Saying telephone numbers in English is much easier than it looks. However, many learners feel insecure because they try to read numbers the same way they do in their own language. The good news is that English follows very clear and practical patterns, especially on the phone. Se also: English Numbers: A Complete Guide to Big Numbers
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- how phone numbers are said in English,
- how to say zero correctly,
- when to use “oh” instead of zero,
- how to deal with repeated numbers using double and triple,
- and how these rules also apply to real-life situations like apartments and flight numbers.
Saying Each Number Separately
First of all, when you say a telephone number in English, you say each digit individually. You do not read it as a large number.
What’s your phone number?
It’s 3692 5847.
It’s three six nine two, five eight four seven.
This rule applies to mobile numbers, landlines, and international numbers.
How to Say Zero in Phone Numbers
Now let’s talk about something very important: the number zero.
In English, when you say phone numbers, zero is usually pronounced as “oh” (like the letter O).
5059 1023
five oh five nine, one oh two three
Using “oh” sounds more natural and is much more common in spoken English.
However, “zero” is also correct — it just sounds more formal.
five zero five nine, one zero two three
👉 Key point:
- “oh” = more natural, more common
- “zero” = correct, but more formal
When Do English Speakers Use “Oh” for Zero?
You don’t use “oh” only for phone numbers. Native speakers also use it in other everyday situations.
Apartment Numbers
I live in apartment 04.
I live in apartment oh four.
This sounds much more natural than zero four in casual speech.
Flight Numbers
My flight is BA 007.
My flight is BA oh oh seven.
In flights, room numbers, and codes, “oh” is extremely common.
Years and Codes
The code is 4018.
four oh one eight
Again, each number is said separately, and “oh” is preferred.
Repeated Numbers: Using “Double” and “Triple”
Another very useful rule is how to deal with repeated numbers.
When the same number appears two or three times in a row, English speakers usually say:
- double → two repeated numbers
- triple → three repeated numbers
Examples with Phone Numbers
5718 3369
five seven one eight, double three six nine
2149 8777
two one four nine, eight triple seven
This makes the number faster to say and easier to understand, especially on the phone.
Can I Always Use “Double” and “Triple”?
In phone numbers, yes, very often. However, it’s optional. You can also say each digit separately if you prefer.
Compare:
eight seven seven seven
eight triple seven
Both are correct, but the second one is clearer and more natural in conversation.
Mobile Phone vs Cell Phone
One small vocabulary note:
- In British English, people usually say mobile phone
- In American English, people usually say cell phone
However, the way you say the number itself is exactly the same.
Real-Life Practice Examples
Let’s put everything together with realistic sentences.
Can I have your phone number, please?
Sure. It’s six oh nine, double three, four eight two one.
What’s your apartment number?
It’s apartment oh six.
What flight are you on?
I’m on flight one oh five.
*Call me later — my number is eight triple five, zero nine two one.
These are the kinds of sentences you’ll actually hear and use.
Final Tips to Sound Natural
To sound confident when saying phone numbers in English, remember:
- Say each number individually
- Use “oh” for zero in casual speech
- Use “double” and “triple” for repeated numbers
- Don’t overthink — clarity matters more than speed
Once you get used to these patterns, saying numbers on the phone becomes automatic.
