Basic Numbers

Level 1

Romanian numbers 1–12 are the foundation of counting. While most are fixed, the numbers 1, 2, and 12 change based on whether the noun is masculine or feminine.

How It Works

Romanian cardinal numbers are essential for daily life. Here is the breakdown of the first twelve:

  • 1: unu (masc./neut. counting) / una (fem. counting) / un (masc./neut. adjective) / o (fem. adjective)
  • 2: doi (masc.) / două (fem./neut.)
  • 3: trei
  • 4: patru
  • 5: cinci
  • 6: șase
  • 7: șapte
  • 8: opt
  • 9: nouă
  • 10: zece
  • 11: unsprezece
  • 12: doisprezece (masc.) / douăsprezece (fem./neut.)

Gender Agreement:
Unlike English, you must match the gender of the noun for 1, 2, and 12. For example, use doi băieți (two boys) but două fete (two girls). Use unu when counting or naming the number. As a pronoun meaning one of a known set, use unul or una. Note that neuter nouns behave like masculine nouns in the singular (un) and like feminine nouns in the plural (două).

The 'Teen' Pattern:
Numbers 11 and 12 follow the pattern [digit] + spre + zece. In casual speech, this is often shortened to -șpe (e.g., unșpe, doișpe), but you should use the full forms in writing.

Direct Attachment:
Numbers 1–19 attach directly to the noun. You do not need the preposition de until you reach 20.

Examples (5)

  1. Am un frate și două surori.

    I have one brother and two sisters.

    Word by Word: I-have a brother and two sisters.

    Shows 'un' for masculine and 'două' for feminine agreement.

  2. Vreau patru mere, vă rog.

    I want four apples, please.

    Word by Word: I-want four apples, you please.

    'Patru' is invariable and does not change for gender.

  3. Trenul pleacă la ora douăsprezece.

    The train leaves at twelve o'clock.

    Word by Word: Train-the leaves at hour-the twelve.

    Since 'ora' (hour) is feminine, we use the feminine form 'douăsprezece'.

  4. Câte cărți ai? Am zece.

    How many books do you have? I have ten.

    Word by Word: How-many books have-you? I-have ten.

    Numbers 3-11 do not change regardless of the noun they refer to.

  5. Sunt unsprezece elevi în clasă.

    There are eleven students in the class.

    Word by Word: Are eleven students in class.

    'Unsprezece' is the formal form for 11 and is used for all genders.

Common Mistakes

  • Using the counting form 'unu' before a noun.

    Am unu câine.
    Am un câine.

    When 'one' modifies a noun, it must shorten to 'un' (masculine) or 'o' (feminine).

  • Using 'doisprezece' for feminine nouns.

    doisprezece fete
    douăsprezece fete

    The number 12 must agree with the gender of the noun. 'Fată' is feminine, so 'douăsprezece' is required.

  • Adding 'de' between the number and the noun.

    zece de oameni
    zece oameni

    For an ordinary count such as ten people, use zece oameni without de. Numbers from 20 to 99 use de; larger numbers have further rules based on their final component.

How It Connects

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

Basic NumbersLevel 1

Learn This First

To learn the basic Romanian numbers from one to twelve, you primarily need to understand the specific Romanian phonetic rules, particularly the special characters and the soft pronunciation of 'c' before 'i' and 'e'.

Learn Next

Patterns that build on this one.

Words in This Pattern

unudoitreipatrușapteoptnouăzeceunsprezecedoisprezece