Numbers in Hausa
Harhsen, هَرْشَن هَوْسَ
Numbers in Hausa follow a primarily decimal system with some vigesimal influences, especially in forming numbers above twenty. Spoken by about 80 million people in Niger and Nigeria, Hausa is a major West African language. Its counting system is unique because it combines straightforward decimal patterns with specific compound forms for numbers between 11 and 19. The language is tonal, but tones are not marked in writing. Understanding the numbers in Hausa provides insight into its rich linguistic structure and cultural significance, especially in daily trade, traditional ceremonies, and storytelling. This article offers a comprehensive guide to Hausa numbers from 1 to 1000, including pronunciation, rules, and interesting facts.
Number system
Hausa counting primarily relies on a decimal base, with specific compound forms for numbers 11 to 19, which are formed by combining the word for ten (goma) with sha and the unit (e.g., goma sha ɗaya for 11). Tens are Arabic-based, such as ashirin for 20, talatin for 30, and so on. Numbers above twenty are formed by combining the ten with da (and) and the units: for example, ashirin da ɗaya (21), saba’in da uku (73). Hundreds are formed with ɗari, followed by the multiplier: ɗari (100), ɗari biyu (200), etc. Thousands are formed with dubu, followed by the multiplier: dubu (1,000), dubu biyu (2,000). For example, 42 is saba’in da huɗu, combining 30 (saba’in) and 4 (huɗu). Similarly, 78 is tamanin da bakwai, combining 80 (tamanin) and 7 (bakwai).
Number list (29)
Counting rules
Counting from 0 to 9
Digits are represented by specific words: sifiri [0], ɗaya [1], biyu [2], uku [3], huɗu [4], biyar [5], shida [6], bakwai [7], takwas [8], tara [9]. For example, 0 is sifiri, 3 is uku, and 9 is tara.
Forming numbers 11 to 19
Numbers 11 to 19 are formed by combining goma (10) with sha and the unit: 11 is (goma) sha ɗaya, 12 is (goma) sha biyu, 13 is (goma) sha uku, up to 19 which is (goma) sha tara.
Tens above ten
Tens are Arabic-based: goma [10], ashirin [20], talatin [30], arba’in [40], hamsin [50], sittin [60], saba’in [70], tamanin [80], and tis’in [90]. For example, 30 is talatin, 50 is hamsin.
Forming compound numbers
Numbers above twenty are formed by combining the ten with da (and) and the units: 21 is ashirin da ɗaya, 73 is saba’in da uku, 42 is saba’in da huɗu, and 78 is tamanin da bakwai.
Hundreds
Hundreds are formed with ɗari, followed by the multiplier: ɗari [100], ɗari biyu [200], ɗari uku [300], up to ɗari tara [900]. For example, 300 is ɗari uku.
Thousands
Thousands are formed with dubu, followed by the multiplier: dubu [1,000], dubu biyu [2,000], dubu uku [3,000], etc. For example, 1,500 is dubu da biyar (literally 'thousand and five').
Large numbers
One million is called miliyan. For example, 1,000,000 is miliyan. Larger numbers are formed by combining these units with the appropriate multipliers.
Unique features
Hausa uses a decimal system combined with vigesimal influences, especially in numbers above twenty, such as saba’in da bakwai (77).
The formation of numbers 11-19 involves the word sha, which is a unique connector not common in many other languages.
Unlike many languages, Hausa combines the word for ten (goma) with sha and the unit for numbers 11-19, e.g., goma sha uku (13).
Large numbers like one million are borrowed as 'miliyan,' showing influence from Arabic and European languages.
Hausa's counting system reflects cultural elements, such as the importance of trade and numeracy in daily life, with specific words for each number.
Cultural context
Hausa is spoken by about 80 million people across Nigeria and Niger, primarily in the Sahelian region. It plays a vital role in trade, commerce, and traditional ceremonies. Numbers are used in market transactions, storytelling, and religious practices. Certain numbers, like 7 and 9, are considered culturally significant, often associated with luck or taboo. The language’s numerical system reflects its historical interactions with Arabic and Islamic culture, evident in borrowed words like 'miliyan' for million. Counting is essential in daily life, from measuring goods to marking time during festivals. The use of compound numbers demonstrates the language’s rich oral tradition and practical approach to numeracy.
Fun facts
Fact 1: The number 15 is 'goma sha biyar,' literally 'ten and five,' showing a combination of base-10 and additive formation.
Fact 2: Unlike English, Hausa forms 21 as 'ashirin da ɗaya' ('twenty and one'), reflecting a vigesimal influence.
Fact 3: The pattern of forming 11-19 by combining goma and sha is similar to some other Afroasiatic languages, but with unique Hausa words.
Fact 4: Historically, the word 'miliyan' for million is borrowed from European languages, showing colonial influence.
Fact 5: For very large numbers, Hausa simply combines the word for million ('miliyan') with the multiplier, e.g., miliyan biyar for 5 million.
Frequently asked questions
How do you count to 10 in Hausa?
1 - ɗaya, 2 - biyu, 3 - uku, 4 - huɗu, 5 - biyar, 6 - shida, 7 - bakwai, 8 - takwas, 9 - tara, 10 - goma.
What number base does Hausa use?
Hausa primarily uses a decimal (base-10) system, evidenced by words like goma (10), ɗari (100), and dubu (1,000). Numbers 11-19 are formed with goma and sha, showing a decimal foundation with some vigesimal influence.
How do you say 42 in Hausa?
42 is saba’in da huɗu, meaning 'seventy and four,' formed by saba’in (70) plus da (and) huɗu (4).
How do you say 100 in Hausa?
100 is ɗari. Numbers like 200 are ɗari biyu, 300 ɗari uku, showing the pattern of combining ɗari with the multiplier.
How many people speak Hausa?
About 80 million people speak Hausa, primarily in Nigeria and Niger.
Is Hausa related to other languages?
Yes, Hausa is part of the Afroasiatic language family, related to languages like Arabic and Amharic, and belongs to the West Chadic branch.
What makes Hausa counting unique?
Hausa combines decimal and vigesimal patterns, especially in numbers above twenty, such as 77 (saba’in da bakwai), which is less common in many other languages.
Sources
- Hausa, by Philip J. Jaggar, John Benjamins Publishing Company (2001)