Number
|
Kareyku
|
1
|
tiri |
2
|
kana |
3
|
hatiri |
4
|
hakana |
5
|
soka |
6
|
nawa |
7
|
hasoka |
8
|
hanawa |
9
|
naka |
10
|
haru |
So, as can be seen here we have a clear sequence of groups of 2 or 4, that is tiri, kana, and then hatiri and hakana, which mean roughly "other 1" and "other 2" respectively. The last two number I have said had explanations in that 9 is clearly the word naka, "close, almost", and number 10 is haru "complete, perfect". One could consider this to be evidence of an older 4-based or 8-based system supplemented with a newer decimal system, but it nonetheless strikes as quite weird.
The numerals are used preceding the noun or object they modify:
naka vineru, nine men
hakana taro, four fathers
hasoka nakem, seven trees
And present no irregularities or variabilities.
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