A1 Script & Writing 14 min read Easy

Persian Numbers 0-10 (yek, do, seh)

Use **Number + tâ + Singular Noun** for counting anything in spoken Persian.

Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

Mastering Persian numbers 0-10 is the foundation for everything from buying bread to telling time.

  • Zero is 'sefr' (۰).
  • Numbers 1-10 are 'yek' (۱) through 'dah' (۱۰).
  • Persian numbers are written from left to right, even within RTL text.
Number + Noun = Count (e.g., 'do' + 'sib' = 'do sib' (two apples))

Overview

Mastering Persian numbers from zero to ten is a foundational pillar for any A1 learner. These eleven basic numerals (sefr to dah) are not merely standalone words but are the building blocks for all higher numbers and complex numerical expressions. A solid grasp of their form, pronunciation, and usage is indispensable for everyday communication, from exchanging contact information to shopping, telling time, and discussing quantities.

Unlike many Indo-European languages that inflect numbers for gender, case, or animacy, Persian numbers remain invariant. This simplifies the learning process significantly, as you do not need to memorize multiple forms for a single number. Once you learn the basic form, it applies universally to all nouns, regardless of their nature.

This consistency is a hallmark of Persian numerical grammar and a considerable advantage for beginners.

Persian utilizes its own unique set of numerical symbols, distinct from the Western (Arabic) numerals commonly used in English. Familiarity with these symbols is as crucial as learning their spoken equivalents, as they are ubiquitous in all forms of written Persian, from digital displays to price tags and official documents. This chapter will equip you with a comprehensive understanding of these essential numbers, preparing you for more advanced counting and numerical concepts.

How This Grammar Works

At its core, Persian numerical grammar operates on a principle that often contrasts with English: the number precedes the noun, and the noun remains in its singular form. This is a critical distinction that learners must internalize early. In English, you would say "two books" (plural noun), but in Persian, the structure is do ketâb (دو کتاب), literally "two book." The number itself conveys the plurality, rendering any plural marking on the noun redundant and grammatically incorrect in this context.
This linguistic phenomenon stems from how Persian categorizes numbers. They function as determiners or quantifiers, modifying the noun by specifying its quantity rather than acting as adjectives that would agree in number. Consequently, the noun maintains its base, singular form.
Attempting to pluralize the noun after a number is a common error among English speakers and will sound unnatural to native Persian speakers, akin to saying "two books-es."
An essential element in spoken Persian, particularly when counting concrete objects, is the use of the counter word (تا). While often omitted in formal written contexts or when numbers are used abstractly (e.g., in mathematics), acts as a general unit or piece indicator, placed between the number and the singular noun. For instance, "three apples" becomes seh tâ sib (سه تا سیب).
Though seh sib (سه سیب) is grammatically correct and used in some formal or poetic registers, seh tâ sib is overwhelmingly preferred in colloquial conversation and lends authenticity to your spoken Persian. Think of as reinforcing the idea of discrete units being counted.
Consider these examples:
  • yek dâneshjoo (یک دانشجو) – one student (formal/neutral)
  • do ketâb (دو کتاب) – two books (formal/neutral)
  • panj tâ moshteri (پنج تا مشتری) – five customers (colloquial, with )
In these instances, dâneshjoo, ketâb, and moshteri all remain singular, even when referring to multiple items. The number yek (one) can also function as an indefinite article, similar to "a" or "an" in English, signifying a single, unspecified item: yek mard (یک مرد) means "a man" or "one man," depending on context.

Formation Pattern

1
Learning Persian numbers 0-10 involves memorizing both their unique script symbols and their spoken forms. The table below presents these foundational numbers, including their Western digit equivalent, Persian symbol, full Persian script with diacritics (short vowels), a standard transliteration, and a phonetic guide for A1 learners. Mastering these is crucial, as they form the basis for all subsequent numbers.
2
| Digit (Western) | Persian Symbol | Persian Word (Script) | Transliteration | Phonetic Guide (Approximation) | Notes/Variations |
3
| :-------------- | :------------- | :-------------------- | :-------------- | :----------------------------- | :--------------- |
4
| 0 | ۰ | صِفر | sefr | like "safar" without the second 'a' | Used for zero, empty |
5
| 1 | ۱ | یِک | yek | like "yeck" | Also means "a/an" |
6
| 2 | ۲ | دُو | do | like "do" in "dough" | |
7
| 3 | ۳ | سِه | seh | like "say" without the 'y' sound, short 'e' | |
8
| 4 | ۴ | چَهـار | chahâr | like "chah-har" | Accent on second syllable |
9
| 5 | ۵ | پَنج | panj | like "punj" (u as in "cup") | Symbol looks like a small heart |
10
| 6 | ۶ | شِش | shesh | like "shesh" | Colloquially often shish |
11
| 7 | ۷ | هَفْت | haft | like "huft" (u as in "cup") | |
12
| 8 | ۸ | هَشت | hasht | like "husht" (u as in "cup") | |
13
| 9 | ۹ | نُه | noh | like "no" but with a soft 'h' at the end | Can be confused with na (no/not) |
14
| 10 | ۱۰ | دَه | dah | like "dah" | |
15
Let's delve into specific characteristics of each:
16
۰ (sefr / صِفر): The concept of zero came to Europe via Arabic numerals, which in turn were influenced by Indian mathematics. In Persian, sefr functions identically to zero in English, indicating an absence of quantity. It is crucial in phone numbers and mathematical contexts. Notice the dot (or hollow circle) for its symbol.
17
۱ (yek / یِک): Beyond meaning "one," yek frequently serves as the indefinite article "a" or "an." For example, yek mard (یک مرد) can mean "one man" or "a man." The distinction often relies on context and emphasis. If you stress yek, it more clearly means "one" versus other numbers.
18
۲ (do / دُو): Straightforward in its use, do is a simple and common number. Its pronunciation is similar to the English word "dough."
19
۳ (seh / سِه): Also a simple number. Ensure the final 'h' sound is soft, not a strong aspiration. The vowel is a short 'e' sound.
20
۴ (chahâr / چَهـار): Pay attention to the initial ch sound, which is like 'ch' in 'church'. The stress typically falls on the second syllable, ha, and the final r is often softly rolled or tapped.
21
۵ (panj / پَنج): The symbol for five (۵) is distinct and often visually tricky for new learners, sometimes resembling a small heart or an 's' shape. The pronunciation has a nasal 'n' sound.
22
۶ (shesh / شِش): This number highlights a common formal-colloquial split. While the formal pronunciation is shesh, in everyday spoken Persian, it is almost universally pronounced shish (شیش). Both are understood, but shish sounds more natural in casual settings. The symbol (۶) is also quite unique.
23
۷ (haft / هَفْت): Pronounced with a short 'a' vowel, similar to the 'u' in 'cup'. The final 't' is clear.
24
۸ (hasht / هَشت): Similar to haft in vowel sound. The sh sound is like in 'she'.
25
۹ (noh / نُه): This number's pronunciation can be confused with na (نه), which means "no" or "not." Context usually clarifies, but paying attention to the distinct vowel and the soft final 'h' of noh is helpful.
26
۱۰ (dah / دَه): The culmination of the basic numbers, dah is essential as it forms the basis for the tens (e.g., bist for 20, si for 30, but also combining directly for 11-19 as you will learn later). Its symbol is simply 1 (۱) and 0 (۰) together.

When To Use It

The numbers 0-10 are fundamental and appear in a wide array of contexts in Persian. Understanding these common applications will solidify your grasp of their practical utility.
  1. 1Counting Concrete Nouns: This is the most direct application. As established, use the structure Number + (tâ) + Noun (singular).
  • do ketâb (دو کتاب) – two books (formal context, e.g., on a library list)
  • do tâ ketâb (دو تا کتاب) – two books (colloquial, requesting in a bookstore)
  • chahâr sib (چهار سیب) – four apples (formal, e.g., a recipe ingredient)
  • chahâr tâ sib (چهار تا سیب) – four apples (colloquial, asking for them at a market)
  1. 1Phone Numbers and Codes: When reciting phone numbers, national ID codes (kode-meli), or other numerical sequences, each digit is typically read individually from left to right. This is one of the few instances where Persian numbers are not read right-to-left like the script.
  • Phone number 09123456789: sefr, noh, yek, do, seh, chahâr, panj, shish, haft, hasht, noh (صفر، نه، یک، دو، سه، چهار، پنج، شیش، هفت، هشت، نه)
  • Password 1234: yek, do, seh, chahâr (یک، دو، سه، چهار)
  1. 1Telling Basic Time: For simple hours (e.g., 1 o'clock, 7 o'clock), these numbers are directly used with sâ'at-e (ساعتِ) and the number. More complex time expressions involve additional vocabulary.
  • sâ'at-e yek (ساعتِ یک) – 1 o'clock
  • sâ'at-e haft (ساعتِ هفت) – 7 o'clock
  1. 1Stating Age: To express one's age, you combine the number with sâl (سال - year) and the appropriate verb conjugation for "to have" (dâshtan).
  • man panj sâl dâram (من پنج سال دارم) – I am five years old (literally: I have five years)
  • oo dah sâl dârad (او ده سال دارد) – S/he is ten years old
  1. 1Mathematical Operations: For fundamental arithmetic, these numbers are essential.
  • yek be alâveh do mishe seh (یک به علاوه دو می‌شه سه) – One plus two equals three
  • hasht menhây-e panj mishe seh (هشت منهای پنج می‌شه سه) – Eight minus five equals three
  1. 1Dates (Day of the Month): When referring to specific days of the month, the number precedes the month name.
  • do-ye Farvardin (دو فروردین) – Second of Farvardin (a Persian month)
  • haft-e Tir (هفت تیر) – Seventh of Tir
  1. 1Expressing Quantity Without a Specific Noun: When the noun is understood from context, or you're simply asking "how many?" and responding, you use the number, often with .
  • chand tâ dâri? do tâ. (چند تا داری؟ دو تا.) – How many do you have? Two (of them).
  • yek dâdand (یک دادند) – They gave one.
These varied applications underscore the pervasive nature of numbers 0-10 in daily Persian life. Practicing their use in each of these contexts will greatly enhance your communicative competence.

Common Mistakes

Learning numbers, though seemingly simple, presents several pitfalls for A1 learners. Recognizing these common errors will help you avoid them and refine your Persian.
  • Pluralizing the Noun After a Number: This is, without a doubt, the most frequent and significant error. As discussed, Persian numbers act as quantifiers, and the noun they modify remains singular. Adding the plural suffix -hâ (ها) or using an irregular plural form after a number is grammatically incorrect and makes your speech sound very unnatural.
  • Incorrect: seh tâ dokhtar-hâ (سه تا دخترها) – three girls (with plural suffix)
  • Correct: seh tâ dokhtar (سه تا دختر) – three girls
  • Incorrect: panj mardân (پنج مردان) – five men (using irregular plural mardân)
  • Correct: panj mard (پنج مرد) – five men
  • Why this happens: English speakers are accustomed to two books. The direct transfer of this rule to Persian is the source of the mistake. Remember, the number itself indicates multiplicity.
  • Omitting in Spoken Persian (for concrete nouns): While grammatically optional in formal writing, omitting when counting discrete items in casual conversation can make your Persian sound stiff or even incomplete to a native speaker. It's a key marker of natural, colloquial speech.
  • Less natural: do sib mikhâm (دو سیب می‌خوام) – I want two apples
  • More natural: do tâ sib mikhâm (دو تا سیب می‌خوام) – I want two apples
  • Confusing Persian Numerical Symbols: The visual similarity between some Persian digits can be confusing.
  • ۰ (sefr) and ۵ (panj): The zero is a simple dot/circle, while five is a more elaborate, almost heart-shaped symbol. Do not mix them up.
  • ۴ (chahâr) and ۶ (shesh): While distinct, their shapes can initially be tricky for learners accustomed to Western digits. Pay close attention to their unique forms.
  • Pronunciation Difficulties: Specific sounds can pose challenges.
  • chahâr (چهار) vs. shesh (شش): The initial ch sound (as in 'church') of chahâr versus the sh sound (as in 'she') of shesh can be hard to differentiate in rapid speech or noisy environments. Focus on distinct articulation.
  • noh (نه) vs. na (نه): noh (9) has a slightly longer, more rounded 'o' sound and a subtle final 'h' compared to na (no/not). Context is usually the strongest differentiator, but mindful pronunciation helps.
  • Reading Numbers Right-to-Left: Despite Persian text being written and read from right to left, numerical sequences are read and written from left to right, just like in English. This is a crucial exception to the general script directionality.
  • ۱۰ is read as dah (10), not sefr-yek (01).
  • ۹۸۷ is read noh-hasht-haft, not haft-hasht-noh.
By being aware of these common pitfalls and actively practicing the correct patterns, you can significantly improve the accuracy and naturalness of your Persian numerical expressions.

Real Conversations

Understanding how numbers 0-10 are used in authentic Persian conversations is key to developing practical fluency. Here are several common scenarios:

1. Shopping at a Bazaar or Store:

Imagine you are buying fruit or asking for prices.

- You: in chand-e? (این چنده؟) – How much is this?

- Vendor: panjâ-o-do hezâr toman. (پنجاه و دو هزار تومان.) – Fifty-two thousand Toman.

- You: do kilo sib mikhâm. (دو کیلو سیب می‌خوام.) – I want two kilograms of apples. (Notice no here because kilo is a unit of measurement already)

- You: yek bârbari lotfan. (یک باربری لطفاً.) – One loaf of bread, please. (bârbari is a type of bread.)

2. Ordering Food or Drink at a Café:

- You: do tâ chây sabz dârid? (دو تا چای سبز دارید؟) – Do you have two green teas?

- Waiter: baleh, albatteh. dige chi? (بله، البته. دیگه چی؟) – Yes, of course. Anything else?

- You: yek âb-miveh porteqâl ham lotfan. (یک آب‌میوه پرتقال هم لطفاً.) – And one orange juice, please.

3. Exchanging Contact Information:

- Friend: shomâreh-ye telefon-et chi-ye? (شماره تلفنت چیه؟) – What's your phone number?

- You: sefr-noh-dah-yek-seh-chahâr-do-panj-hasht. (۰۹۱۰۱۳۴۲۵۸) – 0910134258. (Each digit read out individually)

4. Discussing Age or Personal Details:

- You: chand sâl-et-e? (چند سالته؟) – How old are you? (To someone your age)

- Other person: man bist-o-do sâl-am-e. (من بیست و دو سالمه.) – I am twenty-two years old.

- You: pedar-am panjâh-o-hasht sâl-esh-e. (پدرم پنجاه و هشت سالشه.) – My father is fifty-eight years old.

5. Social Media and Online Interactions:

Persian numbers are used extensively in comments, ratings, and casual online discourse.

- Comment: dah az dah! (ده از ده!) – Ten out of ten! (Meaning: perfect score)

- Caption: do tâ ghoroob-e zibâ! (دو تا غروب زیبا!) – Two beautiful sunsets! (Referring to two photos)

- Text message: man haft daqiqe dige miresam. (من هفت دقیقه دیگه می‌رسم.) – I'll arrive in seven more minutes.

These examples illustrate the natural integration of numbers 0-10 into various communicative functions. Pay attention to the subtle differences in usage and the individual reading of digits for sequences.

Quick FAQ

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions that often arise when learning Persian numbers 0-10.
  • Q: Are Persian numbers read from Right-to-Left, like the script?
  • A: No. This is a critical exception. Although the Persian script is read Right-to-Left, numerical sequences (like ۱۰ for 10 or ۹۱۲ for 912) are always written and read from Left-to-Right, just as in English. This convention helps prevent confusion and maintains mathematical consistency.
  • Q: Is the counter word (تا) always mandatory when counting?
  • A: In spoken Persian, especially when referring to discrete, countable objects (like apples, people, or chairs), using between the number and the noun is highly recommended and makes your speech sound much more natural and fluent. Omitting it can make your sentence sound incomplete or overly formal. In formal written Persian or when referring to abstract numbers, is often omitted.
  • Q: How do I distinguish yek (یک) meaning "one" from yek meaning "a/an"?
  • A: Context is key. If you are contrasting yek with do (two) or seh (three), it clearly means "one." If it precedes a noun in a general statement and isn't being emphasized for quantity, it likely functions as an indefinite article. For example, yek ketâb (یک کتاب) can be "one book" if you're specifying the quantity, or "a book" if you're introducing it generally. Stressing yek can also emphasize its quantitative meaning.
  • Q: Do Persian numbers change form for masculine or feminine nouns, or for singular/plural nouns?
  • A: No, absolutely not. This is a major simplification in Persian grammar compared to many European languages. Persian numbers are invariant; they do not inflect for gender, case, or the number of the noun they modify. The noun itself always remains singular when preceded by a number (except in specific idiomatic phrases which are advanced and rare for A1).
  • Q: Can noh (۹) be confused with the Persian word na (نه - no/not)?
  • A: Yes, this is a common point of confusion for beginners due to phonetic similarity. noh (nine) typically has a slightly more rounded 'o' sound and a subtle final 'h'. na (no/not) is usually shorter and more emphatic. Crucially, context almost always clarifies which word is being used. You won't typically use noh to negate a verb, nor na to count items.
  • Q: How do I write the Persian symbol for zero?
  • A: The Persian symbol for zero is ۰. It looks like a small circle or a dot, distinct from the Western 0. It's important not to confuse it with a punctuation mark like a period. This symbol is used universally in Persian for sefr.

Persian Numbers 0-10

Digit Persian Transliteration
0
۰
sefr
1
۱
yek
2
۲
do
3
۳
seh
4
۴
chahār
5
۵
panj
6
۶
shesh
7
۷
haft
8
۸
hasht
9
۹
noh
10
۱۰
dah

Meanings

Cardinal numbers used to quantify objects and indicate sequence.

1

Counting

Quantifying items.

“یک کتاب (yek ketāb - one book)”

“سه نفر (seh nafar - three people)”

Reference Table

Reference table for Persian Numbers 0-10 (yek, do, seh)
Form Structure Example
Affirmative
Number + Noun
دو کتاب (Two books)
Negative
Number + Noun + Nīst
دو کتاب نیست (There are not two books)
Question
Number + Noun + ? (Intonation)
دو کتاب؟ (Two books?)
Quantity
Number + Noun + Hā
سه کتاب‌ها (The three books)

Formality Spectrum

Formal
من دو تا دارم.

من دو تا دارم. (Casual conversation)

Neutral
دو تا دارم.

دو تا دارم. (Casual conversation)

Informal
دو تا دارم.

دو تا دارم. (Casual conversation)

Slang
دوتا دارم.

دوتا دارم. (Casual conversation)

Counting Basics

Numbers

Small

  • یک 1
  • دو 2

Examples by Level

1

یک سیب

One apple

2

دو کتاب

Two books

3

سه نفر

Three people

4

چهار روز

Four days

1

من دو سیب دارم

I have two apples

2

او سه کتاب می‌خواهد

He wants three books

3

پنج نفر اینجا هستند

Five people are here

4

شش ساعت کار

Six hours of work

1

قیمت هفت دلار است

The price is seven dollars

2

هشت نفر در کلاس هستند

Eight people are in class

3

نه روز مانده است

Nine days remain

4

ده دقیقه صبر کن

Wait ten minutes

1

او در رتبه چهارم است

He is in fourth place

2

پنجاه درصد تخفیف

Fifty percent discount

3

شش ماه گذشت

Six months passed

4

هفت روز هفته

Seven days of the week

1

هشتاد سال پیش

Eighty years ago

2

نه نفر از ده نفر

Nine out of ten people

3

دهمین سالگرد

Tenth anniversary

4

سه بار تکرار کن

Repeat three times

1

هفت آسمان در ادبیات

Seven heavens in literature

2

ده فرمان اخلاقی

Ten moral commandments

3

پنج رکن اسلام

Five pillars of Islam

4

شش جهت اصلی

Six main directions

Easily Confused

Persian Numbers 0-10 (yek, do, seh) vs Ordinal vs Cardinal

Mixing up 'one' (yek) and 'first' (avval).

Common Mistakes

کتاب دو

دو کتاب

Numbers must precede the noun.

دوتا کتاب

دو کتاب

Adding 'ta' is colloquial; use standard form for formal writing.

سه کتاب‌ها

سه کتاب

Plural marker is redundant with numbers.

دهمین کتاب‌ها

دهمین کتاب

Ordinal numbers are singular.

Sentence Patterns

من ___ دارم.

Real World Usage

Bazaar constant

دو کیلو سیب (Two kilos of apples)

💡

Practice aloud

Say numbers while walking.

Smart Tips

Don't pluralize the noun after a number.

دو کتاب‌ها دو کتاب

Pronunciation

/seh/ vs /ʃeʃ/

Vowel length

Ensure 'seh' is short and 'shesh' is crisp.

Counting

Yek, Do, Seh ↑

Rising intonation for lists.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Yek, Do, Seh — think of a 'Yek' (yell) at 'Do' (door) at 'Seh' (sea).

Visual Association

Imagine a giant '۱' (yek) standing on a '۲' (do) like a circus act.

Rhyme

Yek is one, Do is two, Seh is three, I count for you.

Story

I saw one (yek) bird, then two (do) cats, then three (seh) dogs. They all ran away to the park.

Word Web

sefryekdosehchahārpanjsheshhaft

Challenge

Count your fingers in Persian right now.

Cultural Notes

Numbers are central to bargaining in bazaars.

Persian numbers are Indo-European in origin.

Conversation Starters

چند تا سیب داری؟

Journal Prompts

List 5 things you have in your room using Persian numbers.

Common Mistakes

Incorrect

Correct


Incorrect

Correct


Incorrect

Correct


Incorrect

Correct

Test Yourself

Fill in the number 2.

___ کتاب

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: دو
Two is 'do'.

Score: /1

Practice Exercises

1 exercises
Fill in the number 2.

___ کتاب

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: دو
Two is 'do'.

Score: /1

Practice Bank

12 exercises
Match the digit to the Persian word. Match Pairs

Match the pairs

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ["5 - Panj","2 - Do","9 - Noh","4 - Chah\u00e2r"]
Complete the phone number. Fill in the Blank

My number is 091... (___, noh, yek...)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Sefr
Arrange the words to say 'I want two teas'. Sentence Reorder

mikhâham / châi / do / tâ / man

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Man do tâ châi mikhâham
Translate 'Seven days'. Translation

Seven days

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Haft ruz
Identify the number symbol. Multiple Choice

Which symbol represents the number 5?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ۵
Select the correct counter word. Fill in the Blank

Seh ___ pizza.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer:
Fix the pluralization error. Error Correction

I have four brothers: 'Chahâr barâdar-hâ dâram.'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Chahâr barâdar dâram.
What is the colloquial pronunciation of 6? Fill in the Blank

Formal: Shesh. Colloquial: ___

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Shish
Choose the correct script for '10'. Multiple Choice

How do you write 10 in Persian?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ۱۰
Match the English rhyme to the Persian number. Match Pairs

Memory hooks

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ["Dough - Do (2)","Sponge - Panj (5)","Set - Seh (3)"]
Translate 'hasht'. Translation

What number is 'hasht'?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 8
Complete the sequence. Fill in the Blank

yek, do, ___, chahâr

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: seh

Score: /12

FAQ (1)

Yes, it is 'sefr'.

Scaffolded Practice

1

1

Mastery Progress

Needs Practice

Improving

Strong

Mastered

In Other Languages

Spanish high

dos libros

Spanish numbers have gender.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

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