Counting by tens in Spanish uses the cardinal numbers for 10, 20, 30, and so on. These numbers follow regular patterns and are used to form larger numbers. Understanding how to count by tens is essential for telling time, handling money, and more.
- : diez
- : veinte
- : treinta
- : cuarenta
- : cincuenta
- : sesenta
- : setenta
- : ochenta
- : noventa
- : cien
Up to
The tens from 30 onward use the root number plus the suffix -enta (e.g., treinta = treinta + -enta). Accent marks appear in the base numbers: veinte has no accent, but higher numbers do not require one.
Beyond
- is cien (exactly 100). For numbers above 100, use ciento (e.g., 101 = ciento uno).
- , 300, etc., are doscientos, trescientos, etc.
- is mil (no plural s when counting, e.g., 2000 = dos mil).
This guide covers counting by tens up to 100, along with tips for forming larger numbers.
Examples
- + 3 = 43 → cuarenta y tres
- + 9 = 79 → setenta y nueve
- + 5 = 95 → noventa y cinco
Summary
- Use cardinal roots for tens (diez, veinte, treinta, etc.).
- From 30+, numbers end in -enta.
- Combine tens and units with y (and) for numbers like 31 (treinta y uno).
- Cien is 100; ciento is used for 100+.
- is mil; no s when multiplying.
What form of 'cien' is used when counting numbers greater than 100?
ciento
'Cien' is used exactly for 100. For numbers above 100, use 'ciento' followed by the rest of the number (e.g., ciento uno).
Last updated: Wed Jun 18, 2025
