Learn Russian: Numbers 1–20

Mastering numbers is a foundational step in learning Russian, as they are essential for everything from telling the time and shopping to sharing your phone number or age. This lesson covers the numbers from one to twenty, providing the basic building blocks needed for daily interactions. By learning these initial twenty words, you will begin to recognize the rhythmic patterns that define the Russian counting system and prepare yourself for more complex mathematical structures.

As you move through the list, you will notice a distinct pattern for the numbers eleven through nineteen. These are formed by adding the suffix -надцать (-nat-tsat’) to a modified version of the base digit. This suffix historically translates to "on top of ten," functioning much like the English "teen." For example, you can see the root of three in Трина́дцать (tri-NÁT-tsat’) for thirteen, and the root of four in Четы́рнадцать (chi-TÝR-nat-tsat’) for fourteen.

Another important feature to observe is the use of the soft sign at the end of many digits, such as Пять (PYAT’) for five or Де́сять (DYÉ-syat’) for ten. This indicates that the final consonant should be pronounced with a soft, palatalized sound. Paying attention to these endings will help you achieve a more authentic accent. Finally, the number twenty, Два́дцать (DVÁT-tsat’), introduces a new pattern for tens that will serve you well as you continue to expand your vocabulary.