Loading...
Sixteen
ستّة عشر (Sitta Ashar) is the Arabic cardinal number meaning "sixteen." It is composed of two parts: ستّة (sitta, meaning "six") and عشر (ashar, meaning "ten"), following the Arabic numeral system where numbers 11-19 are formed by combining units with the tens place. This number is used in counting, telling time, describing quantities, and various mathematical contexts in daily Arabic communication.
Worksheets, games, and lesson plans for Years 1-11
Get a new Arabic word delivered to your inbox every day — with pronunciation, meaning, and cultural context.
عندي ستّة عشر كتاباً في مكتبتي.
Andi sitta ashar kitaban fi maktabati.
I have sixteen books in my library.
الساعة الآن ستّة عشر والنصف (أربع وعشرون ومن نصف).
As-saa'a al-aan sitta ashar wan-nisf.
The time is now 4:30 PM (sixteen and a half in the 24-hour format).
في الفصل ستّة عشر طالباً وطالبة.
Fi al-fasl sitta ashar taliba wa taliba.
There are sixteen male and female students in the classroom.
اشتريت ستّة عشر تفاحة من السوق.
Ishtarayt sitta ashar tuffaha min as-suq.
I bought sixteen apples from the market.
ستّة عشر زائد أربعة يساوي عشرون.
Sitta ashar za'id arba'a yasa'wi ishrun.
Sixteen plus four equals twenty.
Content coming soon.
Numbers hold significant importance in Arabic culture and are used extensively in daily transactions, education, and social contexts. In traditional Arab markets (souks), vendors and customers engage in rapid numerical exchanges when negotiating prices or quantities. The number sixteen may also have cultural significance in various Arab contexts, such as in traditional games, counting rhymes, or educational frameworks where numbers are taught in sequential patterns.
When using ستّة عشر, remember that in Arabic, numbers 11-19 have special grammatical rules regarding agreement with nouns. The number typically comes before the noun in modern standard Arabic (MSA), and the noun is often in the singular form, though this can vary by dialect. Practice pronouncing "sitta ashar" clearly, as the combination of the two components can be challenging for English speakers unfamiliar with Arabic phonetics.
ستّة عشر (Sitta Ashar) is the Arabic cardinal number representing the quantity sixteen. This number is fundamental to the Arabic numeral system and is composed of two distinct components: ستّة (sitta, meaning "six") and عشر (ashar, meaning "ten"). The combination of these two words creates a compound number that falls within the special numerical range of 11-19 in Arabic, which follows unique grammatical and phonetic patterns.
The formation of ستّة عشر demonstrates the systematic approach Arabic uses for creating teen numbers. Unlike English, where numbers like "thirteen," "fourteen," and "fifteen" have irregular roots, Arabic maintains a consistent logical structure. The number explicitly shows its mathematical origin: six (6) plus ten (10) equals sixteen (16). This transparency in Arabic numeral construction makes learning the number system more intuitive once learners understand the foundational numbers from one to ten.
In Modern Standard Arabic (MSA), ستّة عشر exhibits special grammatical behaviors when used with nouns. Typically, the number precedes the noun it modifies, and the noun often appears in singular form, particularly in formal written Arabic. For example: "ستّة عشر كتاباً" (sitta ashar kitaban - sixteen books) uses the singular form of the noun despite referring to a plural quantity. Different Arabic dialects may handle this construction differently, so learners should be aware that regional variations exist.
The pronunciation of ستّة عشر requires attention to Arabic phonetics. "Sitta" is pronounced with a soft "t" sound (not like English "t"), while "ashar" flows as a single syllable with emphasis on the "a" sound. Together, it flows as "SIT-tah AH-shar," with the stress typically falling on the first syllable. Practice is essential for English speakers to achieve natural-sounding pronunciation, as these sounds don't have perfect English equivalents.
The number sixteen appears frequently in everyday Arabic contexts. It is used when stating ages ("ستّة عشر سنة" - sixteen years old), describing quantities of objects, expressing time in 24-hour formats, and in mathematical calculations. Shopkeepers, teachers, students, and professionals regularly employ this number in their daily interactions. Understanding how to use and recognize ستّة عشر is essential for anyone seeking functional proficiency in Arabic.
To fully grasp ستّة عشر, learners should familiarize themselves with adjacent numbers in the sequence. The number directly follows خمسة عشر (fifteen) and precedes سبعة عشر (seventeen). Understanding the broader context of teen numbers helps learners recognize patterns and build confidence in using the complete numeral system.
In Arab culture, numbers carry practical importance in commerce, education, and social interactions. Markets throughout the Arab world rely on rapid numerical exchanges, making competence with numbers like sixteen a practical skill. Additionally, numbers feature prominently in traditional games, folklore, and educational settings where sequences and patterns are emphasized.
English speakers learning Arabic should note that the teen number system differs significantly from English expectations. Rather than relying on irregular forms, Arabic maintains logical consistency, which can actually facilitate learning once the pattern is recognized. Repetition through practical use—such as counting objects, stating ages, or reading prices—accelerates retention and natural usage.