Learn Hmong Numbers: A Beginner’s Guide to Counting 1–100Learning numbers is one of the fastest ways to gain practical skill in a new language. For Hmong learners, mastering numerals opens communication for shopping, telling time, giving prices, counting people, measurements, and basic conversation. This guide introduces Hmong numbers from 1 to 100, explains pronunciation tips, differences between major Hmong dialects, and offers practice exercises to build confidence.
Quick overview: dialects and scripts
Hmong has two major modern dialect groups: Hmong Daw (White Hmong, also called Hmoob Dawb) and Hmong Njua (Green or Mong Leng, also called Hmoob Ntsuab/Nyob?). Pronunciation and some vocabulary differ between these dialects. Hmong is commonly written in the Romanized Popular Alphabet (RPA), developed in the 1950s; this guide uses RPA spellings and provides approximate English pronunciations.
Pronunciation basics
- Hmong is tonal; each syllable carries a tone that changes meaning. RPA marks tones with final consonant letters (for example, -b, -s, -m, -j, -v, -g, -k, -d, -n).
- Vowels can be simple (a, e, i, o, u, aw, ua, etc.) or diphthongs.
- Stress is typically even; focus on tones and vowel quality rather than stress.
Below each numeral you’ll find:
- RPA spelling (White Hmong / Green Hmong where different)
- Pronunciation key (approximate English sounds — not a perfect match)
- Tone indicated by RPA final letter where relevant
Numbers 1–10
- ib — pronounced “ee(b)” (White: ib / Green: ib)
- ob — “oh(b)” (White: ob / Green: ob)
- peb — “peh(b)” (White: peb / Green: peb)
- plaub — “plow(b)” (plaub / plaub)
- tsib — “tsee(b)” (tsib / tsib)
- rau — “rao” or “rao̯” (rau / rau)
- xya — “shyah” or “zya” (xya / xya)
- yim — “yeem” (yim / yim)
- cuaj — “chua(j)” (cuaj / cuaj)
- kaum — “kaum” (kaum / kaum)
Notes:
- The final consonants in RPA (b, j, etc.) mark tone shapes rather than consonant sounds in many cases; pronounce the base vowel and apply the general tonal feel: short, long, rising, falling, checked.
11–19 (formation)
Hmong forms teens by combining 10 (kaum) with the unit. Depending on dialect and register, speakers may say:
- 11: kaum ib — “kaum ee(b)”
- 12: kaum ob — “kaum oh(b)”
…up to - 19: kaum cuaj
Some speakers use a contracted or colloquial form (e.g., “kaum ib” may be pronounced quickly as one unit), but the structure is straightforward: “kaum” + unit.
Multiples of ten (20, 30, … 90)
Hmong tens use the base number + “caum” (for tens) or “pua” in some dialects for hundreds; modern usage often uses “caum” for tens:
- 20 — neeg caum / ob caum — commonly kaum ob is 12, be careful: for 20 proper is kaum ob caum is incorrect. Correct tens form is number + caum:
- ni caum (not standard) — avoid confusion; standard tens in RPA:
- Better to list common tens formation using the word caum:
- kaum ob caum — not idiomatic. (See note below.)
I must correct and simplify: the standard way to form tens in Hmong is number + caum where “caum” means tens (like “twenty” = “ob caum” — literally “two ten”). So:
- 20 — ob caum — “oh(b) chaum”
- 30 — peb caum — “peh(b) chaum”
- 40 — plaub caum — “plow(b) chaum”
- 50 — tsib caum — “tsee(b) chaum”
- 60 — rau caum — “rao chaum”
- 70 — xya caum — “shyah chaum”
- 80 — yim caum — “yeem chaum”
- 90 — cuaj caum — “chua(j) chaum”
To say numbers like 21, 32, etc., use “tens + unit”:
- 21 — ob caum ib (20 + 1)
- 34 — peb caum plaub (30 + 4)
100
- 100 — ib puas (or ib puas / ib pua depending on orthography) — pronounced “ee(b) poo-ah(s)”
- To form numbers like 101: ib puas ib (100 + 1), 120: ib puas ob caum.
Dialect differences & common notes
- White Hmong (Hmong Daw) and Green Hmong (Mong Leng) differ mainly in pronunciation and some word choices (e.g., certain consonant initials). The numerals themselves are largely cognate and recognizable across dialects.
- Hmong speakers sometimes use loan translations or code-switch with English or local languages for larger numbers or in urban settings.
- Tone accuracy matters: mispronouncing tone can change meaning; listen to native speakers and practice with audio.
Practice exercises
- Say aloud 1–10 slowly, focusing on tones. Repeat daily until comfortable.
- Convert these numbers into Hmong: 14, 28, 35, 47, 59, 63, 78, 84, 91, 100. Check answers below.
- Count objects around you in Hmong (e.g., plates, chairs) up to 20.
- Listen to native Hmong speakers (songs, language lessons) and shadow (repeat) numerals.
Answers for exercise 2:
- 14 — kaum plaub
- 28 — ob caum yim
- 35 — peb caum tsib
- 47 — plaub caum xya
- 59 — tsib caum cuaj
- 63 — rau caum peb
- 78 — xya caum yim
- 84 — yim caum plaub
- 91 — cuaj caum ib
- 100 — ib puas
Common phrases using numbers
- How many? — Muaj pes tsawg? (pronounced “moo-ah pew tshaw?”)
- There are three people. — Muaj peb leej neeg.
- I have two children. — Kuv muaj ob tug menyuam.
Resources and next steps
- Use audio resources (YouTube, language apps) to learn tones.
- Practice with native speakers or language exchange partners for real-time feedback.
- Drill with flashcards (number on one side, Hmong word on the other).
- Move next to telling time, prices, and measuring items in Hmong.
Pronunciation and tones are the hardest part; regular listening and speaking practice will make the numerals feel natural quickly.
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