Hello friends! Today, we are going to learn how to count in English, just like children who live in England or America. Imagine you are in a candy shop in London. To buy some sweets, you need to know how to say how many you want: one, two, three! Did you know that numbers are like superpowers for talking about everything around you? You will be able to say your age, count your fingers, and even your favorite toys. Ready for this adventure? Let's go!

The Numbers from 1 to 10

Very good, let's open our eyes and ears wide. We are going to discover the numbers from 1 to 10 in English. These are magic words used to say how many things there are.

First, the word 'one' (1). It is pronounced 'wun' (like the word 'won' in English, but with a soft 'n' at the end). When you see a single object, you say 'one'. For example: 'one apple'.

Next, 'two' (2). It is pronounced 'too' (like the word 'too' in English, meaning 'also'). When there are two objects, you say 'two'. Example: 'two cats'.

Then 'three' (3). Be careful, this is a tricky sound. It is pronounced 'three' (the 'th' is like putting your tongue between your teeth and blowing, like the 'th' in 'think'). Example: 'three pencils'.

Next, 'four' (4). It is pronounced 'for' (like the word 'for' in English, meaning 'for', but here it is the number 4). Example: 'four chairs'.

Then 'five' (5). It is pronounced 'fīv' (the 'i' is like the 'i' in 'eye', and the 'v' is like a French 'v'). Example: 'five fingers'.

Next, 'six' (6). This is easy, it is pronounced 'siks' (like in French, but with a stronger 's'). Example: 'six books'.

Then 'seven' (7). It is pronounced 'seh-ven' (the 'e' is like in 'set', and 'ven' like 'ven' in 'venture'). Example: 'seven stars'.

Next, 'eight' (8). It is pronounced 'ayt' (the 'ei' is like the 'a' in 'ate', and the 't' is very light). Example: 'eight legs' (like a spider).

Then 'nine' (9). It is pronounced 'nīn' (like the word 'nine' in English, with a clear 'n' at the end). Example: 'nine balloons'.

Finally, 'ten' (10). It is pronounced 'ten' (like the word 'ten' in English, meaning 'ten'). Example: 'ten fingers' (both hands).

Now, to count, you say them in order: one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten. It's like a song!

There is also a very important question: 'How many?' (pronounced 'how meh-nee'), which means 'Combien ?'. For example, if I show three apples, I ask 'How many apples?'. You must answer by saying the number: 'Three!'.

And to say your age, you say 'I'm' (I am) followed by the number. For example: 'I'm six' (I am six years old). 'I'm seven' (I am seven years old). Be careful, in English, we don't say 'I have six years' like in French. We say 'I am six'. It's a small difference.

To help you remember, imagine you have blocks. Take one block: it's 'one'. Take two: it's 'two'. Add another: 'three'. And so on up to 'ten'. Each number corresponds to a quantity you can touch.

How to answer "How many?" and say your age

Now that you know the basics, let's go further. You will learn not to make mistakes and to use numbers like a real expert.

First, let's talk about difficult sounds. The word 'three' (3) is often a trap. Many children say 'tree' (which means a tree) instead. To say 'three' correctly, remember to put your tongue between your teeth and blow. It's the same sound as in 'thank you'. Practice in front of a mirror: you should see your tongue between your teeth.

Next, the words 'five' (5) and 'nine' (9) have similar sounds. 'Five' ends with a 'v' (like 'vase'), while 'nine' ends with an 'n' (like 'nine'). If you confuse them, you might say 'fiv' instead of 'nīn'. To help, think of 'five fingers' (5 fingers): you see your hand, and 'nine': imagine a balloon going up (nine balloons).

The word 'eight' (8) is also special. It is written 'e-i-g-h-t', but we don't pronounce the 'gh'. It's like a silent 'e'. Don't say 'ay-gh-t', but simply 'ayt'. It's a word that is read differently from how it is written. It's an exception in English, you need to memorize it.