e rua ... e iwa

Counting Two to Nine

Level 2

Use e + number + ngā + noun in a basic full counting clause, or give the number predicate as a short answer.

How It Works

Numerical e precedes ordinary quantity predicates in the two-to-nine range. In a full definite counting clause, the plural noun phrase follows the number. Most nouns retain their base, and modifiers follow their nouns. The number predicate has no person or gender agreement endings.

Compare the predicate fragment e rua, ‘two’, with bare rua in a counting sequence or clock-time expression. A short quantity answer retains e. One uses kotahi in the basic quantity pattern; personal counts and larger numbers have their own constructions.

The series is e rua — two, e toru — three, e whā — four, e rima — five, e ono — six, e whitu — seven, e waru — eight, and e iwa — nine. Keep the macron in whā.

Examples (3)

  1. E toru ngā kete.

    There are three baskets.

    Numerical e precedes toru and the plural counted noun phrase.

  2. E rima ngā āporo whero.

    There are five red apples.

    The adjective stays after the counted noun.

  3. E hia ngā pōtae? E waru.

    How many hats are there? Eight.

    The short quantity answer retains numerical e.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

e rua ... e iwaLevel 2Counting Two to Nine

Learn This First

Teach the complete two-to-nine series with numerical e, including short answers. Keep quantity predicates distinct from bare counting sequences and clock expressions, and preserve the macron in whā.

Learn Next

Patterns that build on this one.