#1 Best Guide For Tagalog Numbers: Chat With The Filipinos Easily

Imagine you’re strolling through the vibrant streets of Manila.

Wouldn’t it be better if you could converse with the locals using Tagalog numbers?

For example, you’re in a Filipino family gathering and some titas or aunties want you to count how many plates you need to place on the table.

Learning Tagalog is more than memorizing words

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You will be surprised that some Spanish words are incorporated in the Tagalog numbers and counting!

When you’re learning the Tagalog language, knowing the numbers is a big help.

In this post, we’ll teach you these numbers in an easy and fun way.

You’ll learn how to count from zero to a million quickly! So, are you ready to learn something new?

Let’s start learning Tagalog numbers!

Cardinal Tagalog Numbers

Ready to examine Tagalog numbers more closely? Great.

Want to hear how Tagalog really sounds?

Tap to hear native speakers pronounce common phrases

Hello Hello

Kumusta ka How are you

ang aking pangalan My name is

This is how Ling teaches — with real speaker voices! Ready to practice more?

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This will help you understand some locals when they say isa pa or sampu pa, whenever you ride a jeepney or buy some Filipino street food.

Let’s start with something basic—cardinal numbers. Cardinal numbers are associated with units of measurement in Tagalog.

We use these numbers daily to count and order stuff, like “one, two, three…” and so on.

These numbers are also used to count Tagalog nouns and other direct objects.

Below is an example of the first set of cardinal numbers 1-10:

Counting From 11 To 29 In Tagalog

Luckily, learning the Tagalog language is an easy process, especially if you know English.

You see, Tagalog counting follows the same pattern as English counting with orders such as ones, tens, and hundreds.

Tagalog Numbers From Eleven To Nineteen (11 to 19)

Ready to amp up your counting game? In this table, we’ll introduce you to numbers from eleven to nineteen (11 to 19) in Tagalog.

Master these, and you’ll be counting like a pro in no time! So, let’s get started – or as we say in Tagalog, Simulan na natin!

Tagalog Numbers From Twenty To Twenty Nine (20 to 29)

All set to take your counting skills a notch higher? You don’t have to be learning intermediate Tagalog grammar for these set of numbers!

In this table, we’re moving up to the numbers from twenty to twenty-nine (20 to 29) in Tagalog.

Once you’ve got these down, you’ll breeze through numbers like a pro!

At this rate, the Tagalog numbers are mostly preferred to be said by the younger Filipino generation.

Most older Filipinos still use the Spanish version so, it’s still vital to remember some of them.

How To Count From 30 To 90 In Tagalog

To learn to count using 30 to 90, just focus on changing the ‘dalawampu’t‘ in the Tagalog table above to the corresponding numeric value, and you’re more than halfway there.

Interestingly enough, this method also works for the Spanish variations.

How To Count From 100 To 900 In Tagalog

Counting in hundreds in Tagalog might seem a bit tricky at first.

But don’t worry – it’s all about getting the hang of the structure.

We follow a general pattern: take a number in the hundred’s place, add –na or –ng (typically used to denote “of”), follow it up with daan or raan (meaning hundred), and for numbers in between, we add at (meaning and) plus the rest of the numbers. Confused?

Here’s a quick guide to get you started:

Once you’ve got the hang of this pattern, counting from 100 to 900 in Tagalog will be a breeze!

To continue our counting from 100 to 900, take note of the cardinal Tagalog numbers below:

Counting From 1000 To 9000 In Tagalog

Learning to count from 1000 to 9000 in Tagalog is easier!

First, let’s learn the word for “thousand” in Tagalog—libo. To form numbers, you just need to add the number of thousands to the word libo.

Let’s start by counting multiples of 1000:

As you can see, it’s simple and follows a similar pattern to counting in English.

Just remember the numbers (Isa, Dalawa, Tatlo, etc.) and add libo at the end.

*Note: Colloquially, Filipinos usually say sanlibo instead of isang libo for 1000.

Counting From 10,000 To 100,000 In Tagalog

Before attempting larger numbers, be sure you’re comfortable with numbers 1 – 10 in Tagalog, as higher numbers build on these basics.

In Tagalog, counting numbers in this range uses a combination of multiples of sampu (ten), daan (hundred), and libo (thousand).

I know this can be confusing, but there are language learning apps, like the Ling app, that can make the process easier and more interactive.

Back to numbers in Tagalog. For counting 10,000 to 100 thousand, Tagalog speakers, simply use the format below:

Advanced numbers and above are usually seen in many Filipino films, novels, and other form of media and arts.

So, even if you’re not required to learn advanced Tagalog grammar, just being familiar with these numbers can definitely help.

Ordinal Tagalog Numbers

First things first, let’s understand what ordinal numbers are. In the simplest terms, they’re rankings.

They help us define positions in a sequence – whether it’s being the first in line, the second to do something, or even the third best at something.

But, how do you convey this in Tagalog?

Tagalog has an easy system for this.

All you need to do is add the prefix ‘ika-‘ to the basic cardinal numbers, and voila!

You have your ordinal numbers.

How Do You Say Numbers In Tagalog?

The word number in Tagalog is bilang. Play bilang

But some of you might think it’s called numero, which is a Spanish word.

However, it was once used as the official translation before.

Understanding the Tagalog translation of numbers goes beyond simple linguistic knowledge.

It has many benefits that can enhance your personal and Filipino cultural experiences.

Other Phrases And Sentences Related To Numbers In Tagalog

Tips To Memorize Tagalog Numbers Effectively

Do you have trouble memorizing some of the cardinal numbers, especially the Spanish version?

Don’t worry, we know how much effort you need to double for that.

But, here are ways to make Tagalog numbers memorizing easier.

1. Recall your previous language speaking skills. Have you learned Spanish from your school? Try remembering it now if you did! It will greatly help you in memorizing Tagalog as you can speak it side to side with Spanish.
2. Start with the cardinal Tagalog numbers. If you haven’t learned any other language apart from your native, start with cardinal numbers in Tagalog first. That’s because the ordinal numbers in Tagalog only requires you to add “ika” before the first Tagalog number word. The only different word here is for number one (Una for Ordinal and Isa for Cardinal).
3. Learn by exposure. Do you know where you will hear most of these numbers? On the streets! If you’re traveling in Manila or any Tagalog-speaking regions, you can hear many people use cardinal Tagalog on the marketplace or in any street food stalls. But, even Visayas and Mindanao regions use some of the Tagalog words. Do take note of the differences in Tagalog and other Philippine languages and dialects though.
4. Use the Ling app. Did you know that the Ling app teaches Tagalog in the best way? How does that work? Through SRS (Spaced Repetition System) technique in the flashcards, you’ll unlock a memorization technique even used by many language and memorization pros. The numbers lesson is also on the beginner’s unit.

Frequently Asked Questions About Numbers In Tagalog

Are Spanish-Derived Numbers Obsolete In The Philippines?

Filipinos still use a combination of Spanish And Tagalog when counting in the Philippines. From the above examples, you can see that Filipinos favor Tagalog for smaller numbers.

This is with the exception of paying for your transportation fees in the Philippines or paying at the market.

However, many Filipinos will mostly use the Spanish way of counting if the numbers are larger.

Which Numbers Are Used To Tell Time And Date In Tagalog?

There are two ways of telling the time in Tagalog.

First is using the Tagalog way which usually starts with “ika” followed by the hour.

Second, you can also use the Spanish way which starts with “ala”.

We made a great and comprehensive guide for you to know more about telling the time in Tagalog, so we hope you check that article out!

Does Tagalog Have Numbers For Million, Billion, And More?

Yes, although they are not used by many Filipinos, there are Tagalog equivalents for these larger numbers. Take a look at this list:

1. 10,000 (Ten Thousand) is Laksa
2. 100,000 (Hundred Thousand) is Yuta
3. 1,000,000 (Million) is Angaw
4. 10,000,000 (Ten Million) is Kati
5. 100,000,000 (Hundred Million) is Bahala
6. 1,000,000,000 (Billion) is Gatos

Many of these numbers were derived from the old trading system in Sanskrit.

Brief History Of Tagalog Numbers

Moreover, the language of the Philippines is unique because it features significant connections with the Spanish language.

So, you might be surprised to know that Filipinos interchangeably use two sets of numbering systems: Tagalog and Spanish. These systems are normally used daily- when you are in the market, counting things, or even telling time.

Normally, the Spanish counting system is used for telling time, age, and prices of goods in palengke or Philippine public marketplace in English.

On the other hand, Tagalog numbers are mainly used for counting things, people, money, and random objects.

As a word of advice, do note that Filipinos use code-switching where L1 is Tagalog and L2 is Spanish or English. That said, it might be helpful to brush up on your Spanish skills, too.

Unlocking Tagalog Numbers And Beyond

Let’s take a recap of Tagalog numbers.

First, you’ve learned how to count cardinal Tagalog numbers which consists of both Tagalog and Spanish counting words.

Isa can be uno, dalawa is dos, and so on.

But, there’ also ordinal Tagalog numbers which are made of pure Tagalog words.

Similar to the Korean way of counting as well.

With your newfound Tagalog vocabulary for numbers, you are one step closer to achieving full Tagalog fluency!

With some practice and patience, you’ll be counting like a true Pinoy in no time.

So, go ahead and impress everyone with your newfound skills in counting Tagalog numbers!

If this post captured your interest, don’t just keep it to yourself. Help spread the joy of learning by sharing this with your friends who might also find it beneficial.

Knowledge shared is knowledge doubled, and the more we grow together, the stronger our mutual understanding becomes!

Hone Your Tagalog Number Skills Now!

What did you learn so far? Remember, there is so much more than saying good morning and thank you in the language.

If you are planning to visit the Pearl of the Orient Seas, learning how to count using Tagalog numbers is a surefire way to astound most locals.

And many locals will appreciate the efforts you’ve done in knowing how to count.

Especially if you’re trying to meet new friends or impress your Filipino family back in the Philippines.

If you’ve tried learning on your own through this blog or through other lessons, then you need a tool to remind you of your learning path.

The Ling app is a great addition to your learning techniques as it also has a notification reminder feature as well as progress tracking.

Remember that we’ve mentioned numbers in Tagalog lessons are in the beginner’s unit for Ling app?

Yes, it consists of numbers and counting as well as numbers and family.

So, what are you waiting for? Check out the Ling app and learn Tagalog language effectively on your phone or tablet right now!