Learning numbers and counting in Hebrew is a fundamental aspect of grasping the basics of the language. Whether you’re shopping, scheduling, or simply need to give your telephone number, knowing how to articulate numbers can be incredibly useful. Below we’ll explore the essential vocabulary for numbers and counting in Hebrew.

אֶפֶס (Efes) – Zero
In Hebrew, the word for zero is “אֶפֶס” (efes). It’s important to recognize this word as it is often used in different contexts, such as telling time or indicating no quantity.
במבחן קיבלתי אפס. – I got a zero on the test.

אֶחָד (Echad) – One
The Hebrew word for one is “אֶחָד” (echad). This is one of the first cardinal numbers you will need to learn in Hebrew.
יש לי רק אחד. – I have only one.

שְׁנַיִם (Shnayim) – Two
For the number two, Hebrew uses “שְׁנַיִם” (shnayim). It is important to note that Hebrew numbers can change forms based on gender and pairing.
יש לי שניים. – I have two.

שָׁלוֹשׁ (Shalosh) – Three
The Hebrew word for three is “שָׁלוֹשׁ” (shalosh). This form is used when counting objects that are masculine in gender.
שלושה ילדים רצים בחוץ. – Three children are running outside.

אַרְבַּע (Arba) – Four
“אַרְבַּע” (arba) stands for the number four in Hebrew for counting masculine objects or when mentioning the number itself.
בחדר יש ארבעה כסאות. – There are four chairs in the room.

חָמֵשׁ (Chamesh) – Five
When you want to say five in Hebrew, use “חָמֵשׁ” (chamesh). Remember to adjust the form based on what you are counting.
חמשה תפוחים על השולחן. – Five apples are on the table.

שֵׁשׁ (Shesh) – Six
The word for six in Hebrew is “שֵׁשׁ” (shesh). The form remains consistent regardless of the gender of the things being counted.
שישה ביצים במגש. – There are six eggs on the tray.

שֶׁבַע (Sheva) – Seven
To express the number seven, Hebrew speakers say “שֶׁבַע” (sheva). It is a number that commonly appears in cultural contexts, such as in religious texts.
שבעה ימים בשבוע. – There are seven days in a week.

שְׁמוֹנֶה (Shmoneh) – Eight
“שְׁמוֹנֶה” (shmoneh) is the Hebrew word for eight. Again, this will change form when counting feminine objects.
יום ההולדת שלי בעוד שמונה ימים. – My birthday is in eight days.

תֵּשַׁע (Tesha) – Nine
When counting to nine, the Hebrew word you’ll use is “תֵּשַׁע” (tesha). This number is often seen in time-telling and age.
הוא בן תשע. – He is nine years old.

עֲשָׂרָה (Asara) – Ten
Finally, ten in Hebrew is “עֲשָׂרָה” (asara). It’s a base number that will help you build other numbers as you continue to learn.
עשרה אנשים בחדר. – Ten people are in the room.

As you continue learning Hebrew and dive into larger numbers, you’ll find that the language has a logical structure for numbering that builds off these foundational numbers. Practice counting different items around you as this will reinforce your memory and help you grasp the nuances of gender and plurality in Hebrew numbers. Start with small numbers, and gradually advance to larger ones, always paying attention to context and the gender of the nouns you are counting. Happy counting!

Remember, learning a new language is a journey filled with small steps – mastering the numbers is one of them. Shalom and good luck with your Hebrew learning!