Portuguese Numbers 0 to 9: Complete Guide with Pronunciation

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

Portuguese Numbers 0-9

Pronunciation Tips

The "s" at the end:

• European Portuguese: becomes "sh" → dois = "doysh", três = "trehsh", seis = "saysh"
• Brazilian Portuguese: stays "ss" → dois = "DOYS", três = "TREHSS", seis = "SAYSS"

The "t" in sete and oito:

• European Portuguese: hard "t" → sete = "SEH-tuh"
• Brazilian Portuguese: becomes "ch" before e/i → sete = "SEH-chee", oito = "OY-choo"

Nasal sounds: Um and três require nasal pronunciation - some air goes through your nose:

• um: The "m" nasalizes the vowel (like humming "oom")
• três: The ê (circumflex) marks a closed nasal "e" sound

The "c" sound:

• Before e/i: "s" sound → cinco = "SEEN-koo"
• Before a/o/u: "k" sound → quatro = "KWAH-troo"

Gender Agreement with Um

Um changes based on the gender of the noun:

Rules:

• Use um before masculine nouns
• Use uma before feminine nouns
• Use um when counting standalone

Unlike Spanish, there's no uno form - Portuguese only uses um or uma.

Diphthongs

Diphthongs (two vowel sounds together):

Regional Variations

Portuguese pronunciation differs between Portugal and Brazil:

European Portuguese:

• Final "s" becomes "sh": dois = "doysh"
• Vowels are more clipped
• Final "e" sounds like "uh": sete = "SEH-tuh"

Brazilian Portuguese:

• Final "s" stays as "ss": dois = "DOYS"
• Vowels are more open
• "t" before "e/i" becomes "ch": sete = "SEH-chee"
• Final "e" sounds like "ee"

Both variations are mutually intelligible.

Quick Takeaways

• Portuguese has distinct European and Brazilian pronunciation differences
• The final "s" becomes "sh" in European Portuguese but stays "ss" in Brazilian
• Um and uma are the only gender-specific numbers in 0-9
• Nasal sounds are crucial - um and três require air through the nose
• Três is the only number with an accent mark (ê)
• These numbers form the basis for all larger Portuguese numbers

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

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