر'.

1

يبلغ عدد سكان هذه القرية ستة عشر ألف نسمة.

The population of this village is sixteen thousand people.

While 'ألف' (alf - thousand) is a noun, the number preceding it modifies it. For numbers 11-19, the noun counted is singular accusative. Here, 'نسمة' (nismah - person/soul) is singular accusative and refers to individuals counted within the thousand.

2

لقد قرأت ستة عشر فصلًا من الرواية.

I have read sixteen chapters of the novel.

'فصلًا' (faṣlan) is singular accusative.

3

تستغرق الرحلة بالقطار ستة عشر ساعة.

The train journey takes sixteen hours.

'ساعة' (sāʿatan) is singular accusative.

4

تم اكتشاف ستة عشر نوعًا جديدًا من الحشرات.

Sixteen new species of insects have been discovered.

'نوعًا' (nawʿan) is singular accusative.

5

وصل سعر السهم إلى ستة عشر دولارًا.

The stock price reached sixteen dollars.

'دولارًا' (dūlāran) is singular accusative.

6

في هذا المطعم، يقدمون ستة عشر طبقًا مختلفًا.

In this restaurant, they serve sixteen different dishes.

'طبقًا' (ṭabaqan) is singular accusative.

7

لقد حصلت على ستة عشر نقطة في الاختبار.

I scored sixteen points on the test.

'نقطة' (nuqṭatan) is singular accusative.

8

تتكون هذه المجموعة الفنية من ستة عشر لوحة.

This art collection consists of sixteen paintings.

'لوحة' (lawḥatan) is singular accusative.

1

تشير الإحصائيات إلى أن ستة عشر بالمائة من السكان يفضلون هذا المنتج.

Statistics indicate that sixteen percent of the population prefers this product.

'بالمائة' (bil-miʾah) means 'percent'. The number 'ستة عشر' here functions as a quantity modifying 'percent'.

2

تم إطلاق ستة عشر صاروخًا خلال العملية العسكرية.

Sixteen missiles were launched during the military operation.

'صاروخًا' (ṣārūkhan) is singular accusative.

3

تبلغ مدة الفيلم ستة عشر دقيقة فقط.

The film's duration is only sixteen minutes.

'دقيقة' (daqīqatan) is singular accusative.

4

يحتوي هذا الدستور على ستة عشر بابًا.

This constitution contains sixteen chapters.

'بابًا' (bāban) is singular accusative.

5

تم تخصيص ستة عشر مليون دولار لمشروع التطوير.

Sixteen million dollars have been allocated for the development project.

'مليون' (milyūn - million) is a noun. Numbers 11-19 precede it, and the noun counted after 'مليون' is singular accusative. Here, 'دولار' (dūlār) is implied and singular accusative.

6

حقق الفريق ستة عشر فوزًا متتاليًا.

The team achieved sixteen consecutive wins.

'فوزًا' (fawzan) is singular accusative.

7

يعتقد الخبراء أن ستة عشر عامًا هي الفترة المثلى لإنجاز هذا المشروع.

Experts believe that sixteen years is the optimal period to complete this project.

'عامًا' (ʿāman) is singular accusative.

8

وصل عدد المشاركين في المؤتمر إلى ستة عشر ألفًا.

The number of participants in the conference reached sixteen thousand.

'ألفًا' (alfan) is singular accusative.

1

تُشير الدراسات الأولية إلى أن ستة عشر بالمائة من عينة البحث أظهرت استجابة إيجابية للعلاج.

Preliminary studies indicate that sixteen percent of the research sample showed a positive response to the treatment.

Formal usage of percentages in academic or scientific contexts.

2

تم إصدار ستة عشر منشورًا علميًا حول هذا الاكتشاف.

Sixteen scientific publications have been issued on this discovery.

'منشورًا' (manshūran) is singular accusative.

3

يُعتقد أن الحضارة القديمة استمرت لمدة ستة عشر قرنًا.

It is believed that the ancient civilization lasted for sixteen centuries.

'قرنًا' (qarnan) is singular accusative.

4

تتضمن الوثيقة ستة عشر مادة قانونية معقدة.

The document includes sixteen complex legal articles.

'مادة' (maddatan) is singular accusative.

5

بلغت قيمة الأصول المدارة في الشركة ستة عشر مليار دولار.

The value of the company's managed assets reached sixteen billion dollars.

'مليار' (milyār - billion) is a noun. 'دولار' (dūlār) is implied and singular accusative.

6

تم تصميم ستة عشر نموذجًا أوليًا للمنتج الجديد.

Sixteen prototypes for the new product have been designed.

'نموذجًا' (namūdhajan) is singular accusative.

7

تتطلب هذه العملية ستة عشر مرحلة دقيقة.

This process requires sixteen precise stages.

'مرحلة' (marḥalatan) is singular accusative.

8

يُقال إن ستة عشر ألف جندي شاركوا في المعركة.

It is said that sixteen thousand soldiers participated in the battle.

'ألف' (alf - thousand) is a noun. 'جندي' (jundī) is implied and singular accusative.

1

في سياق التحليل التاريخي، قد تشير ستة عشر عامًا إلى حقبة زمنية محددة ذات سمات ثقافية واقتصادية مميزة.

In the context of historical analysis, sixteen years might refer to a specific epoch with distinct cultural and economic characteristics.

Sophisticated use of numbers in academic historical discourse. 'عامًا' (ʿāman) is singular accusative.

2

تمت مراجعة ستة عشر مخطوطة قديمة للكشف عن أسرار لغوية.

Sixteen ancient manuscripts were reviewed to uncover linguistic secrets.

'مخطوطة' (makhṭūṭatan) is singular accusative. High-level vocabulary.

3

يُعدّ هذا البند من الاتفاقية، الذي ينص على ستة عشر بندًا فرعيًا، حجر الزاوية في العلاقات الثنائية.

This article of the agreement, which stipulates sixteen sub-clauses, is considered the cornerstone of bilateral relations.

'بندًا' (bandan) is singular accusative. Complex legal terminology.

4

تُظهر الأبحاث في علم النفس الإدراكي أن ستة عشر ميللي ثانية قد تكون كافية لحدوث الإدراك الواعي.

Research in cognitive psychology suggests that sixteen milliseconds may be sufficient for conscious perception to occur.

'ميللي ثانية' (mīlī thāniyah - millisecond) is a compound noun. 'ثانية' (thāniyatan) is singular accusative. Highly specialized scientific context.

5

لقد ترك المؤلف بصمة واضحة في ستة عشر عملًا أدبيًا مؤثرًا.

The author has left a clear mark on sixteen influential literary works.

'عملًا' (ʿamalan) is singular accusative. Literary context.

6

يُعزى هذا التغيير الهيكلي إلى ستة عشر عاملًا متداخلاً.

This structural change is attributed to sixteen interacting factors.

'عاملًا' (ʿāmilān) is singular accusative. Abstract concept.

7

تمت دراسة ستة عشر ألف حالة لتقييم فعالية اللقاح الجديد.

Sixteen thousand cases were studied to evaluate the efficacy of the new vaccine.

'ألف' (alf - thousand) is a noun. 'حالة' (ḥālah) is implied and singular accusative.

8

يُشكل هذا النص ستة عشر بابًا من أبواب العلم والمعرفة.

This text constitutes sixteen chapters of knowledge and learning.

'بابًا' (bāban) is singular accusative. Metaphorical usage.

Common Collocations

ستة عشر عامًا
ستة عشر كتابًا
ستة عشر دولارًا
ستة عشر دقيقة
ستة عشر شخصًا
ستة عشر درجة
ستة عشر يومًا
ستة عشر سنة
ستة عشر فصلًا
ستة عشر بالمائة

Common Phrases

عمري ستة عشر عامًا.

— This phrase is used to state one's age as sixteen years old.

عندما سألوني عن عمري، أجبت: 'عمري ستة عشر عامًا.'

لدي ستة عشر...

— This is a common way to start a sentence indicating possession of sixteen of something.

لدي ستة عشر كتابًا عن التاريخ.

إنها ستة عشر.

— This phrase is used to state the number sixteen, often as an answer to a question about quantity or age.

'كم عدد التفاحات؟' - 'إنها ستة عشر.'

في سن السادسة عشرة.

— This phrase refers to being at the age of sixteen, often used in a more descriptive or formal way than just stating the age.

كانت في سن السادسة عشرة عندما بدأت دراسة الموسيقى.

ستة عشر زائد...

— This is the beginning of a mathematical expression involving addition with the number sixteen.

ستة عشر زائد تسعة يساوي خمسة وعشرين.

ما بين ستة عشر و...

— This phrase indicates a range of numbers starting from sixteen.

نحتاج إلى ما بين ستة عشر وعشرين طالبًا.

في اليوم السادس عشر.

— This phrase refers to the sixteenth day of a month.

سيبدأ المؤتمر في اليوم السادس عشر من الشهر.

ستة عشر قطعة.

— This phrase indicates a quantity of sixteen pieces of something.

اشتريت ستة عشر قطعة بسكويت.

ستة عشر ساعة.

— This phrase indicates a duration of sixteen hours.

استمر العمل لمدة ستة عشر ساعة.

فوق ستة عشر.

— This phrase indicates a quantity greater than sixteen.

هناك فوق ستة عشر شخصًا في الغرفة.

Often Confused With

ستة عشر vs السادس عشر

'السادس عشر' is the ordinal number meaning 'the sixteenth', used for order or position. 'ستة عشر' is the cardinal number meaning 'sixteen', used for quantity. Example: 'The sixteenth chapter' vs. 'I read sixteen chapters'.

ستة عشر vs ستة

'ستة' means 'six'. It is a single digit number, whereas 'ستة عشر' represents a quantity of sixteen. Example: 'I have six books' vs. 'I have sixteen books'.

ستة عشر vs عشرة

'عشرة' means 'ten'. It is a different quantity than sixteen. Example: 'I have ten apples' vs. 'I have sixteen apples'.

Idioms & Expressions

"عمره ستة عشر عاماً"

— This idiom literally means 'his age is sixteen years', and it is used to refer to someone who is exactly sixteen years old. It's a direct statement of age.

إنه في مرحلة مهمة من حياته، عمره ستة عشر عاماً.

Neutral
"في السادس عشر من عمره"

— Similar to the above, this idiom means 'at the age of sixteen'. It often implies the transition into teenage years and the associated developments.

بدأت رحلته المهنية في السادس عشر من عمره.

Neutral/Slightly Formal
"بين الستة عشر والواحد والعشرين"

— This idiom refers to the age range between sixteen and twenty-one, often associated with young adulthood and crucial life decisions.

تُعتبر الفترة بين الستة عشر والواحد والعشرين فترة حرجة لتشكيل الهوية.

Neutral/Slightly Formal
"لا يتجاوز الستة عشر"

— This idiom means 'not exceeding sixteen', used to indicate a limit or maximum of sixteen.

عدد المقاعد المتاحة لا يتجاوز الستة عشر.

Neutral
"أتم الستة عشر"

— This idiom means 'he/she completed sixteen years', signifying reaching the age of sixteen.

احتفلت العائلة عندما أتم الستة عشر من عمره.

Neutral
"وصل إلى الستة عشر"

— This idiom means 'reached sixteen', applicable to age or quantity.

وصل عدد المشاركين إلى الستة عشر.

Neutral
"بين الستة عشر والعشرون"

— Similar to 'between sixteen and twenty-one', this phrase denotes the age range of sixteen to twenty.

معظم الطلاب بين الستة عشر والعشرين لديهم اهتمامات متنوعة.

Neutral
"لدي ستة عشر سبباً"

— This idiom means 'I have sixteen reasons', used to emphasize having many justifications for something.

لدي ستة عشر سببًا لرفض هذا الاقتراح.

Neutral
"يوم السادس عشر"

— This refers to the sixteenth day of a month, often used for specific dates.

سوف نسافر في يوم السادس عشر من الشهر القادم.

Neutral
"أكثر من ستة عشر"

— This idiom means 'more than sixteen', indicating a quantity exceeding sixteen.

تجاوز عدد الحضور أكثر من ستة عشر ألف شخص.

Neutral

Easily Confused

ستة عشر vs ستة عشر

The structure of Arabic numbers 11-19 can be confusing for learners as it combines the unit and ten. Also, the grammatical rule of the singular accusative noun following these numbers is a common point of error.

'ستة عشر' is the cardinal number for sixteen. It is used to denote quantity. Its grammatical behavior with the counted noun (singular accusative) is a key feature. It should not be confused with ordinal numbers or smaller cardinal numbers.

I have <mark class='bg-emerald-200 dark:bg-emerald-800 px-0.5 rounded'>sixteen</mark> (ستة عشر) books. This is the <mark class='bg-emerald-200 dark:bg-emerald-800 px-0.5 rounded'>sixteenth</mark> (السادس عشر) book I own. I have <mark class='bg-emerald-200 dark:bg-emerald-800 px-0.5 rounded'>six</mark> (ستة) books. I have <mark class='bg-emerald-200 dark:bg-emerald-800 px-0.5 rounded'>ten</mark> (عشرة) books.

ستة عشر vs ستة عشر

Pronunciation can be a barrier. The 'ayn' sound in 'عشر' might be difficult for non-native speakers, leading to misidentification with similar-sounding words or incorrect numbers.

Accurate pronunciation of 'ستة عشر' is crucial for clear communication. The specific sounds and stress pattern distinguish it from other numbers and words. Paying attention to the 't' in 'sittata' and the 'ayn' in 'ashar' helps differentiate it.

Correct pronunciation: sittata 'ashar. Incorrect pronunciation might sound like 'sittar ashar' or 'sittata shar', potentially causing confusion.

ستة عشر vs ستة عشر

Learners might struggle with the grammatical rule that the noun counted by numbers 11-19 takes the singular accusative form. They might mistakenly use the plural or the nominative singular.

The correct grammatical structure is Number + Noun (singular accusative). For example, 'ستة عشر قلمًا' (sittata ʿashara qalamān - sixteen pens), not 'ستة عشر أقلام' or 'ستة عشر قلم'. This rule is vital for correct Arabic usage.

Correct: 'I saw <mark class='bg-emerald-200 dark:bg-emerald-800 px-0.5 rounded'>sixteen cats</mark>' (رأيت <mark class='bg-emerald-200 dark:bg-emerald-800 px-0.5 rounded'>ستة عشر قطًا</mark>). Incorrect: 'رأيت ستة عشر قطط' or 'رأيت ستة عشر قط'.

ستة عشر vs ستة عشر

Distinguishing between cardinal numbers (for quantity) and ordinal numbers (for order) is a common challenge. 'ستة عشر' is cardinal, while 'السادس عشر' is ordinal.

'ستة عشر' answers 'how many?', while 'السادس عشر' answers 'which one?' in a sequence. They are distinct concepts and words.

I have <mark class='bg-emerald-200 dark:bg-emerald-800 px-0.5 rounded'>sixteen</mark> books (لدي <mark class='bg-emerald-200 dark:bg-emerald-800 px-0.5 rounded'>ستة عشر</mark> كتابًا). This is the <mark class='bg-emerald-200 dark:bg-emerald-800 px-0.5 rounded'>sixteenth</mark> book (هذا هو الكتاب <mark class='bg-emerald-200 dark:bg-emerald-800 px-0.5 rounded'>السادس عشر</mark>).

ستة عشر vs ستة عشر

The compound nature of numbers 11-19 might lead to confusion with numbers formed differently, like tens (20, 30, etc.) or larger numbers.

'ستة عشر' is a specific value (16) formed by combining six and ten. Numbers like 'عشرون' (twenty) or 'ثلاثون' (thirty) have different structures and represent different quantities.

I have <mark class='bg-emerald-200 dark:bg-emerald-800 px-0.5 rounded'>sixteen</mark> (ستة عشر) items. I have <mark class='bg-emerald-200 dark:bg-emerald-800 px-0.5 rounded'>twenty</mark> (عشرون) items. I have <mark class='bg-emerald-200 dark:bg-emerald-800 px-0.5 rounded'>thirty</mark> (ثلاثون) items.

Sentence Patterns

A1

Number + Noun (singular accusative)

لدي <mark class='bg-emerald-200 dark:bg-emerald-800 px-0.5 rounded'>ستة عشر قلمًا</mark>.

A1

Age statement (Subject + 'عمري'/'عمره' + Number)

عمري <mark class='bg-emerald-200 dark:bg-emerald-800 px-0.5 rounded'>ستة عشر</mark>.

A2

Number + Noun (singular accusative)

اشتريت <mark class='bg-emerald-200 dark:bg-emerald-800 px-0.5 rounded'>ستة عشر تفاحةً</mark>.

A2

Quantity statement (Number + Noun)

هناك <mark class='bg-emerald-200 dark:bg-emerald-800 px-0.5 rounded'>ستة عشر طالبًا</mark> في الصف.

B1

Duration (Number + 'ساعة'/'دقيقة')

استغرقت الرحلة <mark class='bg-emerald-200 dark:bg-emerald-800 px-0.5 rounded'>ستة عشر ساعة</mark>.

B1

Price (Number + Currency)

ثمن الكتاب <mark class='bg-emerald-200 dark:bg-emerald-800 px-0.5 rounded'>ستة عشر ريالًا</mark>.

B2

Percentage (Number + 'بالمائة')

ارتفعت المبيعات بنسبة <mark class='bg-emerald-200 dark:bg-emerald-800 px-0.5 rounded'>ستة عشر بالمائة</mark>.

B2

Large quantity (Number + 'ألف'/'مليون' + Noun)

شارك <mark class='bg-emerald-200 dark:bg-emerald-800 px-0.5 rounded'>ستة عشر ألف</mark> شخص في الحدث.

Word Family

Nouns

عشرة Ten
ستة Six
عشرون Twenty

Related

السادس عشر The sixteenth (ordinal number)
عشر Ten (used in compounds)
ست Six
أعداد Numbers
حساب Calculation/Arithmetic
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How to Use It

frequency

High

Common Mistakes
  • Incorrect noun form → ستة عشر كتابًا

    Learners often forget to make the noun singular and accusative after numbers 11-19. The correct form for 'sixteen books' is '<mark class='bg-emerald-200 dark:bg-emerald-800 px-0.5 rounded'>ستة عشر كتابًا</mark>' (sittata ʿashara kitāban), not 'ستة عشر كتب' or 'ستة عشر كتاب'.

  • Confusing cardinal and ordinal numbers → السادس عشر

    Saying 'I am <mark class='bg-emerald-200 dark:bg-emerald-800 px-0.5 rounded'>sixteen</mark>' (أنا <mark class='bg-emerald-200 dark:bg-emerald-800 px-0.5 rounded'>ستة عشر</mark>) is correct for quantity, but saying 'This is the <mark class='bg-emerald-200 dark:bg-emerald-800 px-0.5 rounded'>sixteenth</mark> day' requires the ordinal '<mark class='bg-emerald-200 dark:bg-emerald-800 px-0.5 rounded'>السادس عشر</mark>'.

  • Mispronunciation of 'عشر' → sittata 'ashar

    The 'ع' (ayn) sound in 'عشر' is often mispronounced by learners, sometimes replaced by a glottal stop or an 'a' sound. This can lead to confusion with other words or numbers.

  • Using plural noun → ستة عشر قلمًا

    A common error is to use the plural form of the noun instead of the singular accusative. For 'sixteen pens', the correct form is '<mark class='bg-emerald-200 dark:bg-emerald-800 px-0.5 rounded'>ستة عشر قلمًا</mark>', not 'ستة عشر أقلام'.

  • Incorrect case ending on noun → ستة عشر كتابًا

    Even if the noun is singular, forgetting the accusative ending (-an) is a mistake. The correct form is '<mark class='bg-emerald-200 dark:bg-emerald-800 px-0.5 rounded'>ستة عشر كتابًا</mark>', not 'ستة عشر كتاب'.

Tips

The Singular Accusative Rule

Remember that for numbers 11-19, including 'ستة عشر', the noun being counted is always singular and in the accusative case. This is a crucial rule for correct Arabic grammar. For example, instead of 'sixteen cars', it's 'ستة عشر سيارةً' (sittata ʿashara sayyāratan).

Cardinal vs. Ordinal

Do not confuse 'ستة عشر' (sixteen - quantity) with 'السادس عشر' (the sixteenth - order). They serve different purposes. Think of 'how many?' for cardinal numbers and 'which one?' for ordinal numbers.

Mastering the 'Ayn' Sound

The 'ع' (ayn) in 'عشر' can be challenging. Practice this pharyngeal sound by imagining it originating from the back of your throat. Listening to native speakers and imitating them is highly recommended.

Age and Milestones

In many cultures, including Arabic-speaking ones, sixteen is a significant age, often marking a transition. While the number itself is neutral, its use in contexts like age can carry cultural weight.

Everyday Counting

Start by using 'ستة عشر' in simple, everyday contexts like counting objects around you, stating your age, or referring to prices. This builds confidence and reinforces the learning.

Chunking and Association

Break down 'ستة عشر' into its components: 'ستة' (six) and 'عشر' (ten). Create associations, like picturing six groups of ten items, or a visual mnemonic to help remember the number and its meaning.

Sentence Building

Actively construct sentences using 'ستة عشر' in various grammatical structures. This helps solidify your understanding of its usage and the associated grammar rules.

Active Listening

When listening to Arabic, try to identify the number 'ستة عشر'. Pay attention to the context to understand what it refers to (age, quantity, etc.) and how it's used grammatically.

Related Numbers

Learn the numbers around sixteen (fifteen, seventeen, eighteen, nineteen) and their Arabic equivalents. This will help you understand the pattern of compound numbers in Arabic.

Double-Check Noun Form

Always double-check that the noun following 'ستة عشر' is in the singular accusative form. This is a common area where learners make mistakes, so be vigilant!

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'six' and 'ten' combining. Imagine 'six' people holding up 'ten' fingers each, making a total of sixteen people, or maybe 'six' groups of 'ten' items each, plus six more items to make sixteen. Another way is to associate 'sittata' with 'sitting' and 'ashar' with 'a share', so 'sitting to get a share of sixteen'.

Visual Association

Picture six objects and then ten more objects, and count them together to reach sixteen. Or, visualize the number '6' and the number '10' visually merging to form '16'. You could also imagine a clock showing 4:00 (which is 16:00 in 24-hour format) and associate the '4' with the 'six' part (6 is close to 4 in some visual representations) and the '00' with the 'ten' part.

Word Web

ستة عشر numbers age six ten quantity teenager Arabic

Challenge

Try to use 'ستة عشر' in at least three different sentences today, covering different contexts like age, quantity, and price. For example: 'My sister is sixteen.', 'I have sixteen pens.', 'This costs sixteen dollars.'

Word Origin

The word 'ستة عشر' is derived from Classical Arabic. It is a compound number formed by combining the Arabic word for 'six' ('ستة' - sittah) and the word for 'ten' ('عشر' - 'ashar). This construction is typical for numbers 11 through 19 in Arabic.

Original meaning: The literal meaning is 'six and ten'. The 'and' is implied in the compound structure.

Semitic (Afro-Asiatic)

Cultural Context

The number sixteen itself is neutral. However, its context can be sensitive. For instance, discussing the age of minors requires awareness of privacy and legal protections. When referring to quantities, particularly in formal or scientific contexts, precision is important. In general, using the number appropriately within its context is key to respectful communication.

In English-speaking cultures, sixteen is also a significant age, often associated with obtaining a driver's license in many regions, marking a step towards independence. It's also a common age for significant birthday celebrations.

The age of sixteen is often depicted in literature and film as a pivotal moment of transition, rebellion, or self-discovery. In some legal systems, sixteen is the age of criminal responsibility or the age at which one can consent to certain activities. Historically, certain ages have been associated with rites of passage, and sixteen often falls within this category in various societies.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Talking about age

  • عمري ستة عشر عامًا.
  • هو في السادسة عشرة.
  • كم عمرك؟

Shopping and prices

  • يكلف ستة عشر دولارًا.
  • هل لديك ستة عشر قطعة؟
  • السعر هو ستة عشر.

Counting objects

  • لدي ستة عشر كتابًا.
  • اشتريت ستة عشر تفاحة.
  • هناك ستة عشر كرسيًا.

Time and duration

  • انتظرت ستة عشر دقيقة.
  • استغرقت الرحلة ستة عشر ساعة.
  • الساعة السادسة عشر دقيقة.

General quantities

  • ستة عشر بالمائة من السكان.
  • بلغ عدد الحضور ستة عشر شخصًا.
  • يحتوي الصندوق على ستة عشر شيئًا.

Conversation Starters

"If you were sixteen again, what would you do differently?"

"What's the most memorable thing that happened when you were sixteen?"

"Do you think sixteen is a good age to start working?"

"What are some common things people do when they turn sixteen in your culture?"

"If you had sixteen wishes, what would they be?"

Journal Prompts

Write about a significant memory or event from when you were sixteen years old.

Describe a situation where you had to count sixteen items. What were they, and why were you counting them?

Imagine you are buying something that costs sixteen units of currency. Describe the item and the experience.

Reflect on the age of sixteen. What does this number represent to you in terms of life stages and development?

Create a short story that involves the number sixteen in a prominent way. It could be a quantity, an age, or a specific date.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

The Arabic word for sixteen is ستة عشر (pronounced sittata 'ashar). It is a cardinal number used to denote quantity.

You write it as ستة عشر. When counting nouns, the noun usually follows in the singular accusative form, like ستة عشر كتابًا (sixteen books).

'ستة عشر' means sixteen (a quantity), while 'السادس عشر' means the sixteenth (an order or position). For example, 'I have sixteen apples' (لدي ستة عشر تفاحة) versus 'This is the sixteenth apple' (هذه هي التفاحة السادسة عشر).

You say 'عمري ستة عشر عامًا' (ʿumrī sittata ʿashara ʿāman) if you are speaking about yourself, or 'عمره ستة عشر عامًا' (ʿumruhu sittata ʿashara ʿāman) if speaking about a male, or 'عمرها ستة عشر عامًا' (ʿumruha sittata ʿashara ʿāman) for a female. The word 'عامًا' (year) is singular and accusative.

For numbers 11-19, including 'ستة عشر', the number itself does not change based on the gender of the noun it counts. However, the noun being counted has a gender.

Nouns counted by 'ستة عشر' (and other numbers from 11-19) must be in the singular accusative case. For example, 'ستة عشر قلمًا' (sixteen pens).

Yes, 'ستة عشر' is used in all registers, including formal contexts like official documents, academic papers, and news reports, where precision is important.

The structure of 'ستة عشر' (six + ten) is typical for numbers 11-19 in Arabic, showing a pattern of combining the unit with 'ten'. This systematic approach is characteristic of Arabic numerals.

Common mistakes include not using the singular accusative form for the counted noun, confusing it with the ordinal number 'السادس عشر', or mispronouncing it.

Practice by counting objects around you, stating your age or the age of others, discussing prices, and creating sentences using the number in different contexts. Using flashcards and engaging in conversations with native speakers are also effective methods.

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