Learn English Numbers 11-20: Pre-A1 Vocabulary

Raúl Maguiña

Langcom Founder | Cambridge and SIELE Examiner

July 16, 2026

PRE-A1📚 Vocabulary⏱️ 3 min read
Learning English numbers 11 to 20 is a key step for beginners, helping you talk about age, time, and quantities every day. These numbers are special because they don’t follow the simple patterns of 1-10 or 21 and above. Mastering them will make it easier to understand native speakers and communicate clearly in many situations. You will learn to say and spell each number, from eleven to twenty. Pay attention to the sounds, especially the ‘-teen’ ending for most numbers from thirteen to nineteen. Practice saying them aloud to remember them better. This guide will help you build a strong foundation for using numbers in English confidently.

Why are numbers 11-20 important in English?

Numbers 11 to 20 are very useful in daily life. You use them all the time.

  • To say your age or someone else’s age: I am sixteen.
  • To talk about quantities: There are twelve apples.
  • To give phone numbers or addresses: My number is five-five-five-one-four-eight-eleven.
  • To talk about time or dates: The meeting is at nineteen o’clock.

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How do you say numbers 11-20 in English?

Here are the numbers from 11 to 20. Listen carefully and repeat them.

  • 11: eleven
  • 12: twelve
  • 13: thirteen
  • 14: fourteen
  • 15: fifteen
  • 16: sixteen
  • 17: seventeen
  • 18: eighteen
  • 19: nineteen
  • 20: twenty

Are there any special rules for numbers 11-20?

Yes, there are a few things to remember about these numbers.

  • Eleven and twelve are special. They do not end in -teen.
  • Numbers from thirteen to nineteen all end with -teen. This sound is important!
  • The number twenty is also special. It does not end in -teen.
  • Pay attention to the spelling. For example, fifteen is not fiveteen.
English Numbers <span data-no-translation>11-20</span>
Number Word
11 eleven
12 twelve
13 thirteen
14 fourteen
15 fifteen
16 sixteen
17 seventeen
18 eighteen
19 nineteen
20 twenty

Examples

  • I have eleven pencils.
  • My brother is twelve years old.
  • There are thirteen chairs in the room.
  • She bought fourteen apples.
  • We saw fifteen birds.
  • He has sixteen books.
  • There are seventeen days left.
  • I need eighteen eggs.
  • She lives at number nineteen.
  • There are twenty students in the class.

Practice

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Common mistakes for Spanish speakers

Spanish speakers sometimes make small mistakes with these numbers. Here are some common ones:

  • Confusing -teen and -ty: It is easy to confuse numbers like thirteen (13) and thirty (30). Listen carefully to the end sound. Thirteen has a long ‘ee’ sound at the end. Thirty has a short ‘ee’ sound.
  • Pronouncing V in Twelve: Make sure to pronounce the v sound clearly in twelve. It is not twel.
  • Spelling Fifteen: Remember it is fifteen, not fiveteen.

Frequently asked questions

How can I remember these numbers easily?

Practice is key! Say the numbers aloud many times. Write them down. Try to count objects around you, like eleven books or fifteen pens. Listen to English songs or videos that use numbers.

Are numbers 11-20 used often?

Yes, very often! You use them for age, counting things, telling time, and many other daily situations. They are fundamental for basic communication.

Is the pronunciation of -teen important?

Yes, it is very important! The -teen sound helps people know if you mean 13 (thirteen) or 30 (thirty). Make sure to stress the -teen part.

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About the Author: Raúl Maguiña

Raúl Maguiña is the Director of Asociación Educativa Langcom, an Authorized Cambridge English Preparation Centre in USA. With over a decade of experience in language education and international certification, he has helped thousands of students, teachers and educational institutions across 25 countries achieve Cambridge, IELTS, TOEFL, and Michigan English certifications.

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