Armenian, a unique and ancient language with its own script, has a rich linguistic heritage that spans millennia. If you’re learning Armenian, understanding its numeral system—both cardinal and ordinal numbers—is essential. Numerals are integral to everyday communication, whether you’re telling time, shopping, or even just counting. This article will guide you through the intricacies of Armenian numerals, helping you grasp both cardinal and ordinal numbers.
Armenian Alphabet and Numerals
Before diving into the numerals themselves, it’s helpful to understand that Armenian uses its own alphabet, which consists of 39 letters. Unlike English, Armenian numerals can be written using these letters. Each letter has a corresponding numerical value, which can be particularly interesting but also a bit challenging for beginners.
Cardinal Numbers in Armenian
Cardinal numbers are the numbers you use for counting (one, two, three, etc.). In Armenian, these numbers have specific words, just like in English. Here’s a breakdown of cardinal numbers from 0 to 10:
– 0 – զերո (zero)
– 1 – մեկ (mek)
– 2 – երկու (yerku)
– 3 – երեք (yerek)
– 4 – չորս (chors)
– 5 – հինգ (hing)
– 6 – վեց (vets)
– 7 – յոթ (yot)
– 8 – ութ (ut)
– 9 – ինը (ine)
– 10 – տասը (tase)
Once you’ve mastered these, the numbers from 11 to 19 follow a pattern similar to English, where you combine the word for ten (տասը – tase) with the units:
– 11 – տասնմեկ (tasnmek)
– 12 – տասներկու (tasnyerku)
– 13 – տասներեք (tasnyerek)
– 14 – տասնչորս (tasnchors)
– 15 – տասնհինգ (tasnhing)
– 16 – տասնվեց (tasnvets)
– 17 – տասնյոթ (tasnyot)
– 18 – տասնութ (tasnut)
– 19 – տասնինը (tasnine)
For multiples of ten, the structure is straightforward:
– 20 – քսան (k’san)
– 30 – երեսուն (yeresun)
– 40 – քառասուն (k’arrasun)
– 50 – հիսուն (hisun)
– 60 – վաթսուն (vatsun)
– 70 – յոթանասուն (yotanasun)
– 80 – ութսուն (utsun)
– 90 – իննսուն (innasun)
– 100 – հարյուր (haryur)
For numbers beyond 20 but less than 100, you simply combine the tens and the units:
– 21 – քսանմեկ (k’sanmek)
– 35 – երեսունհինգ (yeresunhing)
– 48 – քառասունութ (k’arrasunut)
– 99 – իննսունինը (innasunine)
Hundreds and thousands follow a similar pattern, with the words for 100 (հարյուր – haryur) and 1,000 (հազար – hazar) serving as the base:
– 200 – երկու հարյուր (yerku haryur)
– 300 – երեք հարյուր (yerek haryur)
– 1,000 – հազար (hazar)
– 2,000 – երկու հազար (yerku hazar)
Ordinal Numbers in Armenian
Ordinal numbers indicate the position or order of things (first, second, third, etc.). In Armenian, ordinal numbers are formed by adding a suffix to the cardinal numbers. Here are the ordinal numbers from 1 to 10:
– 1st – առաջին (arajin)
– 2nd – երկրորդ (yerkrord)
– 3rd – երրորդ (yerrord)
– 4th – չորրորդ (chorrord)
– 5th – հինգերորդ (hingerord)
– 6th – վեցերորդ (vetserord)
– 7th – յոթերորդ (yoterord)
– 8th – ութերորդ (uterord)
– 9th – իններորդ (innerord)
– 10th – տասներորդ (tasnerord)
For ordinal numbers beyond 10, you generally follow the same pattern by adding the suffix -երորդ (-erord) to the cardinal number:
– 11th – տասնմեկերորդ (tasnmekerord)
– 20th – քսաներորդ (k’sanerord)
– 25th – քսանհինգերորդ (k’sanhingerord)
– 100th – հարյուրերորդ (haryurerord)
Special Cases and Usage
Armenian, like many languages, has some special cases and exceptions when it comes to numbers. For example, when combining numbers, sometimes the pronunciation can slightly change for ease of speaking. Additionally, in formal and literary contexts, you might encounter the classical forms of numbers, which can differ slightly from the modern forms.
For example, the classical form of 90 is իննսուն (innasun), but in some dialects, you might hear իննսուն (innsun).
Time and Dates
When telling time or giving dates, it’s essential to be familiar with both cardinal and ordinal numbers. For instance, to say “It’s 3 o’clock,” you would use the cardinal number երեք (yerek). However, when stating a date like “the third of May,” you would use the ordinal number երրորդ (yerrord).
Money and Quantities
In everyday transactions, cardinal numbers are indispensable. Whether you’re shopping, dining out, or traveling, knowing how to say prices and quantities is crucial. For example:
– 1000 Դրամ (hazar dram) – 1000 Dram
– 2500 Դրամ (երկու հազար հինգ հարյուր դրամ) – 2500 Dram
Practical Tips for Learning Armenian Numerals
Learning a new numeral system can be challenging, but here are some practical tips to help you master Armenian numerals:
1. Flashcards: Create flashcards with the Armenian numeral on one side and the English equivalent on the other. Regularly review these to reinforce your memory.
2. Practice Counting: Practice counting in Armenian daily. Start with smaller numbers and gradually work your way up.
3. Real-Life Application: Use numbers in real-life situations. Whether you’re counting objects, reading prices, or telling time, apply your knowledge practically.
4. Language Exchange: Engage in language exchange with native Armenian speakers. This will give you practical experience and help you understand the nuances of pronunciation and usage.
5. Online Resources: Utilize online resources, such as language learning apps and websites, that offer exercises and quizzes on Armenian numerals.
6. Cultural Immersion: Immerse yourself in Armenian culture. Watch Armenian movies, listen to Armenian music, and read Armenian books. This will help you get used to hearing and using numbers in context.
Conclusion
Mastering Armenian numerals—both cardinal and ordinal—is a fundamental step in your language learning journey. By understanding and practicing these numbers, you’ll be better equipped to engage in everyday conversations, navigate through Armenian-speaking environments, and appreciate the richness of the Armenian language.
Remember, like any aspect of language learning, consistency and practice are key. Use the tips provided, immerse yourself in the language, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. With time and effort, you’ll find yourself becoming more confident and proficient in using Armenian numerals. Good luck!
