123 Numbers
Numbers from 1 to 100 in Fon
The complete guide to mastering the fɔ̀ngbè number system: from units to hundreds, understand the logic and count with ease.
The units: 1 to 10
| Numeral | Fɔ̀ngbè | Numeral | Fɔ̀ngbè |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ɖokpó | 6 | ayizɛ́n |
| 2 | wè | 7 | tɛ́nwè |
| 3 | atɔ̀n | 8 | tántɔ̀n |
| 4 | ɛnɛ̀ | 9 | tɛ́nnɛ̀ |
| 5 | atɔ́ɔ́n | 10 | wǒ |
The tens: 10 to 100
Compound numbers follow an additive logic. For example, 12 is wǒwè (10+2), and 15 is afɔtɔ̀n. The tens are:
| Number | Fɔ̀ngbè | The logic |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | wǒ | Basics |
| 12 | wǒwè | 10 + 2 |
| 13 | wǎtɔ̀n | 10 + 3 |
| 14 | wɛ̌nɛ̀ | 10 + 4 |
| 15 | afɔtɔ̀n | 15 (single word) |
| 20 | kɔ́ | 1 x 20 |
| 30 | gbàn | 30 (a word of its own) |
| 40 | kɔ́ wè | 2 x 20 |
| 50 | kanɖé wǒ | 50 |
| 100 | kanweko | 100 (single word) |
Two bases: 5 and 20
Counting in fɔ̀ngbè uses a mixed system: base 5 for the units (6-9) and base-20 (vigesimal) for the tens. So 40 = kɔ́ wè (twenty × two). This system is common in West Africa.
Counting money in Fon
In Benin, the currency is the CFA franc. In Fon, money is akwɛ́. Here are common amounts:
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