Language/Somali/Vocabulary/Numbers-1-20

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Somali → Vocabulary → 0 to A1 Course → Numbers and Time → Numbers 1-20

Introduction

Welcome to the lesson on Somali numbers! In this lesson, we will learn the numbers 1-20 in Somali and how to use them in sentences. Numbers are an essential part of any language, and learning them will allow you to count, tell time, and engage in everyday conversations. By the end of this lesson, you will be able to confidently use Somali numbers in various contexts.

To make the learning experience more engaging and culturally rich, we will also explore interesting facts and anecdotes related to Somali culture and history. So let's dive in and start exploring the fascinating world of Somali numbers!

Somali Numbers 1-20

Let's begin by learning the numbers 1-20 in Somali. Take a look at the table below to familiarize yourself with the Somali words, their pronunciations, and their English translations:

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	tobàn	ten
11	kow iyo tobàn	eleven
12	laba iyo tobàn	twelve
13	saddex iyo tobàn	thirteen
14	afar iyo tobàn	fourteen
15	shan iyo tobàn	fifteen
16	lix iyo tobàn	sixteen
17	toddoba iyo tobàn	seventeen
18	siddeed iyo tobàn	eighteen
19	sagaal iyo tobàn	nineteen
20	labaatan	twenty

Now that you have familiarized yourself with the numbers, let's practice using them in sentences.

Using Numbers in Sentences

Numbers are used in various contexts in Somali, such as counting, telling time, expressing age, and giving phone numbers. Let's look at some examples of how to use numbers in sentences:

1. Counting:

  - Waxaan ku jiraa saddex casho.
    (I have three cats.)
  - Waxaan rabaa inaan ku hesho lix qalab.
    (I want to buy six pens.)

2. Telling Time:

  - Waqtiga waa lix iyo tobàn.
    (The time is eleven o'clock.)
  - Salaadda waa toddoba iyo sagaal.
    (The prayer is at seven o'clock.)

3. Expressing Age:

  - Waxaan ahay labaatan sanno.
    (I am twenty years old.)
  - Dugsiyada waa saddex iyo labaatan sanno.
    (The schools are thirty years old.)

4. Giving Phone Numbers:

  - Lambarka telefoonka waa sagaal iyo tobàn iyo laba iyo tobàn.
    (The phone number is nine-one-eight-two.)

Practice using the numbers in different contexts to reinforce your understanding and fluency.

Cultural Insights

Numbers play a significant role in Somali culture and traditions. For instance, in Somali folklore, certain numbers are believed to have specific meanings and associations. The number seven, "todoba" in Somali, is often considered a lucky number, associated with blessings and good fortune. Similarly, the number thirteen, "saddex iyo tobàn," is sometimes associated with superstitions and considered unlucky.

It is also interesting to note that Somali counting system follows a base-10 structure, similar to many other languages. However, there are regional variations in the pronunciation and usage of numbers in different parts of Somalia. For example, in some regions, the number three, "saddex," is pronounced as "sadeed." These variations add richness and diversity to the Somali language.

Exercises

Now it's time to practice what you have learned! Complete the following exercises to reinforce your understanding of Somali numbers:

1. Write the following numbers in Somali:

  a) 6
  b) 14
  c) 18
  d) 20

2. Translate the following sentences into Somali:

  a) I have five books.
  b) The meeting is at ten o'clock.
  c) He is twenty-three years old.
  d) Her phone number is nine-one-seven.

Solutions

Check your answers below:

1. Write the following numbers in Somali:

  a) lix
  b) afar iyo tobàn
  c) siddeed iyo tobàn
  d) labaatan

2. Translate the following sentences into Somali:

  a) Waxaan ku jiraa shan buug.
  b) Shirka waa tobàn saac.
  c) Wuxuu yahay labaatan iyo saddex sanno.
  d) Tirada telefoonka waa sagaal iyo tobàn iyo toddoba.

I hope you enjoyed practicing Somali numbers! Keep practicing and using them in everyday conversations to enhance your language skills.

Table of Contents - Somali Course - 0 to A1

• Course Presentation

  ---

Greetings and Introductions

• Basic Greetings
• Introducing Yourself

  ---

Pronouns and Verbs

• Personal Pronouns
• Basic Verb Conjugation

  ---

Numbers and Time

• Numbers 1-20
• Telling Time

  ---

Nouns and Adjectives

• Noun Gender and Plurals
• Adjective Agreement

  ---

Family and Relationships

• Family Members
• Relationships

  ---

Prepositions and Conjunctions

• Common Prepositions
• Conjunctions

  ---

Food and Dining

• Fruits and Vegetables
• Meals and Dining

  ---

Somali Customs and Traditions

• Greetings and Etiquette
• Holidays and Celebrations

  ---

Questions and Negation

• Question Words
• Negation

  ---

Travel and Transportation

• Modes of Transportation
• Directions and Locations

  ---

Somali Geography and History

• Geography of Somalia
• Somali History

  ---

Adverbs and Expressions

• Common Adverbs
• Idiomatic Expressions

  ---

Weather and Seasons

• Weather Vocabulary
• Seasons

  ---

Somali Art, Music, and Literature

• Somali Art
• Somali Music
• Somali Literature

Sources

• Somali numbers — Of Languages and Numbers
• Mathematics words in English and Somali
• Numbers in Somali

Other Lessons

• Days of the Week
• Telling Time
• Express Surprise
• Count to 10
• Food
• Colors
• Numbers
• Fruits and Vegetables
• Directions and Locations

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