Basics of Kiswahili numbers (tarakimu), how to write numbers in words (maneno ya tarakimu), and use common mathematical symbols (alama za hesabu) in this beginner-friendly Senior One guide.
Contents
Introduction: Why Numbers and Symbols Matter in Kiswahili
Numbers are part of everyday life—telling time, counting money, or solving math problems. As a Kiswahili learner, understanding numbers (tarakimu) and how to write them in words is very important.
You’ll also come across mathematical symbols (alama za hesabu) in subjects like mathematics and science, but they’re also used in everyday Kiswahili writing. In this lesson, we’ll explain both in simple English with examples in Kiswahili.
1. Tarakimu na Maneno ya Tarakimu (Digits and Their Names in Kiswahili)
What is a Tarakimu?
A tarakimu is a digit or numeral, like 1, 2, 3. In Kiswahili, each number has a name (a word form). For example, 1 is moja, 2 is mbili, and so on.
Numbers from 0 to 20 in Kiswahili
| Digit | Word in Kiswahili (Neno) |
| 0 | Sifuri |
| 1 | Moja |
| 2 | Mbili |
| 3 | Tatu |
| 4 | Nne |
| 5 | Tano |
| 6 | Sita |
| 7 | Saba |
| 8 | Nane |
| 9 | Tisa |
| 10 | Kumi |
| 11 | Kumi na moja |
| 12 | Kumi na mbili |
| 13 | Kumi na tatu |
| 14 | Kumi na nne |
| 15 | Kumi na tano |
| 16 | Kumi na sita |
| 17 | Kumi na saba |
| 18 | Kumi na nane |
| 19 | Kumi na tisa |
| 20 | Ishirini |
| 30 | Thelathini |
| 40 | Arobaine |
| 50 | Hamsini |
| 60 | Sitini |
| 70 | Sabini |
| 80 | Themanini |
| 90 | Tisini |
| 100 | Mia moja |
| 200 | Mia mbili |
| 1000 | Elfu moja |
| 4000 | Elfu nne |
| 10000 | Elfu kumi |
| 100,000 | Laki moja |
| 1,000,000 | Milioni moja |
| 1,000,000,000 | Bilioni Moja |
How to Read and Write Numbers in Words
Kiswahili numbers follow a logical pattern:
- 21 = Ishirini na moja
- 35 = Thelathini na tano
- 99 = Tisini na tisa
Tens in Kiswahili (Kumi, Ishirini, Thelathini…)
| Number | Word in Kiswahili |
| 30 | Thelathini |
| 40 | Arobaini |
| 50 | Hamsini |
| 60 | Sitini |
| 70 | Sabini |
| 80 | Themanini |
| 90 | Tisini |
| 100 | Mia moja |
| 1,000 | Elfu moja |
Examples in Sentences
- Nina kaka wawili.
(I have two brothers.) - Tulipanda miti kumi na tano.
(We planted fifteen trees.) - Elimu ni muhimu kuliko pesa elfu kumi.
(Education is more important than ten thousand shillings.)
2. Alama za Hesabu (Mathematical Symbols in Kiswahili)
Why Symbols Matter
Symbols are used in both math and daily conversation. Understanding what they mean in Kiswahili helps you understand instructions in exams and real life.
Common Mathematical Symbols in Kiswahili
| Symbol | Kiswahili Name | Meaning in English | Example |
| + | Alama ya kuongeza | Plus / Addition | 2 + 3 = 5 (Mbili jumlisha tatu ni tano) |
| – | Alama ya kutoa | Minus / Subtraction | 5 – 2 = 3 (Tano toa mbili ni tatu) |
| × | Alama ya kuzidisha | Multiply | 3 × 4 = 12 (Tatu zidisha nne ni kumi na mbili) |
| ÷ | Alama ya kugawanya | Divide | 8 ÷ 2 = 4 (Nane gawa mbili ni nne) |
| = | Alama ya usawa | Equals | 10 = 10 (Kumi ni sawa na kumi) |
| > | Alama ya kubwa kuliko | Greater than | 7 > 3 (Saba ni kubwa kuliko tatu) |
| < | Alama ya ndogo kuliko | Less than | 2 < 6 (Mbili ni ndogo kuliko sita) |
| % | Asilimia | Percent | 50% (asilimia hamsini) |
Kikokotoo au Simu kwa Hesabu
(Using a Calculator or Phone for Calculations)
In today’s world, students often use a calculator (kikokotoo) or even a mobile phone (simu) to help with mathematics. These tools are especially useful when dealing with large numbers or complex calculations like multiplication (kuzidisha) and division (kugawanya).
🔢 Why Use a Calculator or Phone?
- Speeds up arithmetic work
- Reduces mistakes in long calculations
- Useful during exams (if allowed)
- Can perform advanced operations like percentages (asilimia) or square roots (mzizi wa pili)
📱 Kiswahili Vocabulary Example Table
| English | Kiswahili |
| calculator | kikokotoo |
| mobile phone | simu |
| to calculate | kukokotoa |
| multiplication | kuzidisha |
| division | kugawanya |
| addition | kujumlisha |
| subtraction | kutoa |
| answer/result | jibu |
Example Sentences
- Natumia kikokotoo kukokotoa asilimia.
(I am using a calculator to calculate the percentage.) - Simu yangu ina programu ya kikokotoo.
(My phone has a calculator app.) - Wanafunzi walikokotoa majibu kwa haraka.
(The students calculated the answers quickly.)
Reading Word Problems in Kiswahili
Many math exams or real-life problems are written in full Kiswahili. Let’s look at some examples and translate them.
Example 1:
Mariam ana shilingi mia moja. Ananunua vitabu vya shilingi hamsini. Anabakiwa na kiasi gani?
👉 Mariam has 100 shillings. She buys books for 50 shillings. How much is she left with?
✅ 100 – 50 = 50
Jibu ni hamsini.
Example 2:
Wanafunzi 6 kila mmoja ana kalamu 5. Kalamu zote ni ngapi?
👉 6 students each have 5 pens. How many pens in total?
✅ 6 × 5 = 30
Kalamu zote ni thelathini.
Activity Time: Practice Questions
Fill in the blanks with correct Kiswahili number words:
- 4 = __________
- 17 = __________
- 100 = __________
- 83 = __________
Answers:
- Nne
- Kumi na saba
- Mia moja
- Themanini na tatu
Match the symbol to its Kiswahili meaning:
| Symbol | Kiswahili |
| + | a) Alama ya kugawanya |
| ÷ | b) Alama ya kuongeza |
| × | c) Alama ya kuzidisha |
| – | d) Alama ya kutoa |
Answers:
- → b, ÷ → a, × → c, – → d
Tips for Remembering Kiswahili Numbers and Symbols
- Practice writing numbers in words daily.
- Use flashcards with digits on one side and Kiswahili names on the other.
- Learn through counting things around you like books, pens, and family members.
- Combine number learning with simple math symbols.
Conclusion: Numbers Are the Foundation of Clear Kiswahili Communication
From basic digits to full sentences with symbols, numbers in Kiswahili are simple if you learn step by step. Tarakimu and alama za hesabu help you understand not only maths but also how Kiswahili is used in everyday life and exams.
Kumbuka (Remember):
Maarifa ya tarakimu na alama za hesabu husaidia kuhesabu, kuelewa, na kueleza kwa usahihi.
(Knowledge of digits and symbols helps in counting, understanding, and explaining accurately.)
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