Learning numbers in Belarusian, an East Slavic language spoken primarily in Belarus, offers a fascinating insight into the language’s structure and cultural nuances. This lesson aims to provide a comprehensive guide to understanding, pronouncing, and using Belarusian numbers from 1 to 1,000,000, including transliterations for pronunciation help.

Introduction to Belarusian Numerals

Belarusian numerals follow a relatively straightforward pattern, similar to other Slavic languages. Mastery of these numbers will aid in various everyday situations, such as shopping, telling time, and discussing quantities.

Basic Numbers (1-10)

The foundation for learning any language’s numerical system starts with the numbers 1 through 10. Here are the Belarusian numbers in this range, along with their transliterations:

1. Адзін (Adzin) – [ahd-zeen]
2. Два (Dva) – [dvah]
3. Тры (Try) – [tree]
4. Чатыры (Chatyry) – [cha-tee-ree]
5. Пяць (Pyats’) – [pyats’]
6. Шэсць (Shes’ts’) – [shes’ts’]
7. Сем (Siem) – [syem]
8. Восем (Vosiem) – [vo-syem]
9. Дзевяць (Dzievyats’) – [dzye-vyats’]
10. Дзесяць (Dziesiats’) – [dzye-syats’]

Forming Numbers (11-19)

The numbers 11 through 19 in Belarusian are formed by essentially adding “наццаць” (natsats’) to the base number, indicating a teen:

• Адзінаццаць (Adzinatstsats’) – [ad͡zinaˈt͡sʲat͡sʲ] – 11
• Дванаццаць (Dvanatstsats’) – [d͡vanaˈt͡sʲat͡sʲ] – 12
• Трынаццаць (Trynatstsats’) – [trɨnaˈt͡sʲat͡sʲ] – 13
• Чатырнаццаць (Čatyrnatstsats’) – [t͡ʃatɨrˈnat͡sʲat͡sʲ] – 14
• Пятнаццаць (Pjatnatstsats’) – [pʲatnaˈt͡sʲat͡sʲ] – 15
• Шаснаццаць (Šasnatstsats’) – [ʂasnaˈt͡sʲat͡sʲ] – 16
• Семнаццаць (Siemnatstsats’) – [sʲemnaˈt͡sʲat͡sʲ] – 17
• Восемнаццаць (Vosiemnatstsats’) – [vɔsʲemnaˈt͡sʲat͡sʲ] – 18
• Дзевятнаццаць (Dzieviatnatstsats’) – [d͡zʲevʲatnaˈt͡sʲat͡sʲ] – 19

Counting in Tens (20-100)

Understanding the tens is essential for constructing larger numbers. In Belarusian, numbers in the tens have their unique words, but they follow a pattern that becomes familiar with practice:

• Дваццаць (Dvatsats’) – 20 [dva-tsa-ts’]
• Трыццаць (Trytsats’) – 30 [try-tsa-ts’]
• Чатырыццаць (Chatyrytsats’) – 40 [cha-tee-ree-tsa-ts’]
• Пяцьдзесят (Pyats’dziesiat) – 50 [pyats’-dzye-syat]
• Шэсцьдзесят (Shes’tsdziesiat) – 60 [shes’ts-dzye-syat]
• Семдзесят (Siemdziesiat) – 70 [syem-dzye-syat]
• Восемдзесят (Vosiemdziesiat) – 80 [vo-syem-dzye-syat]
• Дзевяноста (Dzievianosta) – 90 [dzye-vya-nos-ta]
• Сто (Sto) – 100 [sto]

Compound Numbers (21-99)

For numbers 21 through 99, you typically form the number by stating the tens, then the units, with “і” (and) in between for numbers 21-29. For numbers 31 and above, the pattern simplifies:

• Дваццаць адзін (Dvatsats’ adzin) – 21 [dva-tsa-ts’ ah-dzeen]
• Трыццаць два (Trytsats’ dva) – 32 [try-tsa-ts’ dvah]
• Чатырыццаць тры (Chatyrytsats’ try) – 43 [cha-tee-ree-tsa-ts’ tree]

Larger Numbers

To express larger quantities, like hundreds, thousands, and beyond, understanding the following terms is crucial:

• Сто (Sto) – 100 [sto]
• Дзве тысячы (Dzvie tysyachy) – 2,000 [dzvee ty-sya-chy]
• Мільён (Mil’yon) – 1,000,000 [meel’-yon]

For hundreds and thousands, you generally add the number before the word for hundred or thousand:

• Трыста (Trysta) – 300 [try-sta]
• Пяць тысяч (Pyats’ tysyach) – 5,000 [pyats’ ty-sya-ch]

Practice and Exercises

1. Listening and Pronunciation: Use audio resources to practice the pronunciation of Belarusian numbers. Repetition is key to mastering the sounds.
2. Writing and Reading: Write out numbers in both numeral and word forms to improve your reading and writing skills in Belarusian.
3. Practical Application: Try to use numbers in real-life situations, like discussing prices, dates, or quantities, to get comfortable with their practical use.

Tips for Effective Learning

• Consistent Practice: Regular practice with numbers will help solidify your understanding and improve recall.
• Flashcards: Create 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

Numbers form a fundamental part of any language, and mastering them in Belarusian is crucial for everyday communication. By starting with the basics, gradually moving to more complex numbers, and consistently practicing, you’ll enhance your ability to communicate effectively in Belarusian. Remember, patience and perseverance are key to mastering the numerical system of this intriguing language.