Language/Zulu/Vocabulary/Basic-Numbers

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Zulu → Vocabulary → 0 to A1 Course → Basic Numbers

Welcome to the "Basic Numbers" lesson in our Zulu course! Understanding numbers is fundamental to mastering any language, and in Zulu, it’s not just about counting—it's about embracing the rhythm and flow of the language. Numbers are essential for various aspects of life, from telling time to shopping, and they enrich your ability to communicate effectively.

In this lesson, we will embark on an exciting journey to learn how to count from 1 to 100 in Zulu. We will also explore how to form larger numbers, giving you the tools to express quantities, prices, and more. With each number comes a unique pronunciation and cultural significance that reflects the beauty of the Zulu language.

By the end of this lesson, you'll be equipped to handle basic numerical conversations in Zulu, which is a fantastic step towards A1 proficiency.

Why Numbers Matter in Zulu

Numbers carry immense importance in Zulu culture. They are used in everyday situations like:

• Telling time: Knowing how to express time is crucial for scheduling.

• Shopping: Prices and quantities are fundamental in market interactions.

• Social situations: From counting guests to organizing events, numbers play a vital role.

As you learn to count, you'll also gain insight into the Zulu worldview, which emphasizes community and connection.

Counting from 1 to 10

Let's start with the basics. Below is a table that illustrates how to count from 1 to 10 in Zulu.

Zulu	Pronunciation	English
1	eyodwa	one
2	ezimbili	two
3	ezintathu	three
4	ezine	four
5	ezinhlanu	five
6	eziyisithupha	six
7	eziyisixhenxe	seven
8	eziyisishiyagalombili	eight
9	eziyisishiyagalolunye	nine
10	eziyishumi	ten

== Pronunciation Tips:

• The Zulu language has clicks, which can be tricky. Pay attention to how the sounds are formed.

• Practice saying the numbers out loud to get comfortable with the pronunciation.

Counting from 11 to 20

Now that you have mastered the numbers 1 to 10, let's move on to 11 to 20. Notice how Zulu numbers build on previous numbers.

Zulu	Pronunciation	English
11	eyodwa neshumi	eleven
12	ezimbili neshumi	twelve
13	ezintathu neshumi	thirteen
14	ezine neshumi	fourteen
15	ezinhlanu neshumi	fifteen
16	eziyisithupha neshumi	sixteen
17	eziyisixhenxe neshumi	seventeen
18	eziyisishiyagalombili neshumi	eighteen
19	eziyisishiyagalolunye neshumi	nineteen
20	amashumi amabili	twenty

== Building on Basics:

• For numbers 11 to 19, you simply append the unit number to "nishumi" (ten).

• "Amashumi" refers to tens, so "amashumi amabili" translates to "two tens".

Counting from 21 to 100

Now, let’s explore counting from 21 to 100. The structure becomes even more interesting as we combine units and tens.

Zulu	Pronunciation	English
21	amashumi amabili nanye	twenty-one
22	amashumi amabili ezimbili	twenty-two
30	amashumi amathathu	thirty
31	amashumi amathathu nanye	thirty-one
40	amashumi amane	forty
50	amashumi anhlanu	fifty
60	amashumi ayisithupha	sixty
70	amashumi ayisixhenxe	seventy
80	amashumi ayisishiyagalombili	eighty
90	amashumi ayisishiyagalolunye	ninety
100	ikhulu	one hundred

== Patterns to Notice:

• For numbers 21-29, you simply add the unit number after "amashumi amabili".

• The pattern for tens is consistent: "amashumi" followed by the corresponding number.

Forming Larger Numbers

Understanding how to form larger numbers is crucial for effective communication. Zulu combines units and tens in a straightforward manner, making it easier to count up to higher numbers.

• For example:

• 22 = 20 + 2 = "amashumi amabili ezimbili"

• 45 = 40 + 5 = "amashumi amane ezinhlanu"

• 99 = 90 + 9 = "amashumi ayisishiyagalolunye eziyisishiyagalolunye"

Practice Exercises

To reinforce your learning, here are some exercises. Try to complete them before checking the answers!

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

Translate the following numbers from English to Zulu:

1. 16

2. 25

3. 32

4. 47

5. 58

Exercise 2: Matching

Match the Zulu numbers to their English translations.

1. 70

2. 90

3. 11

4. 100

5. 21

| Zulu || English

|-

| amashumi ayisixhenxe ||

|-

| amashumi ayisishiyagalolunye ||

|-

| eyodwa neshumi ||

|-

| ikhulu ||

|-

| amashumi amabili nanye ||

Exercise 3: Count the Objects

If you have 3 apples and 5 oranges, how would you say "I have three apples and five oranges" in Zulu?

Exercise 4: Number Sentences

Create sentences using the following numbers:

1. 12

2. 34

3. 76

Exercise 5: What’s the Price?

If a book costs R45, how would you say this price in Zulu?

Exercise 6: Telling Time

If it’s 2:15 PM, how would you express this in Zulu?

Exercise 7: Fill in the Chart

Fill in the chart with the correct Zulu numbers.

| English || Zulu

|-

| 8 ||

|-

| 14 ||

|-

| 23 ||

|-

| 37 ||

|-

| 90 ||

Exercise 8: Write in Zulu

Write the following numbers in Zulu:

1. 5

2. 22

3. 60

Exercise 9: Number Word Problems

If you have 10 books and you buy 15 more, how many books do you have now? Write your answer in Zulu.

Exercise 10: Listening Practice

Listen to someone counting from 1 to 10 in Zulu and write down what you hear.

Solutions and Explanations

Now, let’s review the answers to the exercises.

Solution to Exercise 1

1. 16 → eziyisithupha neshumi

2. 25 → amashumi amabili nantathu

3. 32 → amashumi amathathu nanye

4. 47 → amashumi amane neshumi nane

5. 58 → amashumi anhlanu neshumi nane

Solution to Exercise 2

1. 70 → amashumi ayisixhenxe

2. 90 → amashumi ayisishiyagalolunye

3. 11 → eyodwa neshumi

4. 100 → ikhulu

5. 21 → amashumi amabili nanye

Solution to Exercise 3

"I have three apples and five oranges" in Zulu is "Nginama-apula amathathu kanye nozakwethu abahlanu."

Solution to Exercise 4

Sample sentences:

1. "Ngithanda izingubo eziyishumi nambili."

2. "Ngithanda ukudla okukhona amashumi amathathu nane."

3. "Ngithanda izithelo eziyishumi nane."

Solution to Exercise 5

R45 in Zulu is "R amane neshumi."

Solution to Exercise 6

It’s 2:15 PM in Zulu is "Ihora lesibili neshumi nanhlanu."

Solution to Exercise 7

| English || Zulu

|-

| 8 || eziyisishiyagalombili

|-

| 14 || ezine neshumi

|-

| 23 || amashumi amabili nanye

|-

| 37 || amashumi amathathu nanye

|-

| 90 || amashumi ayisishiyagalolunye

Solution to Exercise 8

1. 5 → ezinhlanu

2. 22 → amashumi amabili nanye

3. 60 → amashumi ayisithupha

Solution to Exercise 9

If you have 10 books and buy 15 more, you would say "Ngina nemibhalo engamashumi amabili nanye."

Solution to Exercise 10

Listening practice will vary, but you should be able to write down: "eyodwa, ezimbili, ezintathu, ezine, ezinhlanu, eziyisithupha, eziyisixhenxe, eziyisishiyagalombili, eziyisishiyagalolunye, eziyishumi."

Congratulations on completing this lesson! Numbers are the building blocks of communication, and you’ve taken a significant step towards fluency in Zulu. Keep practicing, and soon you will feel confident using numbers in your conversations.

Table of Contents - Zulu Course - 0 to A1

• Course Presentation

  ---

Introduction to Zulu

• Alphabet and Pronunciation
• Basic Sentence Structure

  ---

Greetings and Introductions

• Common Greetings
• Introducing Yourself

  ---

Nouns and Pronouns

• Noun Classes
• Personal Pronouns

  ---

Numbers and Time

• Basic Numbers
• Days, Months, and Seasons

  ---

Verbs and Tenses

• Present Tense
• Past Tense
• Future Tense

  ---

Family and Relationships

• Family Members
• Describing Relationships

  ---

Adjectives and Adverbs

• Describing Nouns
• Describing Verbs

  ---

Food and Dining

• Common Foods
• Eating and Drinking

  ---

Prepositions and Conjunctions

• Prepositions
• Conjunctions

  ---

Travel and Transportation

• Modes of Transportation
• Asking for Directions

  ---

Zulu Culture and Traditions

• Traditional Customs
• Festivals and Holidays

Sources

• Zulu language - Wikipedia
• Useful Zulu phrases
• Colours in Zulu and Numbers in Zulu - Twinkl

Other Lessons

• Family Members
• Connecting words
• Weather
• Days of the week
• How to Say Hello and Greetings
• Animals
• Seasons
• Days, Months, and Seasons
• House
• Sports

◀️ Personal Pronouns — Previous Lesson

Next Lesson — Days, Months, and Seasons ▶️