Understanding Numbers in Kazakh

In Kazakh, numbers play an integral role in daily communication, shopping, telling time, and more. It is important to distinguish between the numbers, especially those that might sound similar to non-native speakers.

Елу – Fifty

The Kazakh word for fifty is елу. This number is used in various contexts, from age to quantity.

Елу (eloo) – Fifty
Менің әкем елу жаста.
(My father is fifty years old.)

Алпыс – Sixty

The Kazakh word for sixty is алпыс. Just like fifty, it is used in different scenarios, including telling age and counting objects.

Алпыс (al-pys) – Sixty
Менің анам алпыс жаста.
(My mother is sixty years old.)

Vocabulary and Usage

To further aid your understanding, let’s look at some essential vocabulary related to numbers and their use in sentences.

Жас (zhas) – Age
Менің ағам жиырма бес жаста.
(My brother is twenty-five years old.)

Жыл (zhyl) – Year
Мен елу жыл бұрын тудым.
(I was born fifty years ago.)

Туған күн (tugan kün) – Birthday
Менің туған күнім елу күннен кейін болады.
(My birthday is in fifty days.)

Санау (sanau) – To count
Біз алпысқа дейін санай аламыз.
(We can count up to sixty.)

Сағат (sagat) – Hour
Ол сағат алтыда келеді.
(He will come at six o’clock.)

Минут (minut) – Minute
Мен елу минут күттім.
(I waited for fifty minutes.)

Секунд (sekund) – Second
Ол алпыс секунд ішінде жетеді.
(He will arrive in sixty seconds.)

Common Phrases Involving Елу and Алпыс

Kazakh language learners often encounter numbers in various phrases and contexts. Here are some common phrases involving елу and алпыс:

Елу теңге (eloo tenge) – Fifty tenge
Бұл кітап елу теңге тұрады.
(This book costs fifty tenge.)

Алпыс күн (al-pys kün) – Sixty days
Саяхатымыз алпыс күнге созылады.
(Our trip will last sixty days.)

Елу адам (eloo adam) – Fifty people
Жиналысқа елу адам қатысты.
(Fifty people attended the meeting.)

Алпыс километр (al-pys kilometer) – Sixty kilometers
Біз алпыс километр жүрдік.
(We walked sixty kilometers.)

Practice Exercises

To strengthen your understanding, here are some practice exercises. Try to use елу and алпыс in sentences and contexts:

1. Write a sentence about someone who is fifty years old.
2. Describe an event that will happen in sixty days.
3. Count from forty to sixty in Kazakh.
4. Mention an item that costs fifty tenge.
5. Describe a scenario where you waited for sixty minutes.

Conclusion

Understanding the distinction between елу and алпыс is vital for mastering Kazakh numbers. By practicing and using these numbers in various contexts, you will gain confidence in your language skills. Remember to incorporate the related vocabulary and phrases into your daily practice to enhance your fluency. Happy learning!