Language/Somali/Vocabulary/Count-to-10

Somali Vocabulary - Count to 10

Hi Somali learners! 😊
In this lesson, we will learn how to count to 10 in Somali. Understanding numbers is one of the basic skills in any language, and it is essential to learn them in Somali too. Don't worry, it's super easy! Let's begin.

Once you've mastered this lesson, take a look at these related pages: Clothes, Fruits and Vegetables, Feelings and Emotions & Telling Time.

Somali Numbers

Before we begin to count, let's take a quick look at the Somali numbers from 1 to 10.

Somali	Pronunciation	English
1	kow	One
2	laba	Two
3	saddex	Three
4	afar	Four
5	shan	Five
6	lix	Six
7	toddoba	Seven
8	siddeed	Eight
9	sagaal	Nine
10	tobán	Ten

As you can see, the Somali numbers are pretty straightforward. Most of them are short, one or two syllables, and easy to remember.

Now that you have familiarized yourself with the Somali numbers, we can start counting. To count in Somali, all you have to do is place the word "ka" before the number word. For example, "two" in Somali is "laba," and "two cups" would be "kacup laba."

Keep in mind that in Somali, just like in English, numbers can be used for many different purposes. You can use them to count objects, tell time, express your age, and much more!

Examples in Context

Let's see how we can use these numbers in a dialogue:

• Person 1: Waxaan rabaa hal qof. (I need one person.)
• Person 2: Halkaan kahelayaa? (Where should I look?)

• Person 1: Maalin walba saddex saac ah. (Every day, three hours.)
• Person 2: Waa wax fiican oo rug ah. (That's a good and comfortable work.)

• Person 1: Markasta maxaa ka dhiman karaa? (How much does each one cost?)
• Person 2: Laba dollar. (Two dollars.)

Interesting Fact

Do you know that the Somali language uses a base 5 number system? The numbers 1-5 are represented by specific words, but the numbers 6-9 are formed by adding the word for 5 with the numbers 1-4, for example, six is "shan iyo laba" (five and two). Similarly, ten can be represented as "labo iyo tobán" (two fives), which seems like a mix between base 5 and base 10 system.

Practice Speaking Somali

Now, it's time to practice speaking Somali numbers. Just like any other language skill, practice speaking numbers aloud will improve your Somali speaking and listening ability.

You can also check out the Find native speakers and ask them any questions to help you learn and practice.

Conclusion

That's all for today's lesson. You have learned how to count to 10 in Somali, and how to use these numbers in context. Keep practicing, and don't forget to learn more Somali Vocabulary to improve your overall language skills.

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➡ If you have any questions, please ask them in the comments section below.
➡ Feel free to edit this wiki page if you think it can be improved. 😎

Sources

• Somali numbers — Of Languages and Numbers
• Numbers in Somali
• English to Somali Meaning of count - tirin

Great work on completing this lesson! Take a moment to investigate these connected pages: Family and Relatives, How to say "Good Bye"?, Basic Greetings & Directions and Locations.

Other Lessons

• Feelings and Emotions
• Family and Relatives
• How to Say Hello and Greetings
• Fruits
• Weather
• Fruits and Vegetables
• Education
• Animals
• House
• Offering or asking for help