BasicsBeginner1 min read
Numbers and Counting in Somali
Learn Somali cardinal and ordinal numbers, counting rules, and how to use numbers with nouns.
Somali has a straightforward counting system. Learning numbers is essential for shopping, telling time, and daily conversation.
Cardinal Numbers 1–20
| Number | Somali |
|---|---|
| 1 | kow |
| 2 | laba |
| 3 | saddex |
| 4 | afar |
| 5 | shan |
| 6 | lix |
| 7 | toddoba |
| 8 | sideed |
| 9 | sagaal |
| 10 | toban |
| 11 | kow iyo toban |
| 12 | laba iyo toban |
| 20 | labaatan |
Tens
| Number | Somali |
|---|---|
| 30 | soddon |
| 40 | afartan |
| 50 | konton |
| 60 | lixdan |
| 70 | toddobaatan |
| 80 | sideetan |
| 90 | sagaashan |
| 100 | boqol |
| 1000 | kun |
Ordinal Numbers
Add -aad (or -ad):
kow → koowaad (first) laba → labaad (second) saddex → saddexaad (third)
Using Numbers with Nouns
Numbers come before the noun. The noun stays in singular form:
laba nin — two men (not “two mens”) shan buug — five books toban guri — ten houses