How to Say Thai Numbers 1-100? (Including Memory Tips)

The Thai number system is similar to Chinese, using a decimal system. Once you learn 0-10 and the words for ten, hundred, thousand, and ten thousand, you can form any number. Interestingly, Thai numbers 3, 4, and 10 have similar pronunciations to their Chinese counterparts, which are historical Chinese loanwords that can aid memory.

Numbers are among the most practical vocabulary words for travel and daily communication – shopping, asking prices, telling time, and stating your age all rely on numbers.

Basic Numbers 0-10

Number Chart

Numbers Similar to Chinese

These numbers might have been historically borrowed from Chinese (or a common linguistic origin).

💡 StudyThai.ai's pronunciation training can help you accurately master the tones of each number.

11-19: The 'Teen' Numbers

Combination Rule

Teens = สิบ (sìp) + Number

Special Case: The "1" in 11

Note: 11 uses เอ็ด (èt) instead of หนึ่ง (nʉ̀ng)!

20-90: Tens

Combination Rule

Tens = Number + สิบ (sìp)

Special Case: The "2" in 20

Note: 20 uses ยี่ (yîi) instead of สอง (sɔ̌ɔng)!

21-99: Two-Digit Numbers

Combination Rule

Two-digit number = Tens digit + สิบ + Unit digit

Examples

100: Hundred

Hundred Combinations

Complete Number Chart 1-100

1-20

21-100

📚 StudyThai.ai's vocabulary training offers specific number exercises and spaced repetition for review.

Memory Tips

Tip 1: Chinese Analogy

Use similar-sounding numbers to aid memory:

• 3 = สาม (sǎam) ≈ Chinese "sān"
• 4 = สี่ (sìi) ≈ Chinese "sì"
• 10 = สิบ (sìp) ≈ Chinese "shí"

Tip 2: Special Number Mnemonics

For twenty, use "yee" (ยี่), not "song" (สอง)
For the unit digit one, use "et" (เอ็ด), not "nung" (หนึ่ง)

Tip 3: Grouped Memory

Tip 4: Real-Life Association

Associate numbers with real-life situations:

• Age: I am 25 years old = ผมอายุยี่สิบห้าปี
• Price: 100 Thai Baht = หนึ่งร้อยบาท
• Time: 3 o'clock = สามโมง

Practical Application Scenarios

Scenario 1: Shopping and Asking Prices

Example Conversation:

• Q: ราคาเท่าไหร่ (raa-kaa thâo-rài) - How much is the price?
• A: ห้าสิบบาท (hâa-sìp bàat) - 50 Baht

Scenario 2: Stating Your Age

Example:

• I am 30 years old = ผมอายุสามสิบปี (phǒm aa-yú sǎam-sìp bpii)

Scenario 3: Saying Phone Numbers

Phone numbers are read digit by digit:

Example: 081-234-5678

• ศูนย์ แปด หนึ่ง - สอง สาม สี่ - ห้า หก เจ็ด แปด

Scenario 4: Telling Time

Example:

• 3:15 = สามโมงสิบห้านาที

Scenario 5: Stating Dates

Example:

• January 15th = วันที่สิบห้า มกราคม

Thai Numerals

Thai has its own numeral symbols, but Arabic numerals are more commonly used today:

Thai numeral symbols are primarily used in formal documents, temples, and traditional contexts. Arabic numerals are more common in daily life.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Why is ยี่ (yîi) used for 20 instead of สอง (sɔ̌ɔng)?

It's a simplification due to spoken language habits. When speaking quickly, ยี่สิบ (yîi-sìp) flows more smoothly than สองสิบ (sɔ̌ɔng-sìp). This phenomenon of using a special form for the tens digit exists in many languages (e.g., "twenty" in English instead of "two-ten").

Q: When do I use หนึ่ง (nʉ̀ng) and เอ็ด (èt)?

Use หนึ่ง (nʉ̀ng) when saying "1" alone, and เอ็ด (èt) as the unit digit:

• 1 = หนึ่ง
• 11 = สิบเอ็ด
• 21 = ยี่สิบเอ็ด
• 31 = สามสิบเอ็ด
• 101 = หนึ่งร้อยเอ็ด

Q: Why are Thai and Chinese numbers so similar?

Historical language contact. Thailand and China have a long history of trade and cultural exchange, and some number vocabulary may have been borrowed from Chinese (especially Teochew). Some scholars also believe they might share a common linguistic origin.

Q: How can I quickly memorize Thai numbers?

Suggested methods:

1. First, memorize 0-10 (the most basic)
2. Understand the special rules (for 20, and the unit digit 1)
3. Use them in daily life (look at prices, state your age)
4. Use spaced repetition tools for review

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Start Learning Thai Numbers

Numbers are one of the most practical Thai vocabulary sets. Mastering 1-100 will make your trip to Thailand much smoother!