Numbers

1. Yiwen, sin, kraḍ

   One, two, three

   Usage

   Basic counting; the forms change when the counted noun is feminine

   Grammar Note

   Native numerals. In daily speech the Arabic-origin "tlata" is also used for 3. The counted noun follows "n": kraḍ n yigerdan (three children).

2. Kuẓ, semmus, sḍis

   Four, five, six

   Usage

   Used for quantities and numbers at markets and in transport

   Grammar Note

   "Kuẓ" is also a verb meaning "to feel disgust", so use it with a counted noun, as in "kuẓ n yiḍan". The Arabic-origin "rebɛa" (4), "xemsa" (5) and "setta" (6) are also widely used. "Sdis" is a rare spelling of "sḍis".

3. Sebɛa, tmanya, tẓa, mraw

   Seven, eight, nine, ten

   Usage

   Numbers for phone numbers, times and prices

   Grammar Note

   For 9 the native "tẓa" is used ("tesɛa" is also used but is identical to "she has").

4. Ɛecrin, xemsin, meyya

   Twenty, fifty, one hundred

   Usage

   Used for prices and quantities; essential for bargaining at markets

   Grammar Note

   Tens and above are Arabic-origin words, and the noun follows "n" (for example "meyya n yidularen", 100 dollars). The way to form 21 and above was not verified.

5. Alef

   One thousand

   Usage

   Used for large amounts and numbers

   Grammar Note

   The noun follows "n", as in "alef n medden" (a thousand people). No verified form for compound numbers such as 1500 was found, so only 1000 is given.

6. Amezwaru

   Number one / the first

   Usage

   For the first in a sequence or queue

   Grammar Note

   Masculine form; use "tamezwarut" for a feminine noun.

7. Sɛiɣ ɛecrin n yiseggasen

   I am twenty years old

   Usage

   How to state your age; swap in your own number

   Grammar Note

   No verified form for compound numbers from 21 to 99 was found, so 20 is given as the model.

8. Attan d sebɛa

   It is seven o'clock

   Usage

   Tells the time; swap in another number

   Grammar Note

   To ask the time use "Acḥal ssaɛa tura?".

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