123 Numbers
Counting in Fon: the numbers 1 to 10
Learn to count in fɔ̀ngbè, the language of the Fon people of Benin. Numbers are the basis of every exchange at the market, in the family and in daily life.
The numbers 1 to 5
In fɔ̀ngbè, to count is xà nǔ. The first five numbers are the foundation of the Fon number system.
Watch the tones!
Notice the difference between atɔ̀n (3, low tone) and atɔ́ɔ́n (5, high tone). In fɔ̀ngbè there are two tones (high and low). Mixing up the tones can completely change the meaning of a word.
The numbers 6 to 10
From 6 on, the Fon system uses base 5: numbers are built from atɔ́ɔ́n (5). So 6 = 5+1, 7 = 5+2, etc.
The base-5 system
The Fon number system is quinary (base 5), inherited from the old practice of counting on the fingers of one hand. It is a feature shared with other languages of the Gbe family.
Using numbers at the market
At a Beninese market, knowing how to count in Fon is essential. Here are useful phrases that combine numbers with the vocabulary of trade:
Test yourself!
How do you say “five” in Fon?
Reading these words isn’t enough. You have to hear them.
In Fon, the pitch of your voice changes the meaning: à asks a question, ǎ says no. The Academy explains 818 forms, one by one, carried by a native voice — never a word without its meaning.
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- Fon vocabulary: 102 essential words — by theme, checked against the course
- The Fon video course: see the program — 79 lessons with a native speaker from Cotonou, taught in French
- What is your Fon level? — the free 15-question test