Palestinian-Jordanian Levantine Arabic 1.6. Cardinal Numbers I

In this lesson, we will study the use of cardinal numbers in Palestinian-Jordanian Levantine Arabic in details along with the relevant rules. Cardinal numbers in Modern Standards Arabic (MSA) have complex grammatical rules that many speakers often overlook. In Palestinian-Jordanian Arabic, as in other regional dialects, these rules are rarely followed, which simplifies the use of cardinal numbers.

Table of Contents

• Arabic Numerals vs. Indic Numerals
• Cardinal Numbers 0 – 10: The Basics
• Numbers 0 – 10: In More Depth
• Level I – Beginner I (A1)

Arabic Numerals vs. Indic Numerals

There are two numeral systems used in Arabic. Arabic numerals, widely used in European languages, are more common in the western part of the Arab world. In the eastern part, Indic numerals—also known as Eastern Arabic numerals—were traditionally used, though Arabic numerals have lately gained wider adoption there as well.

Cardinal Numbers 0 – 10: The Basics

Below are the cardinal numbers 0 – 10 in Arabic:

In Gaza and many West Bank villages, صِــفْــر (ṣifr) ‘zero’ is pronounced as سِــفْــر (sifr) by some Palestinians.

In addition, many people in urban areas and parts of Gaza pronounce the ث (th) in اِثْــنِــيــن (ithneyn) ‘two,’ ثَــلَاثِــة (thalātheh) ‘three,’ and ثَــمَـانْــيِــة (thamānyeh) ‘eight’ as ت (t).

Numbers 0 – 10: In More Depth

Let us now examine more complex grammatical rules regarding the cardinal numbers 0 – 10.

The cardinal numbers 1 and 2 can function as adjectives to emphasize quantity. Each has two forms based on gender.

Here are some examples:

Note that because Arabic has a dual form, the use of the number 2 after the noun is solely for emphasis. We will learn more about dual and plural forms in Level II, Lesson 4.

The cardinal number 1 can also be used as a noun. For example:

When followed by a noun to indicate a quantity, the numbers 3 – 10 are shortened by dropping the final ة (tā’ marbūṭah) and the preceding vowel.

Here are some examples:

^† Note that a كَـسْـرَة (kasrah) ‘short i’ vowel is added at the end of سِــتّ (sitt) to avoid a consonant cluster, i.e., sitt (i) byūt.

Notice that in the examples above, the noun following the number is in plural form. We will learn more about forming the plural in Level II, Lesson 4.

If the noun that follows the number starts with a vowel, it is common to hear a euphonic ت (t) inserted before the first vowel of the following noun. For example:

Next: Word Patterns in Arabic

Back to: Spelling and Syllable Stress

Other lessons in Level I: