Numbers in Tswana
Setswana
Numbers in Tswana follow a vigesimal (base-20) system, which is common among many Bantu languages. Spoken by about 4 million people primarily in Botswana, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, Tswana's counting system is unique in how it combines base-20 patterns with specific words for each number. Its structure reflects cultural and linguistic traditions that have persisted for centuries. The language's counting rules involve combining words for tens, hundreds, and thousands in a systematic way, making it both logical and rich in history. Understanding the numbers in Tswana provides insight into their culture and linguistic heritage.
Number system
Tswana uses a vigesimal system where multiples of twenty are fundamental. Numbers 1-9 are unique words: 1 – ngwa, 2 – pedi, 3 – tharo, 4 – nne, 5 – tlhano, 6 – thataro, 7 – supa, 8 – robedi, 9 – robongwe. Tens are formed by combining 'masome a' (plural of lesome, ten) with the multiplier digit: 10 – lesome, 20 – masome a mabedi, 30 – masome a tharo, 40 – masome a mane, 50 – masome a matlhano, 60 – masome a thataro, 70 – masome a supa, 80 – masome a robedi, 90 – masome a robongwe. Compound numbers like 27 are formed as 'masome a mabedi supa' (20 + 7). Hundreds are 'makgolo a' plus the digit: 100 – lekgolo, 200 – makgolo a mabedi, 300 – makgolo a tharo. Thousands are 'dikete tse' plus the digit: 1,000 – lekgolo, 2,000 – dikete tse pedi, 3,000 – dikete tse tharo. Larger numbers follow similar patterns, combining these elements systematically.
Number list (29)
Counting rules
Counting from 1 to 9
Numbers 1 to 9 are unique words: 1 – ngwa, 2 – pedi, 3 – tharo, 4 – nne, 5 – tlhano, 6 – thataro, 7 – supa, 8 – robedi, 9 – robongwe. These form the foundation for constructing larger numbers.
Forming tens
Tens are formed by combining 'masome a' (the plural of lesome, ten) with the multiplier digit: 10 – lesome, 20 – masome a mabedi, 30 – masome a tharo, 40 – masome a mane, 50 – masome a matlhano, 60 – masome a thataro, 70 – masome a supa, 80 – masome a robedi, 90 – masome a robongwe. For example, 75 is 'masome a supa tlhano' (70 + 5).
Forming hundreds
Hundreds are constructed using 'makgolo' (plural of lekgolo). 100 is 'lekgolo', 200 is 'makgolo a mabedi', 300 is 'makgolo a tharo', and so forth. For example, 450 is 'makgolo a nne masome a mane' (400 + 40).
Constructing compound numbers
Numbers like 42 are formed by combining the tens and units: 40 – 'masome a mane', 2 – 'pedi', resulting in 'masome a mane pedi'. Similarly, 78 is 'masome a supa tlhano' (70 + 8).
Forming thousands
Thousands use 'dikete tse' plus the digit: 1,000 – 'lekgolo', 2,000 – 'dikete tse pedi', 3,000 – 'dikete tse tharo'. For example, 2,345 is 'dikete tse pedi makgolo a mabedi masome a mane' (2000 + 300 + 40).
Large scale numbers
Higher numbers like million, billion, and trillion are 'milione', 'bilione', and 'terilione' respectively, used in formal contexts or for very large quantities, following the same systematic pattern of combining smaller units.
Unique features
The use of vigesimal (base-20) system is evident in numbers like 20 – 'masome a mabedi' and 40 – 'masome a mane', which combine the word for ten with multipliers. For example, 75 is 'masome a supa tlhano' (70 + 5).
Unlike many languages that use a decimal system, Tswana systematically combines words for tens and units, similar to French 'quatre-vingt-dix' but with a different structure.
The pattern for 6-9 involves combining the base words for five ('tlhano') and the words for 6-9, e.g., 6 – 'thataro', 7 – 'supa', 8 – 'robedi', 9 – 'robongwe', which are unique and do not follow a simple additive pattern.
Large numbers like a billion ('bilione') are borrowed from European languages, showing influence beyond indigenous roots, and are used in formal or scientific contexts.
The word for 100 – 'lekgolo' and for 1,000 – 'sekete' reflect cultural terms, with 'dikete tse' used for multiples of a thousand, illustrating the language's systematic approach.
Cultural context
Tswana is spoken primarily in Botswana, where it is an official language, and in neighboring regions of South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. The language reflects a rich cultural heritage, with numbers often appearing in traditional ceremonies, trade, and daily communication. For instance, counting cattle or livestock uses specific terms, and certain numbers may be considered auspicious or taboo, especially in rituals or social interactions. The use of large numbers like 'milione' indicates modern influences, especially in trade and economics. Traditional stories and proverbs also embed numerical concepts, emphasizing community values and history.
Fun facts
The number 20 in Tswana is 'masome a mabedi', literally 'twenty of two', highlighting the vigesimal system.
Compared to English, which is decimal, Tswana's use of base-20 makes counting larger numbers more systematic and patterned.
The pattern for 6-9 involves unique words like 'thataro' for 6 and 'supa' for 7, which do not derive from the base numbers 5 or 10 but are entirely distinct.
Historically, the use of vigesimal counting is shared with other Bantu languages and may have origins in ancient counting practices involving fingers and toes.
For very large numbers, Tswana adopts borrowed terms like 'bilione' for billion, showing adaptation to modern numerical concepts.
Frequently asked questions
How do you count to 10 in Tswana?
1 – ngwa, 2 – pedi, 3 – tharo, 4 – nne, 5 – tlhano, 6 – thataro, 7 – supa, 8 – robedi, 9 – robongwe, 10 – lesome.
What number base does Tswana use?
Tswana uses a vigesimal (base-20) system, as seen in 20 – 'masome a mabedi', 40 – 'masome a mane', and 60 – 'masome a thataro', where multiples of twenty are fundamental.
How do you say 42 in Tswana?
42 is 'masome a mane pedi' (40 + 2), formed by combining 'masome a mane' (40) and 'pedi' (2).
How do you say 100 in Tswana?
100 is 'lekgolo'. Larger hundreds are formed by adding 'makgolo a' plus the digit, e.g., 300 – 'makgolo a tharo'.
How many people speak Tswana?
Approximately 4 million speakers, primarily in Botswana, with smaller communities in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.
Is Tswana related to other languages?
Yes, it belongs to the Niger–Congo family, specifically the Bantu branch, sharing features with other Bantu languages.
What makes Tswana counting unique?
Its vigesimal system and the systematic combination of words for tens, hundreds, and thousands make it distinctive among Bantu languages.
Sources
- Multilingual mathematics dictionary grade R (pdf)