Numbers

1. Ọ̀kan

   OH-kahn

   One

   Usage

   The number one. Yoruba numeral system is vigesimal (base-20) with unique subtraction patterns

   Grammar Note

   Yoruba numerals use a vigesimal (base-20) system. Larger numbers use additive, subtractive, and multiplicative combinations (e.g., 15 = 20 - 5). One of Africa's most complex numeral systems.

2. Èjì

   EH-jee

   Two

   Usage

   The number two. Tones distinguish numerals in Yoruba

   Grammar Note

   The tones of "Èjì" (low-high) are significant. Different tones create different meanings. Tone distinguishes numerals in Yoruba.

3. Ẹ̀ta

   EH-tah

   Three

   Usage

   The number three

   Grammar Note

   Yoruba basic numerals: 1=ọ̀kan, 2=èjì, 3=ẹ̀ta, 4=ẹ̀rin, 5=àrún. Above 10, additive and subtractive forms are used.

4. Ẹ̀rin

   EH-reen

   Four

   Usage

   The number four

   Grammar Note

   "Ẹ̀rin" (four) is a homophone of "ẹrin" (laughter) with different tones. A key example of tone distinguishing vocabulary in Yoruba.

5. Àrún

   AH-roon

   Five

   Usage

   The number five. Five is an important unit in the Yoruba numeral system

   Grammar Note

   "Àrún" (five) sounds similar to "àrùn" (disease/sickness) but has different tones — a classic example of tonal significance.

6. Ẹ̀fà

   EH-fah

   Six

   Usage

   The number six

   Grammar Note

   "Ẹ̀fà" is the numeral for six.

7. Èje

   EH-jeh

   Seven

   Usage

   The number seven

   Grammar Note

   Yoruba numerals 1-10: ọ̀kan, èjì, ẹ̀ta, ẹ̀rin, àrún, ẹ̀fà, èje, ẹ̀jọ, ẹ̀sán, ẹ̀wá. Tone patterns distinguish each number.

8. Ẹ̀wá

   EH-wah

   Ten

   Usage

   The number ten. Ten is a key reference number for Yoruba arithmetic expressions

   Grammar Note

   "Ẹ̀wá" can also mean "beauty" with different tones. Ten is a key base for subtractive expressions: 15 = ẹ̀ẹ́dógún (20-5).

9. Ogún

   oh-GOON

   Twenty

   Usage

   The number twenty. The base unit of the Yoruba vigesimal numeral system

   Grammar Note

   "Ogún" is the base of Yoruba numerals. 40=ogójì (20×2), 60=ogọ́ta (20×3). This vigesimal system demonstrates Yoruba mathematical sophistication.

10. Ọgọ́rùn

    oh-GOH-roon

    One hundred

    Usage

    The number one hundred. Used in market price negotiations and quantity expressions

    Grammar Note

    "Ọgọ́rùn" can be analyzed as "5 × 20 = 100." This shows how Yoruba numerals employ multiplication alongside addition and subtraction.

11. Mo ní ọdún mẹ́tàdínlọ́gbọ̀n

    moh NEE oh-DOON meh-tah-DEEN-loh-gbohn

    I'm 27 years old

    Usage

    Giving your age — the answer to "Ọdún mélòó ni ọ?" ("How old are you?")

    Grammar Note

    Yoruba states age as "I have N years", the same frame as "Ọmọ mi ní ọdún mẹ́wàá" ("My child is ten"). Numerals in the twenties are subtractive: mẹ́tàdínlọ́gbọ̀n is ẹ̀ta (three) + dín (less) + ọgbọ̀n (thirty) = 27. The tone marks distinguish words and must not be dropped.

12. Ní ọdún yìí, mo máa pé ọdún méjìdínlọ́gbọ̀n

    nee oh-DOON YEE, moh MAH-ah PEH oh-DOON meh-jee-DEEN-loh-gbohn

    I turn 28 this year

    Usage

    Saying the age you will reach this year; "pé ọdún N" means "to turn N"

    Grammar Note

    Reaching an age is "pé ọdún N" ("N years become complete"). "Máa" is the future particle, as in "Mo máa ń dé ní àárọ̀" ("I will arrive in the morning"). Twenty-eight is likewise subtractive: èjì (two) + dín + ọgbọ̀n (thirty).

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