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Numbers 1 to 10

The First Ten Numbers

Let's start with the basics. Counting is one of the first things you do in any new language. The numbers from one to ten are your foundation for everything from telling time to buying things at a market. Luckily, the Tagalog numbers are straightforward and have a pleasant rhythm once you get used to them.

Lesson image

We'll go through each number one by one. Pay close attention to the pronunciation. Many of the vowel sounds are pure and short, similar to Spanish. For example, the 'a' is always an 'ah' sound, and the 'o' is a short 'oh' sound.

Isa

One

Dalawa

Two

Tatlo

Three

Apat

Four

Lima

Five

Anim

Six

Pito

Seven

Walo

Eight

Siyam

Nine

Sampu

Ten

Putting It All Together

Now, let's try counting from one to ten without stopping. The best way to get these numbers into your memory is to say them out loud. Try it a few times. The rhythm will start to feel natural.

Isa, dalawa, tatlo, apat, lima, anim, pito, walo, siyam, sampu.

Here's a quick reference table you can use for practice. Notice how some numbers share sounds or structures, like pito and walo both ending with an "-o" sound.

NumberTagalogPronunciation
1Isaee-SAH
2Dalawada-la-WAH
3Tatlotat-LOH
4ApatAH-pat
5Limalee-MAH
6AnimAH-neem
7Pitopee-TOH
8Walowa-LOH
9SiyamSHAM
10Sampusam-POO

Practice counting objects around you. Count your fingers, books on a shelf, or steps you take. Connecting the words to physical objects is a powerful way to learn.

Ready to check your knowledge? Let's see how well you remember the first ten numbers in Tagalog.

Quiz Questions 1/5

What is the Tagalog word for the number five?

Quiz Questions 2/5

The word 'dalawa' represents which number?

Great work. You've just taken a big first step. Keep practicing, and these numbers will soon become second nature.