Numbers in Chinese: How to Count in Chinese? (2026 Easiest Guide)

Chinese Numbers Are Easier Than You Think

The secret is that Chinese uses a pure base‑10 system. In English, we have irregular words like “eleven,” “twelve,” and “thirteen” that you just have to memorize separately. Chinese is different: eleven is literally “ten‑one” (十一), twelve is “ten‑two” (十二), and twenty is “two‑ten” (二十). The pattern holds all the way up.

This logical structure means you can start reading prices, phone numbers, and addresses in China much faster than they could in most other languages.

Once you know 1–9 and the basic units (十 shí, 百 bǎi, 千 qiān, 万 wàn), you can build any number!

Quick Learn: How to Count 1-10 in Chinese

Chinses Number 0-10 List

WuKong Chinese Note: 

For the number 2, èr is used when counting or giving digits. The form liǎng (两) is used with measure words (e.g., “two people” → 两个人).

Chinses Number 0-10 Flashcard (With Audio)

Logic for 11–19 in Chinese: The “Ten+Digit” Pattern

This is where the logic shines.

To make the numbers from 11 to 19, you simply say “ten” (十) plus the single digit.

Chinses Number 11-19 Flashcard (With Audio)

How to Count in Chinese 1-100?

Chinese Number Logic for 20–99: The “Tens” Pattern

The tens follow the same combination pattern but in reverse: you say the single digit first, then “ten”.

For numbers like 45, you just combine the tens pattern and the ones digit:

四十五 (sì shí wǔ – four‑ten‑five).

Practice Table:

Chinese Number 100: The “Hundred” Pattern

100 = 一百 (yī bǎi) – the 一 cannot be dropped.

Key pattern:

Digit + 百 + (tens pattern)

Examples:

101 = 一百 + 零 + 一 → 一百零一 (yī bǎi líng yī). Note the use of 零 (líng) as a placeholder for the empty tens place.

110 = 一百一十 (yī bǎi yī shí). In casual speech, often shortened to 一百一 (yī bǎi yī).

112 = 一百一十二 (yī bǎi yī shí èr).

199 = 一百九十九 (yī bǎi jiǔ shí jiǔ).

The Zero Rule:

If a number has a zero in the middle (like 101), you must insert 零 (líng) to mark the empty place value. If a number ends in zeros, you do not need to include the zero character.

Chinese Number 1000 and the “Ten Thousand” Breakthrough

Western counting groups numbers by thousands (1,000 – 1,000,000). 

Chinese groups by 10,000 (万 – wàn). This is the single most important concept for large numbers.

Reading rule: 

Read from the highest unit to the lowest. Consecutive empty positions get only one 零.

Examples:

10,080 → 一万零八十 (yī wàn líng bā shí) – not “一万零零八十”.

100,800 → 十万零八百 (shí wàn líng bā bǎi).

WuKong Tip:

In China, housing prices and salaries are often described in 万 (wàn), so mastering this concept is essential for real‑world use.

Even Larger Numbers in Chinese (亿 – Yì)

1 亿 (yì) = 100 million (100,000,000) = 10,000 × 10,000.

The pattern repeats:

Digit + 亿 + 万 + thousands + hundreds + tens + ones

Example:

123,456,789 = 一亿两千三百四十五万六千七百八十九

Summary: Quick Memorize Chinese Numbers Logic

Take Your Chinese Numbers to the Next Level

Once you’ve mastered 1–100, it’s time to use numbers like a native speaker. Explore our deep-dive guides on advanced numerical concepts:

FAQs about Chinese Numbers

Roxy | K–12 Chinese Education Professional

I have been deeply involved in the K12 education field for many years, acquiring rich professional knowledge and experience. My extensive understanding of Chinese culture and education enhances my ability to integrate diverse educational methodologies. I hold a Master’s degree in Education from the University of Melbourne, which bolsters my expertise and pedagogical skills. Passionate about fostering educational environments that inspire and empower, I am committed to creating inclusive learning experiences. My aim is to positively impact students’ lives and equip them with tools for success in a globalized world.