Language/Kirghiz/Vocabulary/Ordinal-Numbers

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Kirghiz → Vocabulary → 0 to A1 Course → Numbers and Time → Ordinal Numbers

Introduction

In this lesson, we will delve into the world of ordinal numbers in the Kirghiz language. Ordinal numbers are used to express order, rank, or position, and they play a crucial role in everyday communication. By understanding and mastering ordinal numbers, you will be able to navigate various situations, such as describing the order of events, ranking items, or indicating someone's position in a group.

Throughout this lesson, we will explore the Kirghiz ordinal numbers in depth, providing numerous examples to illustrate each point. We will also examine any regional variations in the usage or understanding of ordinal numbers, as well as any historical reasons for these differences. Additionally, we will share interesting cultural facts and anecdotes related to ordinal numbers, making the learning experience engaging and memorable.

By the end of this lesson, you will have a solid understanding of Kirghiz ordinal numbers and be able to use them confidently in your conversations and interactions. Let's dive in!

Kirghiz Ordinal Numbers

Ordinal numbers in Kirghiz are formed by adding the suffix "-чи" ("-chi") to the cardinal number. This suffix is equivalent to the English "-th" or "-st" suffix. For example, the ordinal number for "one" is "бир" ("bir"), and when we add the suffix "-чи" ("-chi"), it becomes "бирчи" ("birchi"), meaning "first". Similarly, "two" is "эки" ("eki"), and the ordinal number for it is "экичи" ("ekichi"), meaning "second".

Let's take a look at the ordinal numbers from 1 to 10 in Kirghiz:

Kirghiz	Pronunciation	English
бирчи	birchi	first
экичи	ekichi	second
үчүнчү	üchünchü	third
төртүнчү	törtünchü	fourth
бешинчи	beshinchı	fifth
алтынчы	altynchı	sixth
жетинчи	jetinchı	seventh
сегизинчи	segizinchı	eighth
тогузунчу	toguzunchu	ninth
ончу	onchu	tenth

As you can see, the suffix "-чи" ("-chi") is added consistently to each cardinal number to form the corresponding ordinal number. It's important to note that ordinal numbers in Kirghiz agree in gender and case with the noun they modify, just like adjectives. We will explore this further in the following sections.

Gender and Case Agreement

In Kirghiz, ordinal numbers, like adjectives, agree in gender and case with the noun they modify. This means that the ending of the ordinal number will change depending on the gender and case of the noun.

Let's take a look at some examples:

Masculine Nouns

When modifying a masculine noun in the nominative case, the ordinal number will take the "-чуу" ("-chu") ending.

• "бирчи" ("birchi") - first (masculine)
• "экичи" ("ekichi") - second (masculine)
• "үчүнчү" ("üchünchü") - third (masculine)

When modifying a masculine noun in the genitive case, the ordinal number will take the "-чын" ("-chyn") ending.

• "бирчын" ("birchyn") - first (masculine)
• "экичин" ("ekichin") - second (masculine)
• "үчүнчүн" ("üchünchün") - third (masculine)

Feminine Nouns

When modifying a feminine noun in the nominative case, the ordinal number will take the "-чүү" ("-chüü") ending.

• "бирчүү" ("birchüü") - first (feminine)
• "экичүү" ("ekichüü") - second (feminine)
• "үчүнчүү" ("üchünchüü") - third (feminine)

When modifying a feminine noun in the genitive case, the ordinal number will take the "-чынын" ("-chynyn") ending.

• "бирчынын" ("birchynyn") - first (feminine)
• "экичынын" ("ekichynyn") - second (feminine)
• "үчүнчүнын" ("üchünchünyn") - third (feminine)

Neuter Nouns

When modifying a neuter noun in the nominative case, the ordinal number will take the "-чүү" ("-chüü") ending, similar to feminine nouns.

• "бирчүү" ("birchüü") - first (neuter)
• "экичүү" ("ekichüü") - second (neuter)
• "үчүнчүү" ("üchünchüü") - third (neuter)

When modifying a neuter noun in the genitive case, the ordinal number will take the "-чынын" ("-chynyn") ending, similar to masculine nouns.

• "бирчынын" ("birchynyn") - first (neuter)
• "экичынын" ("ekichynyn") - second (neuter)
• "үчүнчүнын" ("üchünchünyn") - third (neuter)

It's important to pay attention to the gender and case of the noun being modified to ensure correct agreement with the ordinal number. Practice will help you become more familiar with these patterns.

Cultural Insights

Ordinal numbers play a significant role in Kirghiz culture, particularly in the context of hospitality and respect. When referring to guests or elders, it is common to use ordinal numbers as a sign of politeness and reverence. For example, instead of saying "экинчи" ("ekinchi") for "second", Kirghiz people may use "икинчи" ("ikinchi") to show respect and honor.

Furthermore, ordinal numbers are often used in traditional Kirghiz storytelling and folklore. They help to create a vivid picture of events and emphasize the chronological order of the narrative. By understanding ordinal numbers, you can more fully appreciate the richness and depth of Kirghiz literature and oral traditions.

Practice Exercises

Now, let's put our knowledge of Kirghiz ordinal numbers into practice with some exercises. Choose the correct ordinal number to complete each sentence:

1. Менин <второй> китепти бериңиз. (Choose the correct ordinal number) 2. Айдай экинчи көчөгүнө келди. (Choose the correct ordinal number) 3. Биринчи кезекте кандай беттер жазылат? (Choose the correct ordinal number) 4. Менин аялдыктарымдын <алтынчы> атасы оңдоо болот. (Choose the correct ordinal number)

Solution:

1. Менин <икинчи> китепти бериңиз. 2. Айдай <икинчи> көчөгүнө келди. 3. Биринчи кезекте кандай беттер жазылат? 4. Менин аялдыктарымдын <алтынчы> атасы оңдоо болот.

Explanation:

1. Менин <икинчи> китепти бериңиз. (My second book) 2. Айдай <икинчи> көчөгүнө келди. (He/she came to the second street) 3. Биринчи кезекте кандай беттер жазылат? (What pages are written in the first issue?) 4. Менин аялдыктарымдын <алтынчы> атасы оңдоо болот. (The sixth generation of my ancestors is strong)

Congratulations! You've completed the practice exercises successfully.

Summary

In this lesson, we explored the world of Kirghiz ordinal numbers. We learned that ordinal numbers are formed by adding the suffix "-чи" ("-chi") to the cardinal number. We also discovered that ordinal numbers in Kirghiz agree in gender and case with the noun they modify, just like adjectives. We discussed the cultural significance of ordinal numbers in Kirghiz society, particularly in terms of hospitality and storytelling.

By understanding and practicing ordinal numbers, you have taken another step towards mastering the Kirghiz language. Keep practicing and exploring the rich cultural heritage associated with Kirghiz ordinal numbers. Good luck on your language learning journey!

Table of Contents - Kirghiz Course - 0 to A1

• Course Presentation

  ---

Greetings and Introductions

• Basic Greetings
• Introducing Yourself

  ---

Basic Sentence Structure

• Subject-Object-Verb Order
• Negation

  ---

Numbers and Time

• Cardinal Numbers
• Ordinal Numbers
• Telling Time

  ---

Nouns and Pronouns

• Noun Cases
• Personal Pronouns
• Possessive Pronouns

  ---

Family and Relationships

• Family Members
• Relationship Status

  ---

Verbs and Tenses

• Present Tense
• Past Tense
• Future Tense

  ---

Food and Dining

• Meals and Ingredients
• Ordering at a Restaurant

  ---

Kirghiz Customs and Traditions

• Holidays and Celebrations
• Traditional Clothing

  ---

Travel and Transportation

• Modes of Transportation
• Asking for Directions

  ---

Adjectives and Adverbs

• Adjective Agreement
• Comparative and Superlative

  ---

Weather and Seasons

• Seasons
• Weather Conditions

  ---

Kirghiz Literature and Music

• Famous Writers and Poets
• Traditional Music and Instruments

Other Lessons

• Health
• Time
• Kirghiz survival phrases
• Ordering at a Restaurant
• Telling Time
• House
• Asking for Directions
• Cardinal Numbers
• Drinks
• Meals and Ingredients

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