Learning Russian numbers isn’t just about memorizing words. It’s about uncovering patterns—a logical sequence of sounds and structures that become clear as you practice. In this guide, you’ll master Russian numbers from 1–100 and get a clear understanding of how to easily progress further. Whether you’re studying Russian for travel, school, or personal interest, learning numbers will lay a solid foundation for the language.
The Basics: 1 to 10
The Russian numbers 1 through 10 are straightforward. Practice these until you know them cold:
- один (a-DEEN)
- два (dva)
- три (tree)
- четыре (chee-TY-re)
- пять (pyat’)
- шесть (shest’)
- семь (syem’)
- восемь (VO-syem’)
- девять (DYE-vyat’)
- десять (DYE-syat’)
Notice the soft “-ть” ending on most numbers. It’s a key pronunciation and spelling tip.
Building Blocks: 11 to 19
Numbers 11 through 19 are built using digits 1 to 9 plus the suffix “-надцать,” meaning “on top of ten”:
- 11: одиннадцать (a-DEEN-nad-tsat’)
- 12: двенадцать (dvye-NAD-tsat’)
- 13: тринадцать (tree-NAD-tsat’)
- 14: четырнадцать (chee-TYR-nad-tsat’)
- 15: пятнадцать (peet-NAD-tsat’)
- 16: шестнадцать (shest-NAD-tsat’)
- 17: семнадцать (syem-NAD-tsat’)
- 18: восемнадцать (vo-syem-NAD-tsat’)
- 19: девятнадцать (dye-vyat-NAD-tsat’)
Pro tip: If you master numbers 1–9, the teens become very easy to learn.
Decades: 20 to 90
The tens follow simple patterns, with one notable irregular exception:
- 20: двадцать (DVAD-tsat’)
- 30: тридцать (TREED-tsat’)
- 40: сорок (SOH-rok) – irregular, remember carefully
- 50: пятьдесят (pyat’-dye-SYAT)
- 60: шестьдесят (shest’-dye-SYAT)
- 70: семьдесят (syem’-dye-SYAT)
- 80: восемьдесят (vo-syem’-dye-SYAT)
- 90: девяносто (dye-vye-NOS-ta)
Starting from 50, these are literally “five tens,” “six tens,” etc.
Combining Numbers
Once you’ve memorized your tens and single digits, combining them is simple:
- 21 = двадцать один
- 34 = тридцать четыре
- 47 = сорок семь
- 99 = девяносто девять
Just combine the tens and units directly—no connectors needed.
100 and Above
- 100: сто (sto)
- 200: двести (DVYE-stee)
- 300: триста (TREE-sta)
- 400: четыреста (chee-TY-rees-ta)
- 500: пятьсот (pyat’-SOT)
- 600: шестьсот (shest’-SOT)
- 700: семьсот (syem’-SOT)
- 800: восемьсот (vo-syem’-SOT)
- 900: девятьсот (dye-vyat’-SOT)
- 1,000: тысяча (TY-sya-cha)
Russian continues systematically. Just build your number from hundreds to tens and units:
- 123 = сто двадцать три
- 582 = пятьсот восемьдесят два
Tips for Rapid Mastery
- Listen regularly: Russian numbers have a natural rhythm when spoken.
- Use real-life contexts: Practice reading prices aloud while shopping online or count your steps when out for a walk.
- Patterns over memorization: Focus on understanding the logic behind how numbers combine.
Bottom Line
Russian numbers are less intimidating than they first appear. Begin with basics, recognize patterns, and gradually expand. Once you know numbers 1 through 100, progressing further is just about repetition. Russian numbers are systematic, predictable, and entirely manageable.
