Learning to count to ten in Cantonese opens a doorway to everyday conversation, from bargaining at a market to telling someone your lucky number.
This guide breaks the sequence into bite‑size pieces so you can practice pronunciation, tones, and usage in real situations.
| Arabic | Cantonese (Yale) | Jyutping | Tone |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | yat | jat1 | High level |
| 2 | yih | ji6 | Rising |
| 3 | saam | saam1 | High level |
| 4 | sei | sei3 | Mid falling |
| 5 | ng | ng5 | Mid level |
| 6 | luk | luk6 | High entering |
| 7 | chut | cat1 | High level |
| 8 | baat | baat3 | Low falling |
| 9 | gau | gau3 | Mid falling |
| 10 | sap | sap6 | High entering |
How to Pronounce Each Number in Cantonese
Break down the tones and mouth positions clearly
Cantonese relies on precise tones, and numbers are no exception. Start with "yat" for one, keeping your voice steady and high for tone 1.
For two, "yih" rises slightly, while three "saam" sits back at a high level similar to one. Four "sei" drops in pitch and ends in a softer exit.
Listen and mimic to lock in accuracy
Use audio recordings to compare your pronunciation of each number with native speakers, paying close attention to entering tones for six and ten. Repeat each number several times in isolation and then in simple phrases.
Using These Numbers in Everyday Sentences
Short phrases build confidence quickly
Once you are comfortable with the sounds, practice small combinations like "yat, yih, saam" while counting on your fingers. Gradually replace English numbers with Cantonese versions during daily routines.
Try saying the time, room numbers, or prices using the sequence, such as "gau sap ng" for 95 or "chut luk sap" for 76 in casual contexts.
Common Tones and Pronunciation Tips
Master the contour of each digit
Tone marks affect how each number feels to native listeners. High level tones are bright, mid level are steady, and mid falling glide downward.
Entering tones for six and ten sound clipped and abrupt compared to other numbers, so give them a shorter, punchier ending without adding extra vowels.
Practical Steps to Master Counting in Cantonese
- Practice the sequence from one to ten aloud every day.
- Use finger counting to connect each number with a visual cue.
- Listen to native speakers and shadow their tone contour.
- Integrate numbers into real tasks such as shopping or telling time.
FAQ
Reader questions
How do I say 15 in Cantonese using these numbers?
Say "sap ng" for 15, combining ten and five with a flat tone on ng.
What is the pronunciation of 18 in Cantonese?
Pronounce 18 as "baat sap," starting with the low falling baat and linking it clearly to sap for ten.
How do tones change when counting past ten?
Numbers beyond ten usually keep the tone of the last digit, so 21 is "yih sap yat" with a rising yih and high level yat.
Can I use these numbers for phone numbers and IDs?
Yes, read phone numbers digit by digit using the same forms, speaking slowly and pausing between each number for clarity.