Spanish uses specific words for the tens from 20 to 90, each covering a decade in the number system. These are:
| Number | Spanish | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 20 | veinte | Starts the tens series |
| 30 | treinta | |
| 40 | cuarenta | |
| 50 | cincuenta | |
| 60 | sesenta | |
| 70 | setenta | |
| 80 | ochenta | |
| 90 | noventa |
- From 30 onward, Spanish forms numbers by combining the ten with the unit using “y” (and).
- 31 = treinta y uno
- 42 = cuarenta y dos
- For 20, the pattern is different: from 21 to 29, numbers are combined into single words:
- 21 = veintiuno
- 25 = veinticinco
20 to 90 in tens are: veinte, treinta, cuarenta, cincuenta, sesenta, setenta, ochenta, noventa.
Usage
Use these tens when indicating quantities, ages, dates, prices, and more. Properly combining tens and units is essential for fluency and comprehension.
42 is 'cuarenta y dos'—the ten and unit are joined with 'y'.
21-29 are formed as single words: veintiuno, veintidós, veinticinco...
90 is 'noventa'.
Conclusion
Spanish tens from 20 to 90 are: veinte, treinta, cuarenta, cincuenta, sesenta, setenta, ochenta, noventa.
Numbers 21-29 are formed as single words starting with "veinti-", and from 30 onward, tens and units are joined by "y".
Mastering these patterns is key to fluency in Spanish numbers.