Understanding the Basics of Numbers in Hindi
Hindi numerals are based on the decimal system, just like English, but the words and pronunciation are different. Here are the numbers from 1 to 10 in Hindi:
- 1 – एक (ek)
- 2 – दो (do)
- 3 – तीन (teen)
- 4 – चार (chaar)
- 5 – पाँच (paanch)
- 6 – छह (chhah)
- 7 – सात (saat)
- 8 – आठ (aath)
- 9 – नौ (nau)
- 10 – दस (das)
From 11 onwards, each number has its own unique word up to 20, after which the pattern becomes more regular. Learning these basic numbers is the foundation for counting money and large sums in Hindi.
Counting Money in Hindi
When dealing with money in India, the basic unit is the Rupee, known in Hindi as रुपया (rupaya) for one rupee, रुपये (rupaye) for more than one rupee, and पैसा (paisa) for the subunit (1 rupee = 100 paisa).
Here are some examples of how to express amounts:
- 1 Rupee – एक रुपया (ek rupaya)
- 5 Rupees – पाँच रुपये (paanch rupaye)
- 10 Rupees – दस रुपये (das rupaye)
- 50 Paisa – पचास पैसा (pachaas paisa)
For larger amounts, the pattern remains consistent, but it’s important to use the correct singular or plural form of the currency.
Large Numbers in Hindi: Lakhs and Crores
One of the most distinct aspects of counting large numbers in Hindi is the use of the Indian numbering system, which differs from the Western system. Here are the key terms:
- 1,000 – हज़ार (hazaar)
- 10,000 – दस हज़ार (das hazaar)
- 1,00,000 (100,000) – एक लाख (ek lakh)
- 10,00,000 (1,000,000) – दस लाख (das lakh)
- 1,00,00,000 (10,000,000) – एक करोड़ (ek karod)
- 1,00,00,00,000 (1,000,000,000) – एक अरब (ek arab)
When reading or writing numbers in Hindi, you will often see commas placed according to these units, such as 5,00,000 for five lakhs.
Examples of Counting Large Sums in Hindi
- ₹2,50,000 – ढाई लाख रुपये (dhaai lakh rupaye)
- ₹1,25,00,000 – एक करोड़ पच्चीस लाख रुपये (ek karod pachchees lakh rupaye)
- ₹50,000 – पचास हज़ार रुपये (pachaas hazaar rupaye)
Tips for Mastering Numbers and Money in Hindi
- Practice regularly: Use flashcards, online quizzes, and apps like Talkpal to memorize numbers and their pronunciation.
- Listen to native speakers: Watch Hindi news, movies, or listen to radio broadcasts to hear how numbers and money are discussed in real-life situations.
- Role-play transactions: Practice buying and selling scenarios with friends or language partners to build your confidence.
- Understand the context: Remember that large numbers will often be expressed using lakhs and crores, not millions or billions.
Common Phrases for Dealing with Money in Hindi
- यह कितने का है? (Yeh kitne ka hai?) – How much does this cost?
- मुझे यह चाहिए (Mujhe yeh chahiye) – I want this.
- क्या आप कम कर सकते हैं? (Kya aap kam kar sakte hain?) – Can you reduce the price?
- कुल कितने रुपये हुए? (Kul kitne rupaye hue?) – What is the total amount?
- मुझे बिल दीजिए (Mujhe bill dijiye) – Please give me the bill.
Conclusion: Make Hindi Numbers Second Nature
Counting money and large numbers in Hindi requires practice and familiarity with the unique vocabulary and structure of the Indian numbering system. By mastering the basics and regularly exposing yourself to real-life contexts, you can gain confidence in handling financial transactions and large figures in Hindi. For more tips, interactive practice, and personalized feedback, explore Talkpal’s resources and make your Hindi learning journey effective and enjoyable.
