Building Larger Numbers
Compare additive lé with subtractive dín in complete numeral forms.
How It Works
Compare eéjìlélógún, 22, with eéjìdínlógún, 18. Both begin with the counting form for two. The first adds two to twenty; the second subtracts two from twenty. Their linking material changes the total.
The number table gives additive forms for 21–24 and subtractive forms for 25–29. Thus 27 subtracts three from thirty. Further tables supply larger established bases and combinations. Learn the complete forms: contraction and tone belong to the numeral, and the illustrated ranges are not an unrestricted assembly rule.
Counting forms differ from noun qualifiers. Here méjìlélógún, méjìdínlógún, and mẹ́tàdínlọ́gbọ̀n follow the counted noun. Initial m belongs to this numeral formation rather than noun agreement. The textbook separately places round tens before nouns, so neither this order nor the initial change applies indiscriminately to every number.
Examples (3)
- Mo ra ẹyin méjìlélógún.
I bought twenty-two eggs.
The qualifier expresses 2 + 20.
- A ní àga méjìdínlógún.
We have eighteen chairs.
The qualifier expresses 20 − 2.
- Délé ra ìwé mẹ́tàdínlọ́gbọ̀n.
Délé bought twenty-seven books.
The qualifier expresses 30 − 3.
How It Connects
Learn This First
Check whether the compound adds to or subtracts from its base.
Related Patterns
Practice Building Larger Numbers in Bubblegum
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