Counting Patterns in Italian: A Simple Guide

Counting in Italian might seem tricky for new learners. This is because some numbers are quite different from English and can be confusing. Here are some key points to help you out:

1. Basic Numbers: The numbers from 1 to 10 are unique and need to be learned by heart. Here’s a quick list:

   • 1 - uno
   • 2 - due
   • 3 - tre
   • 4 - quattro

2. Numbers 11 to 19: The numbers after 10 also have special names. They don’t follow an easy pattern. For example:

   • 11 - undici
   • 12 - dodici
   • 13 - tredici
   • And so on, until 19.

3. Compound Numbers (21 and up): Starting from 21, numbers get a little more complicated. For example:

   • 21 - ventuno

   But when you get to 22, it's different:

   • 22 - ventidue (not ventido).

   Usually, you drop the ‘o’ from 'venti', but remember, it can be tricky!

4. The Hundreds: Once you reach the hundreds, you will find terms like:

   • 100 - cento
   • 200 - duecento
   • 300 - trecento

   This means you'll need to memorize even more new words.

To make learning these numbers easier, practice is key. Using flashcards, repeating the numbers, and talking with people who speak Italian can really help.

Remember, be patient and keep at it! With time and practice, you’ll soon understand Italian numbers much better.