Pronounce the numbers as follows:
- One (1) [wuhn]
- Two (2) [too]
- Three (3) [three]
- Four (4) [fohr]
- Five (5) [fihyv]
- Six (6) [siks]
- Seven (7) [sev-uhn]
- Eight (8) [eyt]
- Nine (9) [ni-ne]
- Ten (10) [ten]
Read the list of numbers. Repeat the list multiple times. Studies have repeatedly shown that repetition is the best way to memorize something.
After you have learned how to say the letters, try to pronounce the numbers using local pronunciation. For example: the Southern America accent, where Four (4) is pronounced “Fo-uh” and Ten (10) as “tay-un”.Experiment with different accents to find the way you like to say it. Talking in a way you prefer increases your ability to remember what you are saying.
Get help from someone who speaks English and knows their numbers well.
After counting to ten in English, you can progress on to higher numbers.
TIPS
- Technically, these numbers are Hindu/Arabic. There are no such thing as “English Numbers” originally, but society accepts these as the numbers used in the English language. It is not originally English.
- Again, a friend that speaks numbers in English can help you.
- Keep repeating the numbers and practice.
- Some people cannot read English words or numbers. If this is the case, then use the steps above to teach a non-English speaker how to learn their letters. Many people learn the numbers of a language before the actual language, such as Spanish, where many in the U.S. know the numbers and not the language. An English speaking person who knows numbers 1-10 could implement these steps to teach a non-English speaker.