Although not typically included in counting, you can say zero (0) in Spanish as cero (SAY-roh). One (1) in Spanish is uno (OO-noh). Two (2) in Spanish is dos (doss). Three (3) in Spanish is tres (tress). Four (4) in Spanish is cuatro (KWA-tro). Five (5) in Spanish is cinco (SEEN-ko).

Six (6) in Spanish is seis (SAISS). Seven (7) in Spanish is siete (SYE-te). Eight (8) in Spanish is ocho (O-cho). Nine (9) in Spanish is nueve (NWAI-be). Ten (10) in Spanish is diez (DYESS).

Count to 10 repeatedly until the words are automatic for you. One way to incorporate the Spanish words into your every day life is to try to automatically think of the Spanish word for the number when you’re looking at a number of items. For example, if you have a bowl of fruit in your kitchen that has 2 apples, 3 bananas, and 7 oranges, you might think to yourself that there are dos apples, tres bananas, and siete oranges. It doesn’t matter whether you know the Spanish words for those fruits.

For eleven (11), say once (OHN-say). For twelve (12), say doce (DOH-say). For thirteen (13), say trece (TRAY-say). For fourteen (14), say catorce (kah-TOHR-say). For fifteen (15), say quince (KEEN-say).

Sixteen (16) is dieciséis (DYEESS-ee-SAYSS). Seventeen (17) is diecisiete (DYEESS-ee-SYAY-tay). Eighteen (18) dieciocho (DYEESS-ee-OH-choh). Nineteen (19) is diecinueve (DYEESS-ee-NWAY-bay).

For twenty (20), say veinte (BAYN-tay). For thirty (30), say treinta (TRAYN-tah). For forty (40), say cuarenta (kwah-RAYN-tah). For fifty (50), say cincuenta (seen-KWAYN-tah). For sixty (60), say sesenta (say-SAYN-tah). For seventy (70), say setenta (say-TAYN-tah). For eighty (80), say ochenta (oh-CHAYN-tah). For ninety (90), say noventa (noh-BAYN-tah).

Keep in mind that the spelling may differ, and you may need to stress different syllables. However, if you understand the basics of how numbers are formed, you can at least recognize any number you see or hear in Spanish. As with everything else, remember to practice this skill regularly and repeat the numbers to yourself at least once every few days. Over time, counting in Spanish will become second nature to you.

The essential accentuation rule in Spanish is that if the word ends in a vowel, an n, or an s, you’ll put stress on the last syllable. However, if the word has an accent mark, you stress that syllable and ignore the general rule. For example, in your numbers, you may have noticed an accent in the word for sixteen (16), dieciséis. This means that you should stress the syllable with an accent, which is the last syllable.

Actors typically pronounce their words without excessive regional dialect—unless the show or movie takes place in a specific geographic area. This makes it easier for you to learn the language. Keep in mind that Spanish is spoken in many countries all over the world, giving rise to multiple dialects and variations. Even for a native speaker, someone from another country can be difficult to understand.

If you think back to how you learned your first language, you’ll probably recall that there was a lot of music involved. Songs are a very efficient way to learn words and how they fit together. You may not understand exactly what something means, but the important part when you’re just beginning to learn Spanish is to listen to the way the words are pronounced and how the language sounds.

Native speakers also can correct your pronunciation and give you tips on how to pronounce the words correctly. Particularly if you have another language in common, a native speaker may be able to give you tips on how to pronounce words in Spanish that you wouldn’t have picked up on otherwise.