Spanish Numbers 0 to 9: Complete Guide with Pronunciation

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

Spanish Numbers 0-9

Pronunciation Tips

Vowel sounds:

• a = "ah" (father)
• e = "eh" (bet)
• i = "ee" (see)
• o = "oh" (boat)
• u = "oo" (food)

Key consonants:

• r = single tap (like "butter" in American English)
• rr = rolled r (not present in 0-9)
• c before e/i = "s" sound (cinco)
• c before a/o/u = "k" sound (cuatro, cero)

Stress patterns: Most of these numbers have stress on the first syllable except for siete (see-EH-teh), which stresses the second syllable.

Gender Agreement with Uno

Uno changes based on the gender of the noun:

Rules:

• Use un before masculine nouns: un restaurante
• Use una before feminine nouns: una mesa
• Use uno when counting or when the noun is understood: "¿Cuántos?" "Uno."

Common Patterns

Silent letters: There are no silent letters in Spanish numbers 0-9. Every letter is pronounced.

Double letters: Only cuatro and ocho have double letters (cu-a-tro, o-cho), but both letters are pronounced.

Diphthongs (two vowel sounds together):

• cuatro: "ua" = "wah"
• seis: "ei" = "ay"
• siete: "ie" = "yeh"
• nueve: "ue" = "weh"

Usage in Everyday Contexts

Phone numbers: Read digit by digit:

• 234 = "dos, tres, cuatro"

Addresses:

• Calle Ocho = 8th Street
• Número tres = Number 3

Time:

• La una = 1:00 (feminine because "hora" is feminine)
• Las dos = 2:00 (plural)

Prices:

• Un euro = 1 euro
• Dos euros = 2 euros

Regional Variations

Spanish numbers 0-9 are consistent across all Spanish-speaking regions. The pronunciation is essentially the same in Spain, Mexico, Argentina, and other Spanish-speaking countries.

Minor accent differences exist, but the numbers remain universally understood.

Quick Takeaways

• Spanish numbers 0-9 are spelled phonetically - they sound how they're written
• Uno changes to un or una based on noun gender
• Stress is on the first syllable except for siete
• All letters are pronounced - no silent letters
• These numbers form the basis for all larger Spanish numbers

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

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