Learning to count in Hindi can be exciting and challenging, especially for beginners. Hindi, one of the most widely spoken languages in India, boasts a unique number system that is different from Western languages. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the basics of counting in Hindi, including numbers, cardinal numbers, ordinal numbers, and common expressions involving numbers. By the end of this article, you will be equipped with the knowledge to comfortably count and communicate numerical information in Hindi.
Numbers in Hindi
In Hindi, the numbers from zero to nine are as follows:
- Zero: शून्य (shoony)
- One: एक (ek)
- Two: दो (do)
- Three: तीन (teen)
- Four: चार (chaar)
- Five: पांच (paanch)
- Six: छह (chhe)
- Seven: सात (saat)
- Eight: आठ (aath)
- Nine: नौ (nau)
Tens and Beyond
Numbers in Hindi follow a base-ten system, similar to English. Here are the multiples of ten up to ninety:
- Ten: दस (das)
- Twenty: बीस (bees)
- Thirty: तीस (tees)
- Forty: चालीस (chaalis)
- Fifty: पचास (pachaas)
- Sixty: साठ (saath)
- Seventy: सत्तर (sattar)
- Eighty: अस्सी (assi)
- Ninety: नब्बे (nabbe)
To form compound numbers in Hindi above twenty, you simply combine the tens and units digit with the word “aur” (meaning “and”). For example, to say forty-two, you would say “chaalis aur do”.
Cardinal and Ordinal Numbers
Cardinal numbers represent quantity, while ordinal numbers indicate order or sequence. Here are a few examples to demonstrate the difference:
- Cardinal: तीन किताबें (teen kitaaben) – Three books
- Ordinal: पहला (pahla) – First
Ordinal numbers in Hindi are relatively simple as they are often formed by adding -वा (-wa) for masculine nouns and -वी (-vee) for feminine nouns. For instance, third would be तीसरा (teesra) for a masculine object and तीसरी (teesree) for a feminine object.
Common Expressions Involving Numbers
Numbers are an integral part of daily conversation and are used in various contexts. Here are a few common expressions involving numbers in Hindi:
- एक दो तीन (ek do teen) – One two three (used to count or when listing items)
- सो सौ तीन (so sau teen) – 703 (literally “hundred three”)
- आधे दस बजे (aadhe das baje) – Half past ten (referring to time)
Tips for Practicing Hindi Numbers
- Repetition is key to mastering numbers in any language. Practice counting regularly.
- Make flashcards with Hindi numbers on one side and their English equivalents on the other.
- Use numbers in context, such as when telling time, counting money, or shopping.
FAQs About Counting in Hindi
1. How do you pronounce the Hindi numbers accurately?
- Pronunciation in Hindi is crucial. Start by listening to native speakers and practice mimicking their intonation.
2. Are there any irregularities in Hindi numbers?
- While the Hindi numbering system is relatively straightforward, there are irregularities in certain numbers like 11, 12, and 13, which have unique words (ग्यारह – gyarah, बारह – baarah, तेरह – terah).
3. Can you provide tips for remembering complex Hindi numbers?
- Break down complex numbers into smaller components and practice them individually. For example, 78 can be seen as 60 (saath) + 10 (das) + 8 (aath).
4. What are some common mistakes learners make when counting in Hindi?
- Mixing up similar-sounding numbers, such as “chaar” (four) and “chhe” (six), is a common mistake. Being mindful of pronunciation is key.
5. How can I apply Hindi numbers in real-life situations?
- Practice using numbers in everyday scenarios like ordering food, asking for directions, or telling the time to enhance your practical skills.
Counting in Hindi is a fundamental aspect of language learning that opens the doors to effective communication and cultural understanding. Embrace the challenge, practice consistently, and soon you’ll find yourself effortlessly conversing and counting in Hindi like a pro. Happy counting!