Somali Numbers 1-100: Counting in Real Life
By: Chimdindu Ken-Anaukwu
Learning to count in Somali is one of the fastest ways to feel confident in everyday conversations. From buying things at the market to telling your age or giving your phone number, numbers are essential.
In this NKENNE guide, you will learn numbers 1 to 100 in Somali, how to pronounce them clearly, and how to use them in real situations like prices, ages, time, and phone numbers.
Numbers 1-10: The Foundation
Here are the basic numbers you will use most often:
1 - Kow
2 - Laba
3 - Saddex
4 - Afar
5 - Shan
6 - Lix
7 - Toddoba
8 - Siddeed
9 - Sagaal
10 - Toban
Practice saying them out loud. These form the building blocks for all higher numbers.
Numbers 11-20
11 - Kow iyo toban
12 - Laba iyo toban
13 - Saddex iyo toban
14 - Afar iyo toban
15 - Shan iyo toban
16 - Lix iyo toban
17 - Toddoba iyo toban
18 - Siddeed iyo toban
19 - Sagaal iyo toban
20 - Labaatan
Notice the pattern: “number + iyo toban” (and ten).
Tens and Numbers 21-99
The tens follow a clear pattern:
20 - Labaatan
30 - Saddexdan
40 - Afartan
50 - Konton
60 - Lixdan
70 - Todobaatan
80 - Siddeetan
90 - Sagaashan
For numbers in between, use this structure: Units + iyo + Tens
Examples:
25 - Shan iyo labaatan
37 - Toddoba iyo saddexdan
48 - Siddeed iyo afartan
63 - Saddex iyo lixdan
99 - Sagaal iyo sagaashan
100 and Beyond
100 - Boqol
For bigger numbers:
200 - Laba boqol
500 - Shan boqol
You can combine them:
156 - Boqol iyo lix iyo konton
Using Numbers in Real Life
Prices
Immisa? (How much?)
Shan dollar (5 dollars)
Labaatan iyo shan shilin (25 shillings)
Boqol dollar (100 dollars)
Ages
Immisa jir baad tahay? (How old are you?)
Labaatan iyo saddex jir (23 years old)
Hooyaday waa konton jir (My mother is 50 years old)
Time
Saacadda immisa ayay tahay? (What time is it?)
Saddexda subax (3 AM)
Lixda galab (6 PM)
Toban iyo shan daqiiqo (15 minutes)
Phone Numbers
Somalis usually say numbers in pairs or individually:
0712 345 678 → Lixdan iyo toddoba, laba iyo saddex, afar, shan, lix, toddoba, siddeed
Pronunciation Tips
Stress the first syllable in most numbers (KOOW, LA-ba, SAD-dex).
“Iyo” is pronounced “ee-yo”.
Practice with real situations: Say your phone number or age out loud every day.
Listen to Somali news or market videos to hear natural speed.
FAQ
How do you say “how much” in Somali?
Immisa? is the most common way to ask about price or quantity.
Do numbers change based on gender in Somali?
No. Numbers themselves do not change for gender, but the words around them (like articles) might.
How do you count money in Somali?
Use dollar, shilin (shilling), or lacag (money) after the number. Example: Toban dollar.
What is the easiest way to learn numbers 1-100?
Learn 1-10 first, then the tens, then combine them. Practice daily with real-life examples.
How do Somalis say phone numbers?
Usually in groups of two or three digits, spoken naturally.
Are there different words for numbers in Maay dialect?
Yes, slight differences exist in southern Maay dialect, but the Maxaa (northern/standard) form above is most widely understood.
Mastering Somali numbers 1-100 opens the door to real conversations quickly. Whether you are shopping, making friends, or traveling, these numbers will serve you every single day.
Keep practicing on the NKENNE app. Next lesson covers basic greetings and introductions so you can combine numbers with real talk. You are making excellent progress.