Language/Tigrinya/Vocabulary/Numbers-1-10
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Learning numbers is an essential part of language learning because it allows us to communicate effectively when we need to talk about quantities or express time-related ideas. In Tigrinya, the numbering system is straightforward, and once you learn the basics, you will be able to count and express time like a pro!
Numbers 1-10[edit | edit source]
Let's start with the numbers from 1 to 10 in Tigrinya:
| Tigrinya | Pronunciation | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | h'ade | One |
| 2 | snay | Two |
| 3 | slet | Three |
| 4 | arba | Four |
| 5 | hamsa | Five |
| 6 | shidda | Six |
| 7 | seb'a | Seven |
| 80 | sem'anya | Eighty |
| 9 | tsa'eda | white |
| 10 | 'ashara | Ten |
As you can see, the pronunciation in Tigrinya is different from what you might expect if you're familiar with other languages, but with a bit of practice, you should be able to get it right. Let's go over each number individually and listen to its pronunciation:
- H'ade (one): This number is pronounced "ha-deh." To remember it, you might imagine that it sounds a bit like "had it!" - Snay (two): This number is pronounced "sna-y." To remember it, think of it as "snei" with the 'i' sound at the end. - Slet (three): This number is pronounced "sl-et." To remember it, you might think of it as a combination of "sleep" and "let." - Arba (four): This number is pronounced "ar-ba." To remember it, think of "Arby's," the fast-food chain, but without the 'y' sound. - Hamsa (five): This number is pronounced "ham-sa." To remember it, think of it as "hamster" without the 't' sound at the end. - Shidda (six): This number is pronounced "shid-da." To remember it, think of it as a combination of "she" and "duck." - Seb'a (seven): This number is pronounced "se-ba." To remember it, think of it rhyming with "zebra." - Sem'anya (eight): This number is pronounced "sem-an-ya." To remember it, think of it as "seminar" with an added 'ya' sound at the end. - Tsa'eda (nine): This number is pronounced "tsa-e-da." To remember it, think of it as "say" with a 't' sound at the beginning and the 'd' sound at the end. - 'Ashara (ten): This number is pronounced "'a-sha-ra." To remember it, think of it as "ashtray" without the 't' sound at the end.
It might take some time to get used to the Tigrinya pronunciation, but with practice, you'll be able to count like a native speaker!
Counting objects with numbers[edit | edit source]
Now that you know the Tigrinya numbers from 1 to 10 let's practice counting objects. You can use cardinal numbers (numbers used for counting) like h'ade, snay, slet, arba, hamsa, shidda, seb'a, sem'anya, tsa'eda when telling the number of things. For example, to say "one apple" in Tigrinya, you would say "h'ade tufaha."
Here is a table of examples to practice with:
| Tigrinya | English Translation |
|---|---|
| h'ade tufaha | one apple |
| snay ferfer | two birds |
| slet jag | three cats |
| arba kela | four bananas |
| hamsa qey | five cows |
| shidda muk | six goats |
| seb'a 'embwa | seven dogs |
| sem'anya haj | eight pilgrims |
| tsa'eda tarikh | nine dates |
| 'ashara masmi | ten vegetables |
Telling time with numbers[edit | edit source]
Telling time is an essential skill in any language. In Tigrinya, you can use numbers to tell time in a straightforward manner. The words "sa'at" means "hour" and "mint" means "minute." To say 1 pm in Tigrinya, you would say "sa'at h'ade b'luchi." It translates to "one o'clock in the afternoon."
Here are some examples to practice with:
| Tigrinya | English Translation |
|---|---|
| sa'at h'ade b'luchi | one o'clock in the afternoon |
| sa'at snay b'selase | two o'clock in the morning |
| sa'at slet b'muhir | three o'clock in the afternoon |
| sa'at arba b'alas | four o'clock in the evening |
| sa'at hamsa b'semanya | five o'clock in the late afternoon |
In conclusion, learning Tigrinya numbers is the start of effective communication in the language. Practicing these numbers will provide you with the tools to express time and quantities. Keep practicing to get the pronunciation right, and soon you'll be counting like a pro!
Other Lessons[edit | edit source]
- How to Say Hello and Greetings
- Count to 10
- Feelings and Emotions
- Dining Phrases
- Education
- Health
- Fruits
- Basic Greetings
- Travel Phrases
Sources[edit | edit source]
- Numbers and Counting in Tigrinya
- Numbers in Tigrinya
- Tigrinya Language - Dialects & Structure - MustGo
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