Numbers 1-10
Albanian numbers 1–10 are the foundation for counting. Most are invariant, but '3' changes for gender, and '1' doubles as the indefinite article.
How It Works
Counting in Albanian is straightforward, but there are three key rules to keep in mind for the first ten numbers:
- The List: 1: një, 2: dy, 3: tre/tri, 4: katër, 5: pesë, 6: gjashtë, 7: shtatë, 8: tetë, 9: nëntë, 10: dhjetë.
- Gender Agreement: Only the number 3 changes. Use tre for masculine nouns and tri for feminine nouns. While you might hear variations in dialects, the standard requires this distinction.
- Noun Number: The number një is always followed by a singular noun. Numbers 2–10 must be followed by a plural noun.
- Indefinite Form: Nouns following a number usually stay in their indefinite form (e.g., pesë libra, not pesë librat) unless you are referring to a specific, previously mentioned group.
For more details on how 'one' acts as an article, see the indefinite article një.
Examples (5)
- Kam një vëlla.
I have one brother.
Word by Word: I-have one brother.
The number 'një' is used with a singular noun.
- Në dhomë janë dy djem.
There are two boys in the room.
Word by Word: In room are two boys.
Numbers 2-10 require the noun to be in the plural form (djem).
- Tre libra dhe tri fletore.
Three books and three notebooks.
Word by Word: Three (m.) books and three (f.) notebooks.
Note the change: 'tre' for masculine (libra) and 'tri' for feminine (fletore).
- Ai bleu pesë mollë.
He bought five apples.
Word by Word: He bought five apples.
The number 'pesë' is invariant and followed by a plural noun.
- Dhjetë ditë në Shqipëri.
Ten days in Albania.
Word by Word: Ten days in Albania.
The number 'dhjetë' (ten) precedes the plural noun 'ditë'.
Common Mistakes
Using a singular noun after numbers 2-10.
dy libërdy libraIn Albanian, any number greater than one must be followed by the plural form of the noun.
Using 'tre' for feminine nouns.
tre gocatri gocaStandard Albanian strictly requires 'tri' when the noun is feminine.
Using the definite form of the noun with a number.
pesë libratpesë libraWhen stating a quantity, the noun should be in the indefinite plural form unless you are specifically saying 'the five books'.
How It Connects
Related Patterns
- njëIndefinite Article 'Një'
The number 'një' (one) is identical to the indefinite article 'a/an'.
Foundations - Numbers 11-20
The next set of numbers, which build upon the 1-10 foundations.
Foundations - -a / -eFeminine Plural Endings
Essential for using numbers 2-10 with feminine nouns.
Foundations - -ë / -a / -eMasculine Plural Endings
Essential for using numbers 2-10 with masculine nouns.
Foundations - Ordinal Numbers
Ordinal numbers (1st, 2nd, etc.) are derived from these cardinal forms.
Level 1 - saInterrogative 'Sa'
The question word 'sa' (how many) is used to ask for the quantities represented by these numbers.
Level 1
Learn Next
Patterns that build on this one.
Words in This Pattern
Practice Numbers 1-10 in Bubblegum
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