Numbers 1–20

This unit introduces the numbers 1 through 20 in Zarma. Numbers are essential for market transactions, telling time, and everyday conversation.

Numbers 1–20

Zarma	English
Afo	1
Ihinka	2
Ihinza	3
Itaci	4
Igu	5
Iddu	6
Iyye	7
Ahaku	8
Iyega	9
Iwey	10
Iwey cindi fo	11
Iwey cindi hinka	12
Iwey cindi hinza	13
Iwey cindi taci	14
Iwey cindi gu	15
Iwey cindi iddu	16
Iwey cindi iyye	17
Iwey cindi haku	18
Iwey cindi yega	19
Waranka	20

Grammar Notes

Numbers are preceded by personal pronouns (a or i) when used alone, with the exception of 8 (ahaku). Numbers 11–19 are formed by adding cindi (“remainder”) plus the ones digit after iwey (10).

Subtraction can also be used for numbers just below a round number: Waranka ihinka si = 20 − 2 = 18, and Waranka afo si = 20 − 1 = 19.