Mastering Numbers in Dholuo: From Basic Counting to Large Sums
Counting is one of the most practical skills you can acquire when learning a new language. In Dholuo, the number system is remarkably logical and rhythmic. Once you master the first ten digits, you essentially have the building blocks to count into the thousands.
In this guide, we’ll break down the structure of Dholuo numbers.
1. The Foundation: Numbers 1–10
The first step is memorizing the cardinal numbers from one to ten. These are the “roots” for almost every other number in the language.
| Number | Dholuo | Notes |
| 1 | Achiel | |
| 2 | Ariyo | |
| 3 | Adek | |
| 4 | Ang’wen | |
| 5 | Abich | |
| 6 | Auchiel | |
| 7 | Abiriyo | Notice the “Ariyo” (2) influence |
| 8 | Aboro | |
| 9 | Ochiko | |
| 10 | Apar |
2. The “Teens” and the Rule of Elision
To form numbers 11 through 19, Dholuo uses the phrase Apar gi… (Ten and…). However, Dholuo speakers almost always use elision—dropping a vowel to make the speech flow faster.
- 11: Apar gi achiel (pronounced ‘Apar gachiel’)
- 12: Apar gi ariyo
- 15: Apar gi abich
- 19: Apar gi ochiko
Grammar Tip: When “gi” (with/and) is followed by a word starting with a vowel, the “i” in “gi” is often dropped. Thus, Apar gi achiel becomes Apar gachiel.
3. Counting in Tens (20–90)
To express multiples of ten, we use the word Piero (Tens). You simply say “Tens [Number].”
- 20: Piero ariyo (Two tens)
- 30: Piero adek (Three tens)
- 50: Piero abich (Five tens)
- 90: Piero ochiko (Nine tens)
Note: In natural conversation, “Piero” is often pronounced as “Pier” when the following word starts with a vowel.
4. Reaching the Hundreds and Thousands
Dholuo incorporates loanwords from Kiswahili for larger denominations, making it very easy for Swahili speakers to transition.
- 100: Mia achiel
- 1,000: Elfu achiel
- 1,000,000: Milion achiel
- 1,000,000,000: Bilion achiel
Building Complex Numbers
To build a complex number, you simply string these components together using “gi.”
Example: 1,235
- Elfu achiel (1,000)
- Mia ariyo (200)
- gi piero adek (and 30)
- gi abich (and 5)
- Full Phrase: Elfu achiel, mia ariyo gi piero adek gi abich.
Ready to take your Dholuo to the next level?
Visit LearnDholuo for a structured Luo course designed to give you the knowledge you need to become a fluent speaker. 🙂