The Yoruba numeral system is one of the most fascinating and intricate in Africa, blending mathematical ingenuity with cultural heritage. If you’ve ever wondered how to count from 1 to 200 in Yoruba, or why Yoruba numbers sound so unique, this post will walk you through the logic, structure, and beauty of onka Yoruba—the Yoruba numbers.
Understanding the Yoruba Numeral System
The Yoruba counting system is primarily vigesimal, meaning it is based on the number 20 (ogún). Unlike the decimal system (base 10) familiar in English, Yoruba numerals use 20 as a building block, and many numbers are formed through addition, subtraction, and even multiplication relative to this base.
Key Features
Base-20 (Vigesimal) Structure: Numbers are grouped and referenced in multiples of 20.
Addition and Subtraction: Numbers just above or below a base (like 10 or 20) are expressed as “x more than y” or “x less than y.”
Unique Names for Key Numbers: Numbers like 1–10, 20, 30, 200, 300, and 400 have unique names, while others are derived from these.
Yoruba Numbers 1 to 10
These are the foundational numbers and are essential for constructing higher numbers:
| Number | Yoruba |
|---|---|
| 1 | ọ̀kan |
| 2 | èjì |
| 3 | ẹ̀ta |
| 4 | ẹ̀rin |
| 5 | àrún |
| 6 | ẹ̀fà |
| 7 | èje |
| 8 | ẹ̀jọ |
| 9 | ẹ̀sán |
| 10 | ẹ̀wá |
Numbers 11 to 19: Addition to Ten
Numbers from 11 to 14 are formed by adding to ten:
11: ọ̀kanlá (10 + 1)
12: èjìlá (10 + 2)
13: ẹ̀tàlá (10 + 3)
14: ẹ̀rìnlá (10 + 4)
Numbers from 15 to 19 are formed by subtracting from twenty:
15: ẹ̀ẹ́dógún (20 – 5)
16: ẹ̀rìndínlógún (20 – 4)
17: ẹ̀tàdínlógún (20 – 3)
18: èjìdínlógún (20 – 2)
19: oókàndínlógún (20 – 1).
Yoruba Decades: 20, 30, 40, etc.
| Number | Yoruba | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 20 | ogún | Twenty |
| 30 | ọgbọ̀n | (20 + 10) |
| 40 | ogójì | Two twenties (20 × 2) |
| 50 | àádọ́ta | (60 – 10) |
| 60 | ọgọ́ta | Three twenties (20 × 3) |
| 70 | àádọ́rin | (80 – 10) |
| 80 | ọgọ́rin | Four twenties (20 × 4) |
| 90 | àádọ́rùn-ún | (100 – 10) |
| 100 | ọgọ́rùn-ún | Five twenties (20 × 5) |
Counting in Yoruba: Patterns and Examples
21 to 24: Addition to the Decade
21: oókànlélógún (20 + 1)
22: eéjìlélógún (20 + 2)
23:ẹẹ́tàlélógún (20 + 3)
24:ẹẹ́rìnlélógún (20 + 4)
25 to 29: Subtraction from the Next Decade
25: ẹ̀ẹ́dọ́gbọ̀n (30 – 5)
26: ẹ̀rìndínlọ́gbọ̀n (30 – 4)
27: ẹ̀tàdínlọ́gbọ̀n (30 – 3)
28: èjìdínlọ́gbọ̀n (30 – 2)
29: oókàndínlọ́gbọ̀n (30 – 1)
This pattern repeats for every decade. For example, 35 is “five from forty,” and so on.
Special Numbers: Hundreds and Beyond
100: ọgọ́rùn-ún (20 × 5)
200: igba (20 × 10)
300: ọ̀ọ́dúrún (400 – 100)
400: irinwó (core number)
Numbers like 120, 140, 160, etc., are formed by multiplying the base (20) and sometimes using subtraction or addition for numbers just above or below these bases.
Yoruba Numbers 1 to 200: Sample Table
Here’s a sample of the Yoruba counting system up to 40 to illustrate the pattern:
| Number | Yoruba |
|---|---|
| 31 | oókànlélọgbọ̀n |
| 32 | eéjìlélọgbọ̀n |
| 33 | ẹẹ́tàlélọgbọ̀n |
| 34 | ẹẹ́rìnlélọgbọ̀n |
| 35 | aárùn-ún-dínlógójì |
| 36 | ẹ̀rìndínlógójì |
| 37 | ẹ̀tàdínlógójì |
| 38 | èjìdínlógójì |
| 39 | oókàndínlógójì |
| 40 | ogójì |
This structure continues up to 200, with each new multiple of 20 introducing a new base and the numbers between formed by addition or subtraction relative to that base.
Why Is the Yoruba Number System Unique?
Cultural Legacy: The system reflects the Yoruba people’s historical use of cowries and bundles, influencing their counting logic.
Mathematical Sophistication: The use of addition, subtraction, and multiplication in everyday counting shows a deep mathematical understanding.
Language and Identity: The distinctiveness of Yoruba numbers is a source of pride and identity for Yoruba speakers.
Conclusion
Counting from 1 to 200 in Yoruba is not just a rote exercise—it’s an exploration of a rich linguistic and mathematical tradition. The system’s reliance on base-20, its creative use of addition and subtraction, and its historical roots make it one of the most intriguing numeral systems in the world. Whether you’re learning Yoruba for cultural reasons or just for fun, understanding onka Yoruba opens a window into the heart of Yoruba culture