Numbers 1–100 and Telling Time in Hausa
By: Chimdindu Ken-Anaukwu
Numbers and time come up in every real conversation. Whether you are buying something at the market, catching a bus, or making plans with friends, you need these words.
This lesson gives you practical Hausa numbers from 1 to 100 and clear ways to tell time. You will finish with useful examples you can use the same day.
Basic Numbers 1–10
These are the foundation. Learn them first.
1 – ɗaya
2 – biyu
3 – uku
4 – huɗu
5 – biyar
6 – shida
7 – bakwai
8 – takwas
9 – tara
10 – goma
Numbers 11–100
After 10, the pattern becomes easy.
11 – goma sha ɗaya
12 – goma sha biyu
20 – ashirin
30 – talatin
40 – arba'in
50 – hamsin
60 – sittin
70 – saba'in
80 – tamanin
90 – tis'in
100 – ɗari
For numbers like 25, say ashirin da biyar. For 100, you can also say ɗari ɗaya.
How to Tell Time in Hausa
Ask: Karfe nawa ne? (What time is it?)
Basic answers:
It is 1 o’clock → Karfe ɗaya ne
It is 3:10 → Karfe uku da minti goma ne
It is 5:30 → Karfe biyar da rabi ne
Quarter past 4 → Karfe huɗu da kwata
Quarter to 6 → Karfe shida suara kwata
Morning, afternoon, and evening use the same system. Add da safe (morning), da rana (afternoon), or da yamma (evening) when needed.
Practical Uses: Prices and Schedules
At the market:
Nawa ne wannan? (How much is this?)
Naira hamsin da biyar. (75 Naira.)
Daily plans:
Zan tashi karfe bakwai da safe. (I will wake up at 7am.)
Hadawa ta karfe tara da minti talatin. (Meeting at 9:30.)
Bas ya tafi karfe goma. (The bus leaves at 10.)
These phrases help you handle money, transport, and appointments confidently.
Quick Practice Exercises
Count from 1 to 20 out loud.
Say the price: 45 Naira → Naira arba'in da biyar.
What time is it? (4:15) → Karfe huɗu da kwata.
Make your own sentence: “I will call you at 8pm.”
Practice daily. Speak them out loud.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you say 100 in Hausa?
ɗari or ɗari ɗaya.
What does “da rabi” mean in time?
It means “and half” — used for 30 minutes past the hour.
Do prices use full numbers or shortcuts?
People often use full numbers, but you will hear shortcuts in fast market talk.
Is there a difference between Nigerian and Niger Hausa numbers?
The basics are the same. Minor pronunciation differences exist, but they are easy to understand.
Numbers and time open up real daily life in Hausa. Start using them today in small conversations and you will improve fast.
Next lesson covers basic verbs and simple sentences.
Keep practicing. Drop one sentence you created in the comments.
Sai anjima!
Want more structured Hausa lessons? NKENNE has full courses and cultural guides ready for you. Keep going.