Igbo numbers play a significant role in Igbo language. One basically cannot speak the language without encountering these numbers in one way or the other. These numbers can be cardinal or ordinal. Since Igbo is a dialectical language, so are th numbers.In this unit, we will take a look at the numbers and their dialectical counterparts, fractions, percentages and frequency. Naira (N) is the official Nigerian currency. Kobo is the coins.

Fractions in Igbo are first expressed by saying the denominator first and then the nominator. E.g. 2/10 is said as “iri chịpụ abụọ”. The exception is ½ which is simply “ọkara”.Percentages in Igbo are also written the same way as fractions. A percentage is a fraction with the denominator as 100. Therefore, 2% is 2/100 which is written as “nari chịpụ abụọ”. Frequency indicates the number of times something occurs. We use this by simply putting the word “ugboro” before the number. Note : For “once” or “one time,” the number comes before the frequency and reverses for the rest.

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