Language/Kabyle/Vocabulary/Numbers

◀️ Pronouns — Previous Lesson

Next Lesson — Telling time ▶️

Kabyle → Vocabulary → 0 to A1 Course → Numbers

Welcome to the Kabyle Vocabulary lesson on numbers! In this lesson, we will explore the fascinating world of numerals in the Kabyle language, covering everything from the simplest numbers to those that reach all the way up to a million. Understanding numbers is crucial not just for counting but also for various everyday situations like shopping, telling time, and even making plans with friends. This lesson is designed for complete beginners, so don’t worry if you’re starting from scratch—we’ll take it step by step.

In the world of Kabyle, numbers are not just figures; they hold cultural significance and are woven into the fabric of daily life. Knowing how to express quantities, prices, and time will empower you to interact more freely and confidently in Kabyle-speaking environments.

Lesson Structure

• Introduction to Numbers in Kabyle

• Basic Numbers (1-10)

• Tens and Hundreds

• Thousands and Beyond

• Using Numbers in Context

• Exercises and Practice

Introduction to Numbers in Kabyle

Numbers in Kabyle are straightforward yet essential. Just like in English, we have unique terms for each numeral which are used in various contexts. Whether you are counting sheep, buying fruits at the market, or telling someone what time to meet, numbers will come into play.

One of the beautiful aspects of learning numbers in a new language is that it opens the door to understanding and appreciating the culture behind the language. Kabyle numerals are influenced by the Berber heritage, and using them can help you connect with the Kabyle community on a deeper level.

Basic Numbers (1-10)

Let’s begin with the basics: the numbers from one to ten. Here’s a quick reference table to help you learn these essential numerals.

Kabyle	Pronunciation	English
1	yi	one
2	sin	two
3	krad	three
4	kḍem	four
5	smeḥ	five
6	sdis	six
7	saʕa	seven
8	tamet	eight
9	tza	nine
10	ʕas	ten

Now that you have the basic numbers down, let's dive into how to use them in sentences!

Using Basic Numbers in Context

Numbers can be used in various contexts. Here are a few examples:

1. Counting Objects:

• "I have three apples."

• Kabyle: "Ih, ɣur-k ʕaḍu ḳrad."

2. Telling Age:

• "I am twenty years old."

• Kabyle: "Nek, d yid ur sin ʕumr."

3. Talking about Time:

• "Let's meet at six."

• Kabyle: "Nek, nɣur ɣur sdis."

As you can see, numbers are vital for effective communication in everyday life!

Tens and Hundreds

Now, let’s expand our vocabulary to include tens and hundreds. Here’s a table to guide you:

Kabyle	Pronunciation	English
20	ʕuʕ	twenty
30	tlata	thirty
40	rubʕa	forty
50	ḵamsa	fifty
60	sdisin	sixty
70	sabʕin	seventy
80	tametin	eighty
90	tzanin	ninety
100	mi	one hundred

You can also combine these numbers to form larger numbers. For instance, 21 is "ʕuʕ yi" (twenty-one), and 145 is "mi rubʕa ʕaḍu" (one hundred forty-five).

Thousands and Beyond

Once you’re comfortable with tens and hundreds, you can move on to thousands and even millions! Here’s a breakdown:

Kabyle	Pronunciation	English
1,000	ʕaṭr	one thousand
10,000	ʕaṭr ʕuʕ	ten thousand
100,000	ʕaṭr mi	one hundred thousand
1,000,000	ʕaṭr sʕa	one million

Now you have a solid foundation to express large quantities in Kabyle!

Using Numbers in Context

Numbers are not just for counting; they can give meaning to your conversations. Here are some examples of how to use numbers in various contexts:

1. Shopping:

• "The apple costs five dinars."

• Kabyle: "Iɣur ʕaḍu d smeḥ dinar."

2. Planning Events:

• "We will meet in two days."

• Kabyle: "Nek, nɣur ɣur sin d uɣar."

3. Describing Distances:

• "The mountain is ten kilometers away."

• Kabyle: "Lḥeqq d ʕas kilomer."

4. Time Management:

• "I will arrive at seven o'clock."

• Kabyle: "Nek, nɣur ɣur saʕa."

5. Weather Report:

• "It will be twenty degrees today."

• Kabyle: "D yid ʕuʕ d ḡel."

As you can see, numbers play a pivotal role in conveying information in Kabyle.

Exercises and Practice

To reinforce your understanding of numbers in Kabyle, here are some exercises:

Exercise 1: Basic Counting

Translate the following numbers into Kabyle:

1. 1

2. 4

3. 7

4. 10

5. 5

Solutions:

1. yi

2. kḍem

3. saʕa

4. ʕas

5. smeḥ

Exercise 2: Fill in the Blanks

Fill in the blanks with the correct Kabyle numbers:

1. I have ___ apples. (3)

2. The meeting is at ___ o'clock. (6)

3. I am ___ years old. (20)

Solutions:

1. krad

2. sdis

3. ʕuʕ

Exercise 3: Translation Practice

Translate the following sentences into Kabyle:

1. "I have ten books."

2. "The price is twenty dinars."

Solutions:

1. "Ih, ɣur-k ʕaḍu ʕas lkitab."

2. "Lprice d ʕuʕ dinar."

Exercise 4: Number Combinations

Combine the given numbers:

1. 1 + 5 = ?

2. 10 + 20 = ?

Solutions:

1. 6 (sdis)

2. 30 (tlata)

Exercise 5: Counting Objects

Count the following objects in Kabyle:

1. 4 oranges

2. 7 chairs

Solutions:

1. kḍem ʕaḍu

2. saʕa ḳsour

Exercise 6: Writing Numbers

Write the following numbers in Kabyle:

1. 45

2. 99

Solutions:

1. "rubʕa ʕaḍu ḵamsa"

2. "tzanin ʕaḍu ʕas"

Exercise 7: Scenario Practice

Create a sentence using the number 3 in a shopping context.

Solution:

Example: "I bought 3 apples."

Kabyle: "Ih, ɣur-k ʕaḍu krad."

Exercise 8: Understanding Large Numbers

Translate the following large numbers into Kabyle:

1. 1,000

2. 100,000

Solutions:

1. ʕaṭr

2. ʕaṭr mi

Exercise 9: Listening Practice

Listen to a native speaker say the following numbers and write them down in Kabyle:

1. 12

2. 25

Solutions:

1. "ʕas d ḵamsa"

2. "ʕuʕ d rubʕa"

Exercise 10: Daily Conversation

In a conversation, how would you ask someone their age using numbers?

Solution:

"Mani d ʕaḍu ur sin ʕumr?"

Congratulations on completing this lesson on Kabyle numbers! You've equipped yourself with the tools to navigate conversations involving counting and quantities. Keep practicing, and remember that numbers are all around you, waiting to be discovered in the Kabyle language!

Table of Contents - Kabyle Course - 0 to A1

• Course Presentation

  ---

Introduction to Kabyle

• Alphabet and pronunciation
• Basic sentence structure

  ---

Greetings and introductions

• Common greetings
• Introducing yourself

  ---

Nouns and pronouns

• Nouns and gender
• Pronouns

  ---

Numbers and time

• Numbers
• Telling time

  ---

Verbs and tenses

• Regular verbs
• Irregular verbs
• Present tense
• Past tense
• Future tense

  ---

Family and relationships

• Family members
• Relationships

  ---

Adjectives and adverbs

• Adjectives
• Adverbs

  ---

Travel and transportation

• Modes of transportation
• Travel essentials

  ---

Prepositions and conjunctions

• Prepositions
• Conjunctions

  ---

Food and dining

• Food items
• Dining out

  ---

Kabyle customs and traditions

• Holidays and celebrations
• Traditional clothing

  ---

Kabyle music and dance

• Traditional music
• Traditional dance

Sources

• Kabyle language - Wikipedia

Other Lessons

• Relationships
• Drinks
• Counting and Numbers
• Introducing yourself
• Food
• Days of the Week
• Fruits
• Modes of transportation
• Feelings and Emotions

◀️ Pronouns — Previous Lesson

Next Lesson — Telling time ▶️