Math - Counting 11 to 20!

Do you remember how to say the numbers 0 through 10 in Spanish? If not, you might also want to check out the Spanish Easy Review quiz titled Math - Counting 0 to 10, otherwise, let’s move on to numbers 11 through 20 as follows:

Did you notice how sixteen, seventeen, eighteen and nineteen can be said two different ways? The pronunciation is very similar for both, however, when you combine the words into one word, the 'z' in the number 'diez' becomes a 'c' and the 'y' becomes an 'i'. When you speak 'diez y siete' a person will be able to hear each syllable and there is more emphasis put on the 'y' sound. When the words are combined, the 'i' has a softer sound and the word rolls together in such a way that you cannot clearly hear the syllables. It is rather like in English math you could say: 4 goes into 8 or when we run that together it sounds more like: 4 gozinta 8. The same sounds are there but have a slightly different emphasis on the letters. Both versions of the numbers are used so it is important be become comfortable saying the numbers both ways. Also note that the number 20 can be pronounced two different ways. For this series of quizzes we will be using the 'v' sound but please be aware that you could hear others speak it with the 'b' sound.

One final note, with the number sixteen, diez y seis becomes dieciséis. Notice that an accent mark has been placed about the 'e' in 'seis'. This is done so that the 'seis' does not get washed into the 'ci' before it. Without the accent mark it would be pronounced as dee-sees. The accent mark makes certain that the 'seis' remains distinct in the sound.

Now, do you feel comfortable with the numbers 11 through 20? If so, then it is time to begin the quiz!