Language/Western-frisian/Vocabulary/Count-to-10
Hi Western Frisian learners! 😊
In this lesson, we will be learning how to count to 10 in Western Frisian. Knowing how to count is important in any language, and it will help you when shopping, dealing with money, and telling time. By the end of this lesson, you will be able to count to 10 fluently in Western Frisian.
Take some time to dive into these other pages after completing this lesson: Drinks, Days of the Week, At the Restaurant & Fruits.
Cardinal numbers[edit | edit source]
In Western Frisian, like in most languages, the first step in learning to count is by memorizing the cardinal numbers (don't worry, we will explain what they are below).
| Western Frisian | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| ien | [i:n] | one |
| twa | [tʋɑ] | two |
| trije | [trija] | three |
| fjouwer | [fjɔwər] | four |
| fiif | [fi:f] | five |
| seis | [seis] | six |
| sân | [sɔ:n] | seven |
| acht | [ɑxt] | eight |
| njoggen | [njoɣən] | nine |
| tsien | [tsi:n] | ten |
The above table shows the cardinal numbers for counting up to 10 in Western Frisian. It is important to note that the Western Frisian language uses the same basic number system as English, with a few minor differences in pronunciation.
Now, let's see how to use these numbers in real-life situations by creating a simple dialogue:
- Person 1: Ik ha ien ko. ([I have one cow.])
- Person 2: Ik ha trije skiep. ([I have three sheep.])
- Person 1: Witsto hoe'tsto rekkense? ([Do you know how to count?])
- Person 2: Ja, ik kin nei tsien telle. ([Yes, I can count up to ten.])
Ordinal numbers[edit | edit source]
You now know the cardinal numbers, but what about ordinal numbers? Ordinal numbers are numbers that express the position of things in a series or sequence, such as first, second, third, and so on.
To form the ordinal numbers in Western Frisian, simply add "-de" to the end of the cardinal number:
| Western Frisian | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| earste | [ˈɛ.rə.stə] | first |
| twadde | [ˈtʋɑ.də] | second |
| tredde | [ˈtrɛ.də] | third |
| fjirde | [ˈfjɪr.də] | fourth |
| fyfde | [ˈfɛi̯f.də] | fifth |
| seisde | [ˈsɛi̯s.də] | sixth |
| sânde | [ˈsaːn.də] | seventh |
| achtste | [ˈɑxt.stə] | eighth |
| njoggende | [ˈnjo.ɣən.də] | ninth |
| tsjinde | [ˈtsjɪn.də] | tenth |
Now, let's see ordinal numbers used in a dialogue:
- Person 1: Dit is myn earste kear yn Fryslân. ([This is my first time in Friesland.])
- Person 2: Ik bin al twa jier hjir. ([I've been here for two years already.])
- Person 1: Asto hjir noch in skoft bliuwst, dan silst dyn twadde jubileum hjir fieringje. ([If you stay here a while longer, you will celebrate your second anniversary here.])
- Person 2: Dat is geweldich. Dan bin ik der omtrent fyftich jier fanôf de twadde helte fan earder hinne. ([That's great. Then I'll be here for almost fifty years from the second half of before.])
Cultural tips[edit | edit source]
If you want to learn more Western Frisian or practice the language, there are several resources available to you. One resource is the Polyglot Club website, where you can find native speakers and ask them any questions. Additionally, you can improve your Western Frisian Vocabulary on the Polyglot Club site.
For some fun cultural facts, did you know that the Western Frisian language is spoken in the Dutch province of Friesland, and it is also spoken on some of the Frisian Islands off the coast of Germany? Additionally, there is a famous poem called "Us Heit" written by a Western Frisian poet, Gysbert Japicx, that is considered the first major work of Western Frisian literature.
Conclusion[edit | edit source]
Congratulations, you now know how to count to 10 in Western Frisian! Practice these words with your friends, and see how quickly you can count up to 10. Remember to add the "-de" suffix when forming ordinal numbers, and feel free to consult the tables above if you need a refresher.
➡ 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[edit | edit source]
Well done on mastering this lesson! Don't miss these related pages to expand your knowledge: Say Hello and Greetings in Western Frisian, Common Greetings & Colors.