Counting is one of the most essential topics in any language including Yoruba. It shows up in everyday conversations where quantity is required, for example, money, age, time of the day etc. In Yoruba language, counting is very easy once one understands a few tips. Counting in Yoruba follows a trend that includes adding and subtracting basic numbers to form new ones. The photo below shows you a hack using the numbers 20 – 30. Using numbers 20 to 30 as example, here’s what you need to know:

Learn numbers 1 to 5
Know the tens: 20 (Ogun) and 30 (Ogbon)
Add (le) numbers 1, 2, 3, 4 to 20 for 21,22,23, 24
Subtract (din) numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 from 30 for 25, 26, 27, 28, 29

The same hack can be applied to numbers 40 to 100. Try it! Hope this helps as you continue learning Yoruba counting in Level 2 of the Yoruba101 app. E kuuse! Click here to view this and more on our Instagram Page.

Hacking Yoruba counting 20 – 30

About the Author

Adebayo Ibidapo Adegbembo is the founder and lead programmer at Genii Games Limited. A trained Engineering Surveyor from the University of Lagos, Bayo went the route of computer programming and digital animation in fulfillment of his passions for writing, technology and arts. When not working with kids, he spends time reading, programming and writing. Follow Bayo on Twitter @technobayo