ọ̀kan sí ẹ̀wá
The Yoruba phrase for 'one to ten' is ọ̀kan sí ẹ̀wá.
This phrase is used to describe the numerical sequence starting at the number one and ending at the number ten.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of three parts: ọ̀kan meaning 'one', sí meaning 'to' and ẹ̀wá meaning 'ten'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The preposition sí is used in this phrase to indicate a range or direction from a starting point to an ending point.
Did you know?
- The Yoruba counting system is vigesimal, meaning it is based on twenty rather than ten. Because of this, numbers beyond ẹ̀wá often involve subtraction or addition from twenty.
- The word ẹ̀wá for ten is used in various idioms to signify a sense of perfection or a full cycle in Yoruba culture.
- When reciting numbers one to ten, the tonal shifts in the words can change the entire meaning of a sentence if not pronounced precisely.
Example conversation
Femi is teaching Yejide how to count in Yoruba.
- FemiYejide, jọ̀wọ́ ka ọ̀kan sí ẹ̀wá.Yejide, please count from one to ten.
- YejideṢé mo le dánànràn rẹ̀?Can I try it?
- FemiBẹ́ẹ̀ ni, bẹ̀rẹ̀ ní báyìí.Yes, start right now.
- YejideỌ̀kan, méjì, mẹ́ta…One, two, three…
