Learn Greek: Numbers 1–20

Mastering numbers is one of the most practical steps you can take when starting your Greek language journey. This lesson covers the foundational numbers from one to twenty, which are essential for everything from checking prices and telling time to ordering food or discussing dates. Understanding these digits provides the building blocks for more complex counting and helps you navigate daily interactions with greater confidence. Whether you are navigating a local market or simply sharing your phone number, these words are indispensable tools for clear communication.

As you study this list, you will notice a very logical pattern emerging after the number ten, Δέκα (déka). While eleven, Έντεκα (éndeka), and twelve, Δώδεκα (dódeka), have unique forms, the numbers thirteen through nineteen are compound words formed by combining the word for ten with the single digit. For instance, if you know that three is Τρία (tría) and four is Τέσσερα (téssera), you can easily recognize thirteen as Δεκατρία (dekatría) and fourteen as Δεκατέσσερα (dekatéssera). This compounding pattern makes it much easier to expand your vocabulary quickly as the structure remains consistent through nineteen.

Pay close attention to the pronunciation of vowels, such as the initial sound in Ένα (éna) for one or the soft vowel sound in Δύο (dío) for two. By the time you reach the final number in this set, Είκοσι (íkosi) for twenty, you will have a solid grasp of the core numerical structure used in modern Greek. Focus on the transition from the single digits to the "deka-" prefix to build your counting fluency.