Learning Marathi, an Indo-Aryan language predominantly spoken in the Indian state of Maharashtra, is a journey into the rich cultural and literary heritage of the Marathi-speaking people. A fundamental aspect of this journey is mastering the Marathi numerical system, crucial for various daily scenarios such as shopping, telling time, discussing prices, and understanding quantities. This guide offers a comprehensive overview of Marathi numbers, including pronunciation guides, structural explanations, and practical applications to facilitate learners at all levels.

Introduction to Marathi Numerals

The Marathi numerical system shares its roots with other Indo-Aryan languages, featuring a decimal base. Proficiency in numbers is vital for effective communication in both formal and informal contexts within Marathi-speaking regions.

Basic Numbers (1-10)

The foundation of learning Marathi numbers is mastering the basics, 1 through 10. Here are the primary Marathi numbers with phonetic transliterations for pronunciation aid:

1. एक (Eka) – [eh-ka] – One
2. दोन (Don) – [doh-n] – Two
3. तीन (Tīn) – [teen] – Three
4. चार (Chār) – [chaar] – Four
5. पाच (Pāch) – [paach] – Five
6. सहा (Sahā) – [sa-haa] – Six
7. सात (Sāt) – [saat] – Seven
8. आठ (Āṭh) – [aath] – Eight
9. नऊ (Nau) – [na-oo] – Nine
10. दहा (Dahā) – [dah-haa] – Ten

Forming Numbers (11-19)

Numbers 11 through 19 in Marathi are relatively straightforward:

• अकरा (Akarā) – [əkəraː] – 11
• बारा (Bārā) – [baːraː] – 12
• तेरा (Terā) – [t̪eːraː] – 13
• चौदा (Caudā) – [tʃəʊdaː] – 14
• पंधरा (Paṇḍharā) – [pən̪d̪ʱəraː] – 15
• सोळा (Soḷā) – [soɭaː] – 16
• सतरा (Satarā) – [sət̪əraː] – 17
• अठरा (Aṭharā) – [əʈʰəraː] – 18
• एकोणीस (Ekoṇīs) – [eːkoɳiːs] – 19

Counting in Tens (20-100)

Understanding how to count by tens is essential for forming larger numbers and practical applications:

• वीस (Vīs) – [vees] – 20
• तीस (Tīs) – [tees] – 30
• चाळीस (Chāḷīs) – [chaalees] – 40
• पन्नास (Pannās) – [pan-naas] – 50
• साठ (Sāṭh) – [saath] – 60
• सत्तर (Sattar) – [sat-tar] – 70
• ऐंशी (Ain̄śī) – [ain-shee] – 80
• नव्वद (Navvad) – [nav-vad] – 90
• शंभर (Śambhar) – [sham-bhar] – 100

Compound Numbers (21-99)

For numbers between 21 and 99, Marathi forms compound numbers using the unit followed by the ten, often connected with “वीस (Vīs)” for clarity:

• एकवीस (Ekavīs) – [eh-ka-vees] – 21
• बत्तीस (Battīs) – [bat-tees] – 32
• This pattern repeats for all numbers in this range.

Larger Numbers

Discussing larger quantities, dates, and other numerical information requires familiarity with these terms:

• शंभर (Śambhar) – [sham-bhar] – 100
• हजार (Hajār) – [ha-jaar] – 1,000
• दहा हजार (Dahā Hajār) – [dah-haa ha-jaar] – 10,000
• लाख (Lākh) – [laakh] – 100,000
• दहा लाख (Dahā Lākh) – [dah-haa laakh] – 1,000,000 (One Million)
• कोटी (Koṭī) – [ko-tee] – 10,000,000 (Ten Million)

Practice and Exercises

• Listening and Pronunciation Practice: Engage with Marathi audio resources or language apps to hear the pronunciation of numbers. Practice speaking them aloud.
• Writing and Reading: Write numbers in both numeral and word forms to improve your literacy in Marathi.
• Practical Application: Use numbers in real-life situations, such as discussing prices or planning schedules, to reinforce learning.

Tips for Effective Learning

• Regular Practice: Consistent interaction with Marathi numbers will enhance your recall and understanding.
• Flashcards: Use flashcards with numbers on one side and their word forms on the reverse to test your memory.
• Language Exchange: Practice speaking with native speakers or fellow learners. Using numbers in conversation will improve your fluency and confidence.

Conclusion

Achieving fluency in Marathi numbers is a crucial step toward effective communication and deeper cultural understanding. Start with the basics, gradually move to more complex numbers, and incorporate regular practice into your study routine. With patience and consistent effort, you’ll find yourself confidently navigating numerical contexts in Marathi.