Learning a new language is always exciting, but it can be tricky when you dive into a different numeral system. Whether you’re learning Persian (also called Farsi) for travel, business, or personal interest, mastering Persian numbers is an essential step. In this guide, we’ll break down how to read, write, and pronounce Persian numbers, offer tips on learning Farsi counting systems, and even show how they fit into everyday phrases. Let’s get started!

Numbers in Farsi

Persian, or Farsi, uses a different set of symbols to represent numbers, although the concept of numbers remains the same as in English. If you’ve ever seen Arabic numerals, you might have noticed they look similar to Farsi numbers, but there are key differences. The Persian numeral system has its own distinct characters that you’ll need to learn in order to count and communicate effectively.

Farsi Numbers vs. Arabic Numbers: Are They the Same?

Although Persian and Arabic numbers look somewhat alike, they’re not the same. Persian (Farsi) numbers stem from the Eastern Arabic numeral system but have adapted over time. Here’s a quick comparison of the numbers 0–9 in both systems:

Number	Farsi (Persian)	Arabic
0	۰	٠
1	۱	١
2	۲	٢
3	۳	٣
4	۴	٤
5	۵	٥
6	۶	٦
7	۷	٧
8	۸	٨
9	۹	٩

While many people think Persian and Arabic numbers are interchangeable, it’s essential to recognize that they have unique characteristics specific to their languages.

Farsi Numbers 101: Basic Farsi Numbers

Before diving into complex math or counting large amounts, let’s start with the basics. Below are numbers in Farsi, from 1 to 10:

1. 1. ۱ – yek (یک)

1. 1. ۲ – do (دو)

1. 1. ۳ – se (سه)

1. 1. ۴ – chahar (چهار)

1. 1. ۵ – panj (پنج)

1. 1. ۶ – shesh (شش)

1. 1. ۷ – haft (هفت)

1. 1. ۸ – hasht (هشت)

1. 1. ۹ – noh (نه)

1. 1. ۱۰ – dah (ده)

These are your basic Farsi numbers, and learning these first makes it easier to understand the more complex Persian counting system.

How to Count in Farsi Beyond 10

Once you’ve got 1-10 locked down, the next step is expanding your counting skills. Persian numbers follow a logical pattern:

• • 20 is bist (بیست)

• • 30 is si (سی)

• • 40 is chehel (چهل)

• • 50 is panjah (پنجاه)

• • 100 is sad (صد)

To count between these numbers, you simply combine the tens with the units. For example:

• • 21 is bist-o-yek (بیست و یک)

• • 35 is si-o-panj (سی و پنج)

• • 47 is chehel-o-haft (چهل و هفت)

Easy, right? You just need to add “-o-“ (meaning “and”) between the tens and the ones. Now, you can confidently count numbers in Farsi beyond 10.

Ordinal Numbers in Farsi

Ordinal numbers are essential when you want to talk about positions (first, second, third, etc.). Luckily, they follow a predictable pattern in Farsi. Here’s a quick look:

1. 1. First – avval (اول)

1. 1. Second – dovvom (دوم)

1. 1. Third – sevvom (سوم)

1. 1. Fourth – chaharom (چهارم)

1. 1. Fifth – panjom (پنجم)

Simply adding “-om” to the base number will help you get by when describing order or position.

Farsi Number Pronunciation Tips

When learning Farsi number pronunciation, it’s crucial to focus on the rhythm and the flow of the words. Farsi is a beautifully melodic language, so don’t rush through your pronunciation practice. Break it down syllable by syllable if needed, and listen to native speakers whenever possible.

For instance:

• • Seven in Farsi is haft (هفت) — a short, sharp sound.

• • Eight is hasht (هشت), with a bit more of a flowing sound.

Learning pronunciation early on will help when it comes to listening comprehension, especially with larger Farsi numbers.

How to Write Persian Numbers

Learning how to write Persian numbers is equally as important as pronouncing them correctly. Farsi is written from right to left, and numbers follow the same pattern. Here’s a quick guide to writing Farsi digits:

• • 1 – ۱

• • 2 – ۲

• • 3 – ۳

• • 4 – ۴

• • 5 – ۵

• • 6 – ۶

• • 7 – ۷

• • 8 – ۸

• • 9 – ۹

• • 10 – ۱۰

It’s a bit of a switch if you’re used to writing left-to-right, but with practice, it becomes second nature.

Common Farsi Phrases With Numbers

Numbers pop up in everyday conversation, so it’s helpful to know some common Farsi phrases with numbers. Here are a few examples:

• • What time is it? – ساعت چند است؟ (sa’at chand ast?)

• • I have two cats. – من دو گربه دارم. (man do gorbe daram)

• • He’s 30 years old. – او سی سال دارد. (oo si saal darad)

Practice incorporating numbers into your sentences to become more comfortable with using Farsi numbers naturally.

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