Italian Numbers 0 to 9: Complete Guide with Pronunciation

Italian numbers 0 to 9 are the foundation of the entire Italian number system. Here's everything you need to know.

Italian Numbers 0-9

Pronunciation Tips

Double consonants matter:

Italian doubles the consonant sound when you see double letters. The difference is noticeable and important:

• quattro = "KWAH-troh" (hold the "t" sound slightly longer)
• sette = "SET-teh" (emphasize the "t")
• otto = "OH-toh" (pause slightly on the "t")

The "c" and "ch" sounds:

• c before e/i = "ch" sound like "church" → cinque = "CHEEN-kweh"
• ch = hard "k" sound → appears in higher numbers

Vowel clarity:

Italian vowels are pure and consistent - each vowel makes one clean sound. Unlike English where vowels shift and slide, Italian vowels stay crisp. This makes pronunciation predictable once you learn the pattern.

The rolling "r":

Italian uses a rolled or trilled "r" sound. In tre, quattro, and zero, you tap or roll the "r" with your tongue against the roof of your mouth.

If you can't roll your r's yet, a single tap (like the "tt" in American "butter") works fine and Italians will understand you.

Gender Agreement with Uno

Like Spanish, uno changes based on the gender of the noun it modifies:

Rules:

• Use un before most masculine nouns: un ristorante
• Use uno before masculine nouns starting with s+consonant, z, gn, ps: uno studente
• Use una before feminine nouns: una pizza
• Use uno when counting standalone: "Quanti?" "Uno."

Common Patterns

Silent letters:

There are no silent letters in Italian numbers 0-9. Every letter is pronounced clearly.

Stress patterns:

Most numbers have stress on the first syllable:

• ZE-ro, U-no, DU-e, TRE, QUAT-tro, CIN-que, SEI, SET-te, OT-to, NO-ve

Double consonants to watch:

• quattro (four)
• sette (seven)
• otto (eight)

Remember to hold these consonants slightly longer than you would in English.

Usage in Everyday Contexts

Phone numbers:

Italians read phone numbers digit by digit:

• 347 = "tre, quattro, sette"

Addresses:

• Via Garibaldi, numero cinque = Garibaldi Street, number 5
• Secondo piano = Second floor

Time:

• L'una = 1:00 (feminine because "ora" is feminine)
• Le due = 2:00
• Le tre = 3:00

Prices:

• Un euro = 1 euro
• Due euro = 2 euros
• Cinque euro e cinquanta = 5 euros and 50 cents

Ordering at cafes:

• "Un caffè, per favore" = One coffee, please
• "Due cappuccini" = Two cappuccinos

Regional Variations

Italian numbers 0-9 are consistent across all regions of Italy. While dialects exist (Sicilian, Neapolitan, Venetian, etc.), standard Italian numbers are universally understood and used.

The pronunciation is essentially the same from Milan to Sicily, though accents may vary slightly.

Grammar Notes

Plural forms:

Only uno (one) changes form. Numbers 2-9 remain the same regardless of gender:

• Due ragazzi (two boys)
• Due ragazze (two girls)
• Tre libri (three books)
• Quattro case (four houses)

No "and" between numbers:

Unlike English, Italian doesn't use "e" (and) within compound numbers until you get to larger numbers:

• 21 = ventuno (not venti e uno)
• 32 = trentadue (not trenta e due)

Quick Takeaways

• Italian numbers 0-9 are spelled phonetically - they sound how they're written
• Double consonants (quattro, sette, otto) must be pronounced with emphasis
• Uno changes to un, uno, or una based on what follows
• Every letter is pronounced - no silent letters
• The rolling "r" is authentic but not required for understanding
• All vowels are pure and consistent
• These numbers form the basis for all larger Italian numbers

Master these nine numbers and you'll have the foundation for the entire Italian counting system.

---

If you're traveling in Italy and get a ticket number at a restaurant or government office, TravelNum lets you type your number and instantly hear how it sounds in Italian.