Numbers from 0 to 10 in Kurmanji (Kurdish)
Learning to count is often one of the very first things people focus on when they start learning Kurmanji: asking a price, understanding a date, giving your age, writing down a phone number… In Kurmanji (Northern Kurdish), the numbers from 0 to 10 are fairly simple, used constantly, and form an essential foundation.
In this article, you’ll discover the numbers from 0 to 10 in Kurmanji, written in the Latin alphabet (the most commonly used), along with pronunciation tips to help you avoid mistakes.
Table: Numbers from 0 to 10 in Kurmanji
Important: for the number 0, you’ll mostly come across sifir, but you may also see zîro in certain contexts. Both forms are used.
| Number | Kurmanji (Latin) | Simple Pronunciation (EN) |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | sifir / zîro | “see-feer” / “zee-ro” |
| 1 | yek | “yek” |
| 2 | du | “doo” |
| 3 | sê | “say” (long “ay”) |
| 4 | çar | “char” (ç ≈ “ch”) |
| 5 | pênc | “pentsh” |
| 6 | şeş | “shesh” (ş ≈ “sh”) |
| 7 | heft | “heft” |
| 8 | heşt | “hesht” |
| 9 | neh | “neh” |
| 10 | deh | “deh” |
How to Pronounce Numbers Correctly in Kurmanji
Kurmanji is most often written using an adapted Latin alphabet. Some letters are especially important for pronunciation:
ş is pronounced like “sh” in English
→ şeş = “shesh”
ç is pronounced like “ch”
→ çar = “char”
ê usually corresponds to a long “ay” sound
→ sê, pênc
Even though pronunciation can vary slightly depending on the region, these guidelines are very reliable for beginners.
The Special Case of 0: “sifir” or “zîro”?
Unlike 1–10 (which are very stable), the number 0 can be said in different ways depending on usage:
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sifir: very common
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zîro: also used and widely attested
If you’re learning Kurmanji for travel or everyday communication, you can safely use sifir — it’s the most universal option.
Useful Phrases to Practice Numbers in Kurmanji
Learning a list is great, but the goal is to use these numbers in real situations. Here are a few simple beginner-friendly phrases:
1) Asking the price
Ev çend e? = How much is this?
You can then answer with a number:
-
pênc (5)
-
deh (10)
2) Saying your age
Ez … salî me. = I am … years old.
Examples:
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Ez heft salî me. = I am 7 years old.
-
Ez deh salî me. = I am 10 years old.
3) Asking for a phone number
Hejmara we çi ye? = What’s your number?
(Very useful for contacts, WhatsApp, etc.)
Tips to Memorize Numbers 0 to 10 Quickly
If you’re just starting out, here’s a simple and effective method:
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Learn 1 to 5 first, then 6 to 10.
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Pay attention to similar pairs:
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heft (7) and heşt (8) look very similar.
-
-
Practice reading out loud:
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şeş and heşt will help you internalize the ş = sh sound.
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Even 2 minutes a day is enough — as long as you stay consistent.
FAQ: Common Questions About Kurmanji Numbers
Are Kurmanji numbers the same everywhere?
For 1 to 10, yes: these forms are very stable and recognized in the vast majority of resources.
Should I learn “sifir” or “zîro”?
You can learn both, but sifir is generally the most common and safest to start with.
Is Kurmanji the same as “Kurdish”?
“Kurdish” refers to a group of languages/dialects. Kurmanji is one of the most widely spoken. This article focuses specifically on Kurmanji (Northern Kurdish).
Conclusion
Numbers from 0 to 10 in Kurmanji are an essential foundation if you want to progress quickly. Once you’ve mastered them, you’ll be able to learn the tens (20, 30, 40…), and then count up to 100.
On Kurmanji School, you’ll also find more practical lessons over time: the alphabet, pronunciation, everyday phrases, and exercises.
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