Numbers

1. Chimodzi, ziwiri, zitatu

   One, two, three

   Usage

   The counting forms; the prefix changes with the noun being counted

   Grammar Note

   The roots are -modzi, -wiri and -tatu, with a class prefix attached.

2. Zinayi, zisanu, zisanu ndi chimodzi

   Four, five, six

   Usage

   From six upward numbers are built as "five and one" and so on

   Grammar Note

   "ndi" means "and"; six is "zisanu ndi chimodzi".

3. Zisanu ndi ziwiri, zisanu ndi zitatu, zisanu ndi zinayi, khumi

   Seven, eight, nine, ten

   Usage

   Seven to nine are "five and two", "five and three", "five and four"

   Grammar Note

   "khumi" is ten; eleven is "khumi ndi chimodzi".

4. Makumi awiri, makumi atatu, makumi anayi

   Twenty, thirty, forty

   Usage

   Tens are built on "makumi" (tens) plus a number

   Grammar Note

   "makumi" is a class 6 plural, so numerals take the "a-" forms: "awiri, atatu, anayi".

5. Makumi asanu, makumi asanu ndi limodzi, makumi asanu ndi awiri

   Fifty, sixty, seventy

   Usage

   Sixty onward are built as "five tens and one ten"

   Grammar Note

   Sixty is "five tens and one ten": the addition is between bundles of ten, not units.

6. Makumi asanu ndi atatu, makumi asanu ndi anayi, zana limodzi

   Eighty, ninety, one hundred

   Usage

   One hundred is "zana limodzi"

   Grammar Note

   "zana" is class 5, so "one" is "limodzi". Composed from dictionary-verified words with regular grammar.

7. Chikwi chimodzi

   One thousand

   Usage

   One thousand; prices are often said in English numerals

   Grammar Note

   "chikwi" is class 7; the plural is "zikwi".

8. Theka

   Half

   Usage

   Used for half of an amount or a price

   Grammar Note

   "theka" is a class 5 noun.

9. Ndili ndi zaka makumi atatu.

   I am thirty years old.

   Usage

   States your age; the number follows "zaka"

   Grammar Note

   "ndili ndi" means "I have"; age is the number of years one has. Composed from dictionary-verified words with regular grammar.

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