Language/Northern-kurdish/Vocabulary/Numbers
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Introduction[edit | edit source]
In this lesson, we will learn about numbers in Northern Kurdish. Numbers are an essential part of daily life and communication, allowing us to count, measure, and quantify the world around us. Understanding numbers is crucial for basic tasks such as telling time, expressing quantities, and conducting transactions. By the end of this lesson, you will be able to confidently use numbers in Northern Kurdish.
Cardinal Numbers[edit | edit source]
Cardinal numbers are used to express quantity or count objects. In Northern Kurdish, cardinal numbers are used in various contexts, such as counting, telling time, stating one's age, and giving phone numbers. Let's explore the cardinal numbers from 0 to 10:
| Northern Kurdish | Pronunciation | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| sıfır | sɪˈfɪr | zero |
| yek | jɛk | one |
| du | du | two |
| sê | seː | three |
| çar | ʧaːr | four |
| pênc | peːntʃ | five |
| şeş | ʃeʃ | six |
| heft | hɛft | seven |
| heşt | hɛʃt | eight |
| neh | nɛh | nine |
| deh | dɛh | ten |
Northern Kurdish numbers from 0 to 10 follow a straightforward pattern. However, it's important to note that Northern Kurdish uses a decimal system, similar to many other languages. This means that numbers above ten are formed by combining the word for "ten" (deh) with the corresponding unit. For example:
| Northern Kurdish | Pronunciation | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| yanzdeh | janzdɛh | eleven |
| dwanzdeh | dwanzdɛh | twelve |
| sêzdeh | sezdɛh | thirteen |
| çardeh | ʧardɛh | fourteen |
| pênczdeh | pentʃzdɛh | fifteen |
| şanzdeh | ʃanzdɛh | sixteen |
| heftzdeh | hɛftzdɛh | seventeen |
| heştzdeh | hɛʃtzdɛh | eighteen |
| nihzdeh | nihzdɛh | nineteen |
| bîst | bist | twenty |
As we can see, numbers from 11 to 19 are formed by adding the unit number to "deh" (ten). After that, numbers from 20 onwards are formed by adding the unit number to "bîst" (twenty). Let's continue exploring larger numbers:
| Northern Kurdish | Pronunciation | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| bîst û yek | bist u jɛk | twenty-one |
| bîst û du | bist u du | twenty-two |
| bîst û sê | bist u seː | twenty-three |
| sê û bîst | seː u bist | thirty |
| çar û bîst | ʧaːr u bist | forty |
| pênc û bîst | peːntʃ u bist | fifty |
| şeş û bîst | ʃeʃ u bist | sixty |
| heft û bîst | hɛft u bist | seventy |
| heşt û bîst | hɛʃt u bist | eighty |
| neh û bîst | nɛh u bist | ninety |
| sed | sɛd | one hundred |
In Northern Kurdish, numbers can continue to be formed by adding the unit numbers to the base numbers like "bîst" (twenty) and "sed" (one hundred). This pattern allows for the creation of larger numbers up to the thousands and beyond.
Ordinal Numbers[edit | edit source]
Ordinal numbers are used to indicate the position or order of something. In Northern Kurdish, ordinal numbers are formed by adding the suffix "-em" to the cardinal number, with some exceptions. Let's take a look at the ordinal numbers from 1 to 10:
| Northern Kurdish | Pronunciation | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| yekem | jɛkɛm | first |
| duyem | dujɛm | second |
| sêyem | seːjɛm | third |
| çarem | ʧaːrɛm | fourth |
| pêncem | peːntʃɛm | fifth |
| şeşem | ʃeʃɛm | sixth |
| heftem | hɛftɛm | seventh |
| heştem | hɛʃtɛm | eighth |
| nehêm | nɛhɛm | ninth |
| dehem | dɛhɛm | tenth |
As we can see, most ordinal numbers are formed by adding the suffix "-em" to the cardinal number. However, there are a few exceptions, such as "yekem" (first), "duyem" (second), and "sêyem" (third). It's important to remember these exceptions to accurately express the order of things in Northern Kurdish.
Cultural Insight[edit | edit source]
Numbers hold cultural significance in Northern Kurdish society. In traditional Kurdish culture, certain numbers are considered lucky or unlucky. For example, the number 7 (heft) is often associated with good luck and is believed to bring blessings and protection. On the other hand, the number 13 (sêzdeh) is considered unlucky in Kurdish folklore, similar to many other cultures around the world. It is believed to bring bad luck and is often associated with superstitions.
Additionally, numbers play a role in traditional Kurdish storytelling and poetry. Poets and storytellers often use numerical imagery and symbolism to convey deeper meanings and evoke emotions. The use of numbers adds a rich layer of cultural context to the language and enhances the beauty of Northern Kurdish literature.
Practice Exercises[edit | edit source]
Now, let's practice what we have learned. Complete the following exercises by writing the Northern Kurdish translation for each number:
1. Twenty: ________________ 2. Forty-five: ________________ 3. Seventy-two: ________________ 4. One hundred and ten: ________________ 5. Third: ________________
Solutions: 1. Bîst 2. çar û pênc 3. heft û du 4. sed û deh 5. sêyem
Explanation: 1. "Twenty" in Northern Kurdish is "Bîst." 2. "Forty-five" in Northern Kurdish is "çar û pênc." 3. "Seventy-two" in Northern Kurdish is "heft û du." 4. "One hundred and ten" in Northern Kurdish is "sed û deh." 5. "Third" in Northern Kurdish is "sêyem."
Congratulations! You have successfully learned the numbers in Northern Kurdish.
Other Lessons[edit | edit source]
- Months and Seasons
- Family
- Greetings
- Education
- Food
- Health
- Count to 10
- Feelings and Emotions
- Sports and Fitness
- Colors
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