Learning to say numbers in Vietnamese is essential when visiting Vietnam or communicating with Vietnamese speakers. Whether you need to ask for prices, tell the time, or understand numerical information, this guide will help you master the Vietnamese number system. We will cover both formal and informal ways of saying numbers, focusing on the common dialects spoken across Vietnam.
Table of Contents
1. Vietnamese Number System Overview
The Vietnamese number system is based on a combination of native Vietnamese words and Chinese-influenced Sino-Vietnamese words. While the Sino-Vietnamese numerals are more formal and used in official and formal contexts, the native Vietnamese digits are commonly used in everyday conversations. Below you will find the most frequently used numbers in Vietnamese:
1.1 Native Vietnamese Numbers (0-10)
- 0 – Số không
- 1 – Một
- 2 – Hai
- 3 – Ba
- 4 – Bốn
- 5 – Năm
- 6 – Sáu
- 7 – Bảy
- 8 – Tám
- 9 – Chín
- 10 – Mười
Note that “một” can be omitted when counting objects in Vietnamese. For example, “một cái bàn” means “one table,” but you can also say “cái bàn” (table) to imply “one table.”
1.2 Sino-Vietnamese Numbers (11-99)
When counting beyond the number 10, Vietnamese uses Sino-Vietnamese numerals. These Chinese-derived numerals consist of two parts: the numerical prefix (derived from Chinese) and the word “mươi” (ten). Here are the numbers from 11 to 99:
11 – Mười một
12 – Mười hai
20 – Hai mươi
25 – Hai mươi lăm
30 – Ba mươi
41 – Bốn mươi mốt
50 – Năm mươi
69 – Sáu mươi chín
70 – Bảy mươi
88 – Tám mươi tám
99 – Chín mươi chín
2. Formal Ways of Saying Numbers
Formal situations often require the use of Sino-Vietnamese numerals and specific counters for different types of objects. Counters are necessary in Vietnamese to indicate the type, shape, or size of objects being counted. Here are some examples of formal ways to say numbers:
2.1 Counters
When using numbers to count formal objects, you need to pair them with appropriate counters. Here are some common counters used in Vietnamese:
- Con – Animals (e.g., con chó – dog)
- Cái – General objects (e.g., cái bàn – table)
- Người – People (e.g., ba người – three people)
- Quyển – Books (e.g., bốn quyển sách – four books)
Each counter has its own set of rules when used with numbers, so it’s best to consult a more advanced resource to learn specific counter usages.
2.2 Time and Dates
When telling time or stating dates formally, Sino-Vietnamese numerals are essential. Here’s an example:
- Time: 5:30 PM – “Năm giờ ba mươi phút chiều”
- Date: January 1st – “Ngày một tháng một”
3. Informal Ways of Saying Numbers
In informal situations, the native Vietnamese numbers are commonly used. Informal ways of saying numbers are simpler and easier to grasp. Let’s explore some examples:
3.1 Native Vietnamese Numbers Usage
When asking for prices, quantities, or just counting everyday objects, you can use the native Vietnamese numbers in combination with general counters. Here are a few examples:
- Prices: Một trăm đồng (100 đồng), hai ngàn (2000 đồng)
- Quantities: Ba quả táo (three apples), bảy cái bút (seven pens)
- Counting: Tôi có năm cây cột (I have five poles)
4. Regional Variations
Vietnamese is spoken in various regions, and there may be slight differences in how numbers are pronounced. However, the differences are minimal and easily understandable across different dialects. No additional variations are necessary to cover in this guide.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have reached the end of our guide on how to say numbers in Vietnamese. Remember to practice saying the numbers, both formal and informal, to become more comfortable using them in real-life situations. With this knowledge in hand, you can confidently interact with Vietnamese speakers, negotiate prices, and understand numerical information. Enjoy your journey in learning Vietnamese!
