Starting Point
Zero first
In Urdu, zero is صفر (sifr). You'll use it in phone numbers and addresses. The word comes from Arabic and is where the English word "cipher" originates.
Core Numbers
One to ten
These are the building blocks. Once you know 1 to 10, the rest of Urdu numbers follow a pattern that makes them much easier to pick up.
Going Further
Eleven to twenty
11 to 19 in Urdu each have their own unique word, unlike English where the pattern is more regular. Take them one at a time.
Asking Questions
How many? How much?
These two questions unlock a huge amount of conversation. Use them in shops, at markets, or just getting to know someone.
کتنے (kitnay) on its own is enough in casual conversation. You might also hear کتنی (kitni) when asking about feminine nouns. For now, kitnay covers most situations.
یہ (yeh) = this, کتنے کا (kitnay ka) = how much of/for, ہے (hay) = is. Essential for shopping. Point at the item and say this.
آپ (aap) = you (formal), کی (ki) = of/your, عمر (umar) = age, کیا (kya) = what, ہے (hay) = is. Note: asking an elder's age directly can feel intrusive. Use with care.
Real Sentences
Putting numbers to use
Knowing the numbers is only half of it. Here's how to use them in the sentences you'll actually need.
Telling your age
I am ___ years old
Giving your phone number
My number is ___
Phone numbers in Urdu are said digit by digit, just like in English. So 07700 900123 would be: sifr, saat, saat, sifr, sifr... and so on. Practise reading your own number aloud using the cards above.
Counting things
In Urdu, the number comes before the noun, same as in English. There is no word for "a" or "an" — ایک (aik) does the job of "one" and "a" at the same time.
Quick Reference
All numbers at a glance
Use this table to drill the full set.
A note on Urdu numerals
Urdu has its own numeral script, separate from the Arabic-script letters. You will see these on price tags, buses, calendars, and signs across Pakistan: ۱ ۲ ۳ ۴ ۵ ۶ ۷ ۸ ۹ ۱۰. They look different from Western numerals but read in the same left-to-right direction, unlike the Urdu text around them.
In everyday Pakistani life, especially in cities and in informal writing, the Western numerals (1, 2, 3...) are used just as commonly. So don't panic if you can't read the Urdu numerals yet — knowing the words and the Western digits will get you a long way.
Practice
Try it yourself
Say each answer out loud before tapping to reveal. The goal is to say the number without looking at the card.
What would you say?
Picture the situation and respond in Urdu.
Numbers are easier with a real conversation.
Reading numbers off a page is one thing. Saying your age, your phone number, or the price you want, without freezing, takes practice with someone who can guide you. Book a free call.