Welcome to this comprehensive guide on how to say “twelve” in Arabic. Whether you’re interested in learning Arabic or just curious about the language, we’re here to provide you with a range of options for both formal and informal ways to express the number twelve in Arabic. Below, you’ll find various tips, examples, and even some regional variations if necessary. So let’s dive right in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say Twelve in Arabic
When it comes to formal Arabic, there are a few different ways to say “twelve”. The most commonly used formal word for twelve is:
اثنا عشر (ithna ‘ashar)
This phrase is used universally across Arabic-speaking countries and is the standard way to express the number twelve in formal situations. It’s important to note that the Arabic numeral system is right-to-left, so the number “12” is actually written as “١٢” in Arabic script.
Tips:
- Ensure to pronounce the “th” sound in “ithna” properly. It’s similar to the “th” in the English word “think”.
- Pay attention to the elongated “aa” sound in “a’ashar”.
Example:
If you’re discussing the number of attendees at a formal event, you could say:
“في هذا الحدث، حضر اثنا عشر شخصاً.” (Fi hatha al-hadth, hadara ithna ‘ashar shakhsan.)
This translates to: “At this event, twelve people attended.”
Informal Ways to Say Twelve in Arabic
In informal Arabic, people often use either the word for “twelve” in formal Arabic or:
تلاتة عشر (talata ‘ashar)
This phrase is more commonly used in casual conversations and everyday interactions. Similar to the previous example, “١٢” is the written form of “12” in Arabic for both formal and informal occasions.
Tips:
- The word “talata” means “three” in Arabic, so it’s helpful to remember that “talata ‘ashar” literally translates to “three and ten” in English.
- Again, pay attention to the elongated “aa” sound in “a’ashar”.
Example:
If you’re talking about the time, you might say:
“شوفك في الكافيه الساعة تلاتة عشر.” (Shofak fi al-kafeh al-sa’ah talata ‘ashar.)
This translates to: “See you at the cafe at twelve o’clock.”
Regional Variations
The variations in how “twelve” is expressed across different Arabic-speaking regions are relatively minimal. However, in some dialects, you may come across variations such as:
- In Egyptian Arabic: اطناشر (itnashar) or اطناش (itnash)
- In Levantine Arabic (Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Palestine): تلاتي عشرة (tlātī ‘asra)
Keep in mind that these variations should mostly be used within their respective regions to ensure clear communication, as they may not be universally understood across all Arabic-speaking countries.
Example:
Using the Egyptian variation, you could say:
“عندي مقابلة في الساعة اطناش.” (Andi mawa’efa fi al-sa’ah itnash.)
This translates to: “I have a meeting at twelve o’clock.”
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve just learned how to say “twelve” in Arabic, both formally and informally. Remember to use اثنا عشر (ithna ‘ashar) for formal situations and تلاتة عشر (talata ‘ashar) for more casual interactions. While some regional variations exist, it’s best to stick with the standard phrases unless you’re within a specific Arab country where the variation is commonly used. Practice speaking these phrases with native Arabic speakers, and you’ll soon become more fluent in the language. Keep up the great work, and continue exploring the richness of Arabic culture and language!
