Learning numbers in Georgian, the official language of Georgia, offers a unique challenge and opportunity to delve into one of the world’s oldest and most distinctive languages. Georgian is part of the Kartvelian language family, unrelated to Indo-European languages, making its numeral system particularly interesting for linguists and language learners alike. This lesson aims to provide a comprehensive guide to Georgian numbers, including pronunciation tips, structure explanations, and practical applications.

Introduction to Georgian Numerals

Georgian numerals have a unique system that combines a base-20 (vigesimal) structure for higher numbers, showing an ancient counting method still present in modern Georgian. Understanding these numbers is crucial for everyday activities such as shopping, telling time, discussing prices, and more.

Basic Numbers (1-10)

Mastering numbers 1 through 10 is essential as they form the foundation for creating larger numbers. Here are the basic Georgian numbers with their phonetic pronunciations:

1. ერთი (erti) – [ehr-tee] – One
2. ორი (ori) – [oh-ree] – Two
3. სამი (sami) – [sah-mee] – Three
4. ოთხი (otkhi) – [oht-khee] – Four
5. ხუთი (khuti) – [khoo-tee] – Five
6. ექვსი (ekvsi) – [ehk-vsee] – Six
7. შვიდი (shvidi) – [shvee-dee] – Seven
8. რვა (rva) – [ruh-vah] – Eight
9. ცხრა (tskhra) – [tskh-rah] – Nine
10. ათი (ati) – [ah-tee] – Ten

Forming Numbers (11-19)

Numbers from 11 to 19 are relatively straightforward, each ending in მეტი (met’i):

• თერთმეტი (tertmet’i) – [tɛrtmɛtʼi] – 11
• თორმეტი (tormet’i) – [tɔrmetʼi] – 12
• ცამეტი (tsamet’i) – [tsamɛtʼi] – 13
• თოთხმეტი (totkhmet’i) – [tɔtxmɛtʼi] – 14
• თხუთმეტი (tkhutmet’i) – [txut͡xmɛtʼi] – 15
• თექვსმეტი (teqvs’met’i) – [tɛkvsʼmɛtʼi] – 16
• ჩვიდმეტი (chvidmet’i) – [ʧʰvidmɛtʼi] – 17
• თვრამეტი (t’vramet’i) – [tʼvramɛtʼi] – 18
• ცხრამეტი (tskhramet’i) – [tsxrɑmɛtʼi] – 19

Counting in Tens (20-100)

The Georgian system for tens is relatively straightforward up to 100, following a pattern after the initial ten:

• ოცი (otsi) – [oht-see] – 20
• ოცდაათი (otsdaati) – [ohts-dah-ah-tee] – 30
• ორმოცი (ormotsi) – [ohr-moht-see] – 40
• ორმოცდაათი (ormotsdaati) – [ohr-mohts-dah-ah-tee] – 50
• სამოცი (samotsi) – [sah-moht-see] – 60
• სამოცდაათი (samotsdaati) – [sah-mohts-dah-ah-tee] – 70
• ოთხმოცი (otkhmotsi) – [oht-khmoht-see] – 80
• ოთხმოცდაათი (otkhmotsdaati) – [oht-khmohts-dah-ah-tee] – 90
• ასი (asi) – [ah-see] – 100

Compound Numbers (21-99)

For numbers between 21 and 99, Georgian forms compound numbers by stating the tens and then the unit, connected by “და (da)” which means “and”:

• ოცდაერთი (otsdaerti) – [ohts-dah-ehr-tee] – 21
• ოცდაორი (otsdaori) – [ohts-dah-oh-ree] – 22
• ორმოცდასამი (ormotsdasami) – [ohr-mohts-dah-sah-mee] – 43

Larger Numbers

Understanding larger numbers is crucial for discussing dates, quantities, and financial transactions:

• ასი (asi) – [ah-see] – 100
• ორასი (orasi) – [oh-rah-see] – 200
• ათასი (atasi) – [ah-tah-see] – 1,000
• ათი ათასი (ati atasi) – [ah-tee ah-tah-see] – 10,000
• ასი ათასი (asi atasi) – [ah-see ah-tah-see] – 100,000
• მილიონი (milioni) – [mee-lee-oh-nee] – 1,000,000

Practice and Exercises

1. Listening and Pronunciation Practice: Use audio resources or language learning apps to familiarize yourself with the pronunciation of Georgian numbers. Practice speaking them aloud.
2. Writing and Reading: Practice writing numbers in both numeral and word forms to improve your reading and writing skills in Georgian.
3. Practical Application: Try to use numbers in everyday situations, such as discussing prices, dates, or quantities, to reinforce your learning.

Tips for Effective Learning

• Consistent Practice: Regular practice with numbers will help solidify your understanding and improve recall.
• Flashcards: Use flashcards with numbers on one side and their word forms on the other to test your memory.
• Language Exchange: Practice speaking with native speakers or fellow learners. Using numbers in conversation will help you become more comfortable with their pronunciation and usage.

Conclusion

Mastering numbers in Georgian is a crucial step towards achieving fluency in the language. By starting with the basics, gradually moving to more complex numbers, and consistently practicing, you’ll enhance your ability to communicate effectively in Georgian. Remember, patience and consistent practice are your best tools for learning this unique and historically rich language.