Counting in Zulu: Numbers 1-100 (Your Complete isiZulu Number Guide)
By: Chimdindu Ken-Anaukwu
If you have ever Googled “5 in Zulu,” “Zulu word for 20,” or “how to count in isiZulu,” this guide is designed to answer EVERY one of those searches.
Zulu numbers are logical, rhythmic, and beautifully structured. Once you unlock the patterns, you can build any number up to the hundreds and beyond.
This guide is deliberately written so that when someone searches for ANY specific Zulu number, NKENNE’s blog appears.
Let’s dive in.
The Foundation: Numbers 1–10
| Number | Zulu |
|---|---|
| 1 | kanye |
| 2 | kubili |
| 3 | kuthathu |
| 4 | kune |
| 5 | kuhlanu |
| 6 | isithupha |
| 7 | isikhombisa |
| 8 | isishiyagalombili |
| 9 | isishiyagalolunye |
| 10 | ishumi |
Building 11–19: The “-na-” Rule
Numbers 11–19 in Zulu use "ishumi" (ten) plus a connecting particle “-na-” for the units:
| Number | Zulu |
|---|---|
| 11 | ishumi nanye |
| 12 | ishumi nambili |
| 13 | ishumi nantathu |
| 14 | ishumi nane |
| 15 | ishumi nanhlanu |
| 16 | ishumi nesithupha |
| 17 | ishumi nesikhombisa |
| 18 | ishumi nesishiyagalombili |
| 19 | ishumi nesishiyagalolunye |
20, 30, 40… The “amashumi” System
Tens beyond 10 use “amashumi” (tens) + base number:
| Number | Zulu |
|---|---|
| 20 | amashumi amabili |
| 30 | amashumi amathathu |
| 40 | amashumi amane |
| 50 | amashumi amahlanu |
| 60 | amashumi ayisithupha |
| 70 | amashumi ayisikhombisa |
| 80 | amashumi ayisishiyagalombili |
| 90 | amashumi ayisishiyagalolunye |
| 100 | ikakhulu |
Combining Tens + Units (21–99)
Numbers between tens follow the formula: amashumi + unit.
21 = amashumi amabili nanye
32 = amashumi amathathu nambili
43 = amashumi amane nantathu
54 = amashumi amahlanu nane
65 = amashumi ayisithupha nanhlanu
76 = amashumi ayisikhombisa nesithupha
87 = amashumi ayisishiyagalombili nesishiyagalombili
98 = amashumi ayisishiyagalolunye nesishiyagalolunye
Master this pattern and you can form any number from 1–99 easily.
Ordinal Numbers
In Zulu, ordinal numbers used for positions (first, second, third, etc.) are formed differently from counting numbers. Here’s a simplified list:
First – okuqala
Second – okwesi-2 / okwesibili
Third – okwesithathu
Fourth – okwesine
Fifth – okwesihlanu
Sixth – okwesithupha
Seventh – okwesikhombisa
Eighth – okwesishiyagalombili
Ninth – okwesishiyagalolunye
Tenth – okwesishumi
Usage Tips:
Ordinals are used to indicate rank, order, or sequence.
Examples:
Lo ngumfundi wokuqala esigabeni. – He is the first student in the class.
Ithimba lethu lithole indawo yesibili emqhudelwaneni. – Our team got second place in the competition.
Useful Phrases Using Zulu Numbers
Ngicela amabhilikosi amathathu. – I would like three apricots.
Imoto izofika emizuzwini emihlanu. – The car will arrive in five minutes.
Inani lingaki? – How much is it?
Nginezingane ezintathu. – I have three children.
Ngisebenza amahora ayishumi nambili. – I work twelve hours.
Real-Life Situations Where Zulu Numbers Matter
At the Market: Counting produce, negotiating prices, and ensuring you’re not overcharged.
Transport & Travel: Time estimates, taxi numbers, and bus fares often use numbers; knowing them avoids confusion.
Home & Social Settings: Ages, family members, quantities of food, and gifts; numbers pop up everywhere.
Events & Celebrations: Number of songs, dances, or rituals in traditional ceremonies.
Conclusion
Counting in Zulu is logical and rhythmic. By understanding numbers 1–10, the “-na-” rule, the amashumi system, and combining tens with units, you can confidently use numbers in daily life. Practice them in context, apply them to real-life situations, and watch your Zulu skills grow with NKENNE.