Painless List of Tagalog Numbers From 0 to 1M

No matter where you are in the world, numbering and counting are deemed as two of the most basic vocabulary lessons that each person should memorize by heart. You see, the Filipino language is actually so diverse! And if you are learning Tagalog, remember that there is so much 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 one of the sure-fire ways to astound most of the locals.

As we have discussed in our handy dandy list of 500 common Tagalog phrases, the language of the Philippines is unique in the sense that it features significant connections with the Spanish language.  Due to this, you might be surprised to know that the Filipinos interchangeably uses two sets of numbering systems: Tagalog and Spanish. These systems are normally used every day- when you are in the market, counting things, or even telling time.

Cardinal Tagalog Numbers

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

Normally, the Spanish counting system is used for telling time, age, and prices of goods in “palengke” or 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 not that Filipinos use code-switching where L1 is Tagalog and L2 is either Spanish or English. With this being said, it might be helpful to brush up your Spanish skills too.

Luckily, learning the Tagalog language is an easy process, especially if you know English. You see, Tagalog counting follows the same pattern with English counting with orders such as ones, tens, and hundreds.

For number 20 to 99, the number system follows the general format of tens + “pu’t” + ones. Remember that if the tens’ digit ends with a vowel, it is usually followed by an “m” before the “pu’t.” Also, if there are no ones digit like for the case of 20, 30, 40, 50, and so on, no “ ’t ” is added. Take note of the examples below:

To learn to count using 30 to 90, all you have to do is change all the “dalawampu’t” in the Tagalog column for the appropriate number. The same thing is true with the Spanish variation.

For continuation, the general format followed is hundreds+ “na” or “ng” + “daan” or “raan” + “at” + the other numbers. Let us first discuss the meaning of the Tagalog signifiers in that format.

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

For counting 1000 to 9000, the following vocabulary terms are used: