Last updated: · 3 min read
How to Teach Numbers 1 to 100 in Chinese, English and Bahasa Malaysia
Chinese numbers are the easiest of the three because they follow a clear pattern: once your child knows 1 to 10, eleven is ten-one, twenty is two-ten and ninety-nine is nine-ten-nine. English has more irregular words and Bahasa Malaysia uses belas and puluh patterns. Teach 1 to 10 first, then the tens, practise with songs and games, and use a hundred chart to show the patterns.
How the three languages count
Seeing the pattern makes counting feel easy rather than random.
Chinese: very regular
After 1 to 10 (yī, èr, sān, sì, wǔ, liù, qī, bā, jiǔ, shí), 11 is shí-yī, 20 is èr-shí and 99 is jiǔ-shí-jiǔ. Children who see this pattern can count to 99 quickly.
English and Malay: a bit more to learn
English has irregular words such as eleven, twelve and the teens, while Bahasa Malaysia uses belas for 11 to 19 (sebelas, dua belas) and puluh for tens (dua puluh). Both become clear with practice.
A four-week plan
Ten minutes a day is enough.
From 1 to 10 to 100
Week 1: 1 to 10 in each language
Count objects such as blocks, with a number card. Sing a counting song in one language per day. Point to the card as you count.
Quick tip: touch each object
One touch, one number.
Week 2: the tens
Teach 10, 20, 30 and so on in each language, and count by tens up the hundred chart. Use coins or sticks in tens.
Quick tip: bundle sticks
Tie ten sticks to show a ten.
Weeks 3 and 4: filling in the gaps
Start from 11 to 20, then 21 to 30, and so on. Play bingo and hunt for numbers around the house and on car number plates.
Quick tip: link to real life
Number hunt on the way to school.
Games to try
Quick and playful.
- Number hunt: find numbers on signs, doors and clocks.
- Hundred-chart race: call a number and find it.
- Hopscotch counting: say the number as you hop.
- Number bingo with 1 to 30.
- Shopping game: count toy coins in a chosen language.
Keep the languages clear
Choose one language per session, or per day, so children do not mix them up. Mixing is normal in multilingual homes, so be patient.
Use numbers in real life: counting stairs, fruit and family members in different languages.
How DuoDuo Kidz Academy can help
DuoDuo Kidz Academy's Trilingual Language Programme includes numbers and everyday vocabulary in Chinese, English and Bahasa Malaysia, taught 1-to-1 with games. Book a free 60-minute trial to see how your child counts.
DuoDuo Kidz Academy offers three programmes for children aged 4–12: the 1-to-1 Trilingual Language Programme (Chinese, Bahasa Malaysia, English), the Educare After-School Programme (安亲班) and the Holistic Preschool Programme for ages 4–6. There are six branches — Danau Kota Setapak and Wangsa Maju (Kuala Lumpur), Taiping (Perak), Alma Bukit Mertajam and Bayan Lepas (Penang) and Semabok (Melaka) — with the same curriculum, teacher training and progress charts at every one.
FAQ
Which language should I teach numbers in first?
Start with your child's strongest language, then add others.
When can a child count to 100?
Many children can count to 100 by age 5 to 6, but each child is different.
Why are Chinese numbers easier?
Because teens and tens follow a clear, regular pattern.
Should I teach written numbers too?
Yes, alongside counting, with number cards and writing practice.
Is the DuoDuo trial class really free?
Yes. The trial is one free 60-minute 1-to-1 lesson in a single language subject (Chinese, Bahasa Malaysia or English), with no payment and no obligation, so you can see your child's real starting point.
Which DuoDuo branch is nearest to me?
DuoDuo has six branches: Danau Kota Setapak and Wangsa Maju in Kuala Lumpur, Taiping in Perak, Alma (Bukit Mertajam) and Bayan Lepas in Penang, and Semabok in Melaka. WhatsApp 011-2828 8676 with your area and your child's age and we will point you to the closest one.
Give your child the most precious gift: the ability to learn on their own.
Book a free 60-minute 1-to-1 trial class in a single language subject. You'll see your child's true starting point — and exactly how we'll move forward. No payment, no obligation.