numera
The Samoan phrase for "numbers" is numera.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In American Samoa, the prefix fa'a- may be added before a number.
Did you know?
- When counting objects, Samoans often use a system of classifiers, meaning the way you say a number changes depending on whether you are counting people, animals, or long objects.
- While numera is used for general numbers, traditional Samoan counting often relies on body parts. People traditionally used fingers, toes, and joints to track quantities up to 20.
- In American Samoa, adding fa'a- to a number can describe a person's style or manner rather than a quantity.
Examples in context
- E tatau ona tatou siaki numera uma.We must check all the numbers.
- O numera ia e saʻo?Are these the correct numbers?
Example conversation
Sione and Losa are checking a list of phone numbers.
- SioneLosa, o fea nei numera?Losa, where are these numbers?
- LosaO lo'o i le pepa lea.They are on that paper.
- SioneE leai se numera iinei.There are no numbers here.
- LosaVa'ai i le itu lava.Look at the other side.
