Devanagari numerals: ० १ २ ३ ४ ५ ६ ७ ८ ९

Hindi numbers use a base-ten positional system. This is great news for you. It means they work just like the numbers you already know. You place digits side by side to make larger numbers. For example, १ and ० together make १० (ten). The value depends on the position of the digit. The digit on the far right is the ones place. The next one to the left is the tens place. This pattern continues forever. You do not need to learn new rules for math. You only need to learn the new shapes of the digits. Think of it like a grammar traffic light. Green means go, and these numbers are your green light to navigating India.

1. 1Learning to draw these digits is a fun visual journey. Follow these steps to recognize and form them:
2. 2Start with ०. It is a simple circle, just like a zero.
3. 3Move to १. It looks like a little hook or a '1' with a curl.
4. 4Draw २. It resembles the number 2 but has a fancy tail.
5. 5Create ३. This looks like a 3 but usually has a longer tail.
6. 6Form ४. This is the tricky one. It looks like a closed loop or a ribbon.
7. 7Shape ५. It looks like a hook or a heart with an open top.
8. 8Sketch ६. It is the mirror image of ३. Do not flip them!
9. 9Make ७. It looks like a small hook or a tilted 'v'.
10. 10Construct ८. It looks like a 'u' shape with a side bar.
11. 11Finalize with ९. It looks like a backwards '6' or a 'p'.

You will use these numerals in many real-world scenarios. Imagine you are at a local dhaba in Delhi. The menu is handwritten on a chalkboard. You see ₹३० for a delicious paratha. Because you know your digits, you know it costs thirty rupees. Or imagine you are at a busy train station. The platform indicator shows ४. You know exactly where to run to catch your train. You will also see these on old house numbers while exploring. Official government documents often use these script numbers too. Even in job interviews, showing you can read these script digits impresses employers. It shows you truly respect the local culture and script.

Modern India is very tech-savvy and globalized. Most smartphones and computers use standard Arabic numerals (1, 2, 3). You do not need to use Devanagari digits in text messages. Most people will understand standard numbers perfectly fine. In modern business settings, Arabic numerals are the standard. Do not feel pressured to use script numbers for complex math. If you are writing a formal email, standard numbers are usually safer. However, knowing the script digits is your 'superpower' for traditional settings. Use them when you want to connect with the heritage of the language.

Yes, even native speakers mess this up sometimes! The most common trap is mixing up ४ (4) and ८ (8). They both have loops and curves that look similar at a glance. Another classic mistake is swapping ३ (3) and ६ (6). Remember that ६ is the one facing the other way. Some learners also confuse ९ (9) with the letter 'p'. It takes a bit of practice to see the difference. Do not worry if you have to squint at a price tag. It is part of the learning process. Think of it like a puzzle you are solving every day.

You might notice that २ and ३ look very much like their Arabic cousins. This is because they share a common ancient ancestor! However, ४, ५, and ८ are completely different. In Arabic numerals, 4 is angular. In Devanagari, ४ is a soft loop. Arabic 8 is two circles. Devanagari ८ is an open curve. This contrast can be jarring at first. Just remember that the logic of the number remains the same. Only the 'font' has changed. It is like wearing a different outfit but being the same person.