How to Learn Cardinal and Ordinal Numbers in Tamil for English Speakers
Understanding Cardinal Numbers in Tamil
Cardinal numbers are used to count objects or indicate quantity. In Tamil, these numbers have unique words and pronunciations that differ from English. Learning these is essential for everyday communication.
Basic Tamil Cardinal Numbers
- 1 - ஒன்று (onru)
- 2 - இரண்டு (iraṇṭu)
- 3 - மூன்று (mūnru)
- 4 - நான்கு (nāṉku)
- 5 - ஐந்து (aintu)
- 6 - ஆறு (āṟu)
- 7 - ஏழு (ēḻu)
- 8 - எட்டு (eṭṭu)
- 9 - ஒன்பது (onpatu)
- 10 - பத்து (pattu)
These numbers form the foundation for counting in Tamil. Notice the pronunciation differences and try to practice them aloud.
Cardinal Numbers Beyond Ten
Numbers from 11 to 20 are formed by combining the base numbers with the word for ten (பத்து). For example, 11 is பதினொன்று (pathinonru), which literally means 'ten and one'.
- 11 - பதினொன்று (pathinonru)
- 12 - பன்னிரண்டு (panniraṇṭu)
- 13 - பதிமூன்று (pathimūnru)
- 14 - பதினான்கு (pathināṉku)
- 15 - பதினைந்து (pathinaintu)
- 16 - பதினாறு (pathināṟu)
- 17 - பதினேழு (pathinēḻu)
- 18 - பதினெட்டு (pathineṭṭu)
- 19 - பத்தொன்பது (pathonpatu)
- 20 - இருபது (irupatu)
Learning Ordinal Numbers in Tamil
Ordinal numbers indicate position or order, such as first, second, or third. In Tamil, ordinal numbers are often formed by adding suffixes to the cardinal numbers or using specific words.
Common Ordinal Numbers
- First - முதல் (mudhal)
- Second - இரண்டாம் (iraṇṭām)
- Third - மூன்றாம் (mūnṟām)
- Fourth - நான்காம் (nāṉkām)
- Fifth - ஐந்தாம் (aintām)
Note that the first ordinal number is a unique word, while others are formed by adding the suffix -ஆம் (-ām) to the cardinal number.
Forming Ordinal Numbers Beyond Five
To form ordinal numbers beyond five, add the suffix C-ஆம் (-ām) to the cardinal number. For example, sixth is ஆறாம் (āṟām), seventh is ஏழாம் (ēḻām), and so on.
- 6th - ஆறாம் (āṟām)
- 7th - ஏழாம் (ēḻām)
- 8th - எட்டாம் (eṭṭām)
- 9th - ஒன்பதாம் (onpathām)
- 10th - பத்தாம் (pattām)
Tips for Learning Tamil Numbers
- Practice pronunciation regularly to get familiar with Tamil sounds.
- Use flashcards with Tamil numbers and their English equivalents.
- Try counting objects around you in Tamil to reinforce learning.
- Listen to Tamil speakers and repeat numbers aloud.
- Learn ordinal numbers in context, such as dates and rankings.
Further Reading
- Tamil Numerals on Wikipedia
Detailed explanation of Tamil numerals and their history.
- Tamil Language and Script
Overview of Tamil script including numbers and pronunciation.
- Learn Tamil Numbers
Interactive lessons on Tamil numbers including cardinal and ordinal forms.