Numbers One to Ten

Level 2

Numbers one to ten have gender forms. One normally follows its noun; two changes before a noun; three to ten usually precede the counted noun.

How It Works

The Counting Sets

The masculine standalone set is אחד, שניים, שלושה, ארבעה, חמישה, שישה, שבעה, שמונה, תשעה, עשרה. The feminine set is אחת, שתיים, שלוש, ארבע, חמש, שש, שבע, שמונה, תשע, עשר. The two forms written שמונה have different standard pronunciations.

Before a Noun

Use שני ספרים and שתי מחברות, not standalone שניים or שתיים directly in that position. For three to ten, choose the form for the noun’s gender: שלושה ספרים and שלוש מחברות. Nouns normally remain plural after two to ten.

Specific Groups

A definite group can require a construct number form: שלושת הספרים, the three books. Learn that form separately. Ordinary speech sometimes levels gender distinctions; this entry teaches the standard forms needed for clear reading and careful use.

Examples (4)

  1. ספר אחד / מחברת אחת

    One book / one notebook.

    One follows and agrees with the noun.

  2. שני ספרים / שתי מחברות

    Two books / two notebooks.

    Use the forms for two that precede a noun.

  3. שלושה ספרים / שלוש מחברות

    Three books / three notebooks.

    Choose by the noun’s gender.

  4. שלושת הספרים

    The three books.

    A definite group uses the construct number form.

Common Mistakes

  • Using the feminine counting form with this masculine noun.

    שלוש ספרים
    שלושה ספרים

    ספר is masculine, so the standard counted phrase uses שלושה.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

Numbers One to TenLevel 2

Learn This First

Choose the appropriate gender series for a numbered noun.

Learn Next

Patterns that build on this one.