Language/Burmese/Vocabulary/Numbers-1-10
Learning how to count numbers in a new language can be both challenging and exciting. It is also an important foundation for further language acquisition. In Burmese, numbers are an essential part of everyday communication. This lesson will introduce you to Burmese numbers from 1 to 10, and teach you how to use them in simple sentences.
Burmese Number System
Burmese has its own unique numeric system, which can differ from other Southeast Asian languages like Thai, Lao or Khmer. As Burmese numbers are based on a system of ones, tens, hundreds and thousands, it is quite easy to learn for English speakers.
The Burmese numerals are derived from the ancient Brahmi script, which was used throughout South Asia. Burmese numbers are written in a similar format to Arabic, with numerals arranged horizontally from left to right.
Here's a brief overview of the Burmese number system:
- ၀ - Zero (zero)
- ၁ - Ek (one)
- ၂ - Doh (two)
- ၃ - Tain (three)
- ၄ - Lay (four)
- ၅ - Nga (five)
- ၆ - Chauk (six)
- ၇ - Khu (seven)
- ၈ - Htwa (eight)
- ၉ - Koe (nine)
- ၁၀ - Tae (ten)
Note that the Burmese language uses the decimal system, where numbers are counted in groups of 10, rather than groups of 100, as in English.
Counting from 1 to 10
Let's take a closer look at the numbers from 1 to 10 in Burmese, and how they are pronounced.
Burmese | Pronunciation | English |
---|---|---|
၁ | ek | one |
၂ | doh | two |
၃ | tain | three |
၄ | lay | four |
၅ | nga | five |
၆ | chauk | six |
၇ | khu | seven |
၈ | htwa | eight |
၉ | koe | nine |
၁၀ | tae | ten |
To count from 1 to 10 in Burmese, simply use the numbers in the table above in order. Here is how you can say the numbers:
- ek
- doh
- tain
- lay
- nga
- chauk
- khu
- htwa
- koe
- tae
Try to practice these numbers by speaking them aloud. Make sure to get the pronunciation right.
Using Numbers in Simple Sentences
Now that you know how to count from 1 to 10 in Burmese, let's learn how to use these numbers in simple sentences.
Below are some examples of sentences that use Burmese numbers:
- ek hna lone pyaw (I have one sister)
- doh ma chit tot (I have two cats)
- tain mya ba myit tar (I am now 3 years old)
- lay palat soat (It's four o'clock)
- nga lone nay yit pyat (I'll arrive at 5 o'clock)
- chauk mya tar pan (I am six feet tall)
- khu mat kyaung tar hmu (There are seven trees here)
- htwa bat ma sat chin (I'm not yet eight years old)
- koe naing lwan khin (I'm 9 years old)
- tae ma kyun mhan lote (It costs 10 dollars)
As you can see, Burmese numbers can be used in various contexts such as time, age, numbers of people or animals, and prices.
Practice saying the examples above out loud. If you can, try making up your own sentences that include Burmese numbers.
Conclusion
Congratulations, you've just learned how to count from 1 to 10 in Burmese and how to use these numbers in simple sentences. Even though numbers can seem like a small aspect of language learning, they are a crucial foundation for everyday communication in any language. Keep practicing and don't forget to move on to the next lesson in our Complete 0 to A1 Burmese Course!