Language/Hausa/Vocabulary/Count-to-10
Hi Hausa learners! 😊
In this lesson, you will learn how to count to 10 in Hausa! Counting in Hausa is easy because numbers are logical and follow a simple pattern. We will also provide you with some cultural context and interesting facts about Hausa. By the end of this lesson, you will be able to count to ten like a Hausa native. 🎉
With the completion of this lesson, consider investigating these related pages: Fruits, Pronouns in Hausa, How to Say Hello and Greetings & Adverbs in Hausa.
Importance of Counting in Hausa[edit | edit source]
Before we start, let's understand the importance of counting in Hausa culture. Nigeria is a country with over 250 ethnic groups, and Hausa people are the largest ethnic group in Nigeria. Thus, Hausa is spoken in many states of Nigeria and in neighboring countries such as Niger, Chad, and Ghana. Counting in Hausa is crucial not only for day-to-day interactions but also for business and commercial activities. Hausa numbers are also used in telling time, counting money, and measuring weight.
Hausa Number System[edit | edit source]
In Hausa, the number system is based on multiples of 10. The first 10 numbers are formed by combining 1 to 9 with the word for 10 (ashirin). To make a number past 20, the word for 20 (ishirin) is combined with the unit (1 to 9). A multiple of 10 is formed by multiplying the unit with 10 and adding the word for 10. For example, 30 (tasoshin goma) is formed by combining "3" (goma) with "10" (ashirin).
Let's have a look at the Hausa number system and practice counting up to 10.
| Hausa | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | daya | one |
| 2 | biyu | two |
| 3 | uwa | three |
| 4 | hudu | four |
| 5 | biyar | five |
| 6 | shida | six |
| 7 | bakwai | seven |
| 8 | takwas | eight |
| 9 | tara | nine |
| 10 | ashirin | ten |
Interesting Facts[edit | edit source]
Did you know that Hausa has a rich cultural heritage and is renowned for its art, music and literature? The music genre that originated from the Hausa people is called "Hausa music" and is a popular genre in Nigeria and neighboring countries. Hausa literature dates back to the early 19th century, and the written works encompass genres such as poetry, prose, and historical accounts. The Hausawood film industry, also known as Kannywood, produces movies in Hausa language and has a vast following within and outside the country.
Review[edit | edit source]
Let's review the Hausa numbers we learned in this lesson.
| Hausa | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | daya | one |
| 2 | biyu | two |
| 3 | uwa | three |
| 4 | hudu | four |
| 5 | biyar | five |
| 6 | shida | six |
| 7 | bakwai | seven |
| 8 | takwas | eight |
| 9 | tara | nine |
| 10 | ashirin | ten |
To improve your Hausa Vocabulary, you can also use the Polyglot Club website. Find native speakers and ask them any questions!