Lesson 10 : Counting from 11 to 100 数值11到100 (Shùzhì 11 dào 100)

Welcome to our lesson on counting in Chinese from 11 to 100! Whether you're a beginner or looking to strengthen your Chinese language skills, mastering numbers is a crucial step in your learning journey. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential patterns and rules for counting in Mandarin Chinese, focusing specifically on numbers from 11 to 100. Understanding these numbers will not only help you communicate more effectively but will also provide valuable insight into the structure and logic behind the Chinese language. From simple combinations of digits to special number pronunciations, this lesson will give you the tools you need to confidently count in Chinese and enhance your overall fluency. Perfect for beginners and intermediate learners alike, this comprehensive resource will make mastering Chinese numbers both easy and engaging. So, let’s dive into the world of Mandarin numbers and discover how simple and fascinating counting in Chinese can be!

leran chinese and Counting from 11 to 100

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Vocabulary:

• 十一 (shíyī) - Eleven
• 十二 (shí'èr) - Twelve
• 十三 (shísān) - Thirteen
• 十四 (shísì) - Fourteen
• 十五 (shíwǔ) - Fifteen
• 十六 (shíliù) - Sixteen
• 十七 (shíqī) - Seventeen
• 十八 (shíbā) - Eighteen
• 十九 (shíjiǒ) - Nineteen
• 二十 (èrshí) - Twenty
• 三十 (sānshí) - Thirty
• 四十 (sìshí) - Forty
• 五十 (wǔshí) - Fifty
• 六十 (liùshí) - Sixty
• 七十 (qīshí) - Seventy
• 八十 (bāshí) - Eighty
• 九十 (jiǒshí) - Ninety
• 一百 (yībǎi) - One hundred

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Pronunciation:

Key Points to Remember:

1. Numbers from 11 to 19 are formed by adding “十” (shí) before the second digit. For example, 11 is “十一” (shíyī), and 15 is “十五” (shíwǔ).
2. For multiples of ten (20, 30, etc.), start with the first digit followed by “十” (shí). For example, 30 is “三十” (sānshí).
3. Combine the tens and ones place for other numbers. For example, 23 is “二十三” (èrshísān), and 47 is “四十七” (sìshíqī).

Examples of Common Mistakes:

• Mispronouncing “十二” (shí'èr) as “shír.” The glottal stop in “'èr” is essential.
• Saying “二十” (èrshí) as “shíèr.” The order matters.

Practice Sentences:

• 我也会计数11到20。 (Wǒ yě huì jìshù 11 dào 20.) - I can also count from 11 to 20.
• 我从十二学到一百。 (Wǒ cóng shí'èr xué dào yībǎi.) - I learned to count from 12 to 100.

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Dialogue:

Scenario 1: Counting Together

• A: 你能从十一计到二十吗？ (Nǐ néng cóng shíyī jì dào èrshí ma?) - Can you count from 11 to 20?
• B: 是的，十一，十二，十三……二十。 (Shì de, shíyī, shí'èr, shísān... èrshí.) - Yes, eleven, twelve, thirteen... twenty.
• A: 大亨！你能从二十计到一百吗？ (Tà hǎng! Nǐ néng cóng èrshí jì dào yībǎi ma?) - Great! Can you count from 20 to 100?
• B: 我试试看：二十，三十，四十……一百。 (Wǒ shìshì kàn: èrshí, sānshí, sìshí... yībǎi.) - Let me try: twenty, thirty, forty... one hundred.

Scenario 2: Asking About Numbers

• A: 三十五用中文怎么说？ (Sānshíwǔ yòng Zhōngwén zěnme shuō?) - How do you say thirty-five in Chinese?
• B: 是“三十五”。 (Shì “sānshíwǔ”.) - It's “thirty-five.”
• A: 那五十八呢？ (Nà wǔshíbā ne?) - What about fifty-eight?
• B: 是“五十八”。 (Shì “wǔshíbā”.) - It's “fifty-eight.”

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Practice:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

1. 十一、十二、十三、十四、______ (eleven, twelve, thirteen, fourteen, ______)
2. 四十九、五十、______、六十、七十 (forty-nine, fifty, ______, sixty, seventy)

Exercise 2: Role-play

• Pair up with a partner. One person calls out a number in Chinese, and the other writes it down in numerals. Switch roles.

Exercise 3: Writing Practice

• Write the numbers 21, 37, 64, and 89 in Chinese characters and Pinyin. 

Write your answer in the comment section.

Cultural insight 

Learning Chinese numbers is not only a practical skill but also a fascinating window into Chinese culture and history. Unlike many Western languages that use a base-10 system derived from Roman numerals, Chinese numbers are rooted in a logical and systematic structure, which reflects the Chinese emphasis on simplicity, harmony, and order. For example, numbers from 1 to 10 have their own distinct characters, and larger numbers are formed by combining these basic building blocks. The number 10, for instance, is represented by the character "十" (shí), and anything beyond it is constructed by combining multiples of ten, making the system highly predictable and easy to learn once the basics are understood. Beyond the functional aspect, Chinese numbers are also imbued with cultural significance. Certain numbers hold special meaning in Chinese society, with some seen as lucky and others as unlucky. For instance, the number 8 is considered extremely fortunate because its pronunciation "bā" is similar to the word for wealth or prosperity "发" (fā), and it is often associated with good fortune and success. On the other hand, the number 4 is generally avoided, as its pronunciation "sì" is close to the word for death "死" (sǐ). This cultural nuance influences everything from phone numbers to wedding dates, where the choice of numbers can be seen as symbolic of one's fortunes. Thus, learning Chinese numbers is not just about memorizing symbols, but also about understanding the deep cultural layers that influence daily life, traditions, and even business practices in Chinese-speaking communities.