A Comprehensive Guide to Numbers in Azerbaijani Grammar

Introduction to Azerbaijani Numerals
Azerbaijani, a member of the Turkic language family, has its unique number system similar to several other languages within the same family. Azerbaijani utilizes both cardinal and ordinal numbers to convey quantity and order. In this article, we will delve into the various aspects of numbers in Azerbaijani grammar, starting with cardinal and ordinal numbers, and progressing to more complex usages.

Cardinal Numbers: The Building Blocks

Cardinal numbers represent the basic numerical values for counting. Below, find a comprehensive list of Azerbaijani cardinal numbers, accompanied by their English translations.

1 - bir
2 - iki
3 - üç
4 - dörd
5 - beş
6 - altı
7 - yeddi
8 - səkkiz
9 - doqquz
10 - on

Cardinal numbers in Azerbaijani follow a pattern up to 1000: “yüz”, making it easy to form larger numbers by combining the basic numerals.

Ordinal Numbers and Their Formation

Ordinal numbers in Azerbaijani are created by adding a suffix to the respective cardinal number. The most common suffix is “-inci”, which can be attached to cardinal numbers to form ordinal numbers corresponding to first, second, third, and so on. Observe the following examples:

1st - birinci
2nd - ikinci
3rd - üçüncü
4th - dördüncü
5th - beşinci

Utilizing Numbers in Everyday Azerbaijani

In Azerbaijani, numbers find their place in various contexts, such as in time, dates, and expressing age.

Telling Time
To tell time, you can use the cardinal numbers along with the words “saat” (hour), “dəqiqə” (minute), and “saniyə” (second). For example, “bir saat on dəqiqə” translates to “one hour and ten minutes.”

Expressing Dates
When stating dates in Azerbaijani, you can use ordinal numbers to represent the day, followed by the month name, and finally the year using cardinal numbers. For example, “birinci aprel iki min il” means “April 1st, 2000.”

Expressing Age
In Azerbaijani, age is described with the word “yaş” (year) and cardinal numbers. For example, “otuz yaş” means “thirty years old.”

Numbers in Azerbaijani’s Grammatical Structure

Agreement with Nouns and Adjectives
In Azerbaijani, it is essential for the number to agree with the noun or adjective it modifies. Unlike some other languages, Azerbaijani does not have a plural form for the nouns when used with numbers. You simply place the number before the noun. For example, “dörd kitab” means “four books.”

Expressions of Quantity
Azerbaijani employs various expressions to indicate an approximate quantity or range. Phrases such as “ən azı” (at least), “ən çox” (at most), and “təxminən” (approximately) can precede cardinal numbers to provide context.

In conclusion, mastering numbers in Azerbaijani grammar is crucial for effectively conveying various aspects of daily life, such as telling time, expressing dates, or discussing age. By gaining a strong understanding of cardinal and ordinal numbers, and their usage in different contexts, you can unlock newfound proficiency in Azerbaijani language and communication.