nambari
In Swahili, "numbers" is translated as nambari.
nambari refers to symbols or words used to count or measure things, such as digits used for identification or in mathematical contexts.
Which one should you use?
nambari is the standard term for a number or a digit, whereas hesabu is more commonly used when referring to the act of counting or the mathematical concept of arithmetic.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word nambari can be used for both the singular "number" and the plural "numbers" in many contexts. To specifically express "numbers of [something]", you use the construction nambari za [noun].
Did you know?
- The Swahili word nambari is a direct linguistic traveler from English, having been adopted into the language as 'number'.
- The word nambari typically falls into the 'n' noun class, a category often reserved for animals and foreign loanwords.
- In some East African contexts, saying nambari in a casual setting might refer specifically to a 'rank' or 'position' in a sequence rather than a quantity.
Examples in context
- Mfano wa kawaida wa uwanda hutolewa na nambari halisi.A typical example of a field is provided by the real numbers.This sentence shows how to use nambari in a mathematical context.Tatoeba #10827028 by ecorralest101, translation #367410 by MUIRIEL
- Nambari zilizoshinda katika bahati nasibu ya jana zilikuwa 7, 18, 3, 41, na 6 kwa mpangilio huo.The winning numbers in last night's lottery draw were 7, 18, 3, 41, and 6 in that order.This sentence demonstrates the use of nambari regarding lottery results.Tatoeba #10884242 by ecorralest101, translation #6120340 by DostKaplan
- Mimi ninazo zaidi ya mia mbili na arobaini na sitaI have more than 246
- Nambari hizi ni ngumu sana kuelewa.These numbers are very difficult to understand.
Example conversation
Fatuma and Bakari are looking at a math textbook.
- FatumaBakari, je unajua kusoma nambari hizi?Bakari, do you know how to read these numbers?
- BakariHapana, nambari hizi ni ngeni kwangu.No, these numbers are new to me.
- FatumaUsijali, nitakusaidia wewe kuelewa.Don't worry, I will help you understand.
- BakariAsante sana, Fatuma.Thank you very much, Fatuma.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry nambari, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries nambari, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
