Learn to Count in Samoan

The word for numbers is numera, which is borrowed directly from English. Learning how to count in Samoan is one of the easiest and most practical ways to start speaking the language. Numbers come up all the time — from telling your age to counting food, people, and everyday objects. Once you know the basics, you’ll start noticing numbers everywhere!

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First Things First: Numbers 1–10 in Samoan

Here are the Samoan numbers from one to ten:

​1. tasi​

2. lua
3. tolu
4. fa

5. lima

6. ono

7. fitu

8. valu

9. iva

10. sefulu

 

Once you know 1-10, you're halfway there! Samoan numbers are built like legos - just stack them together!​

To say 11 in Samoan, you simply say "sefulu tasi" — literally ten and one. For 12, it’s "sefulu lua" (ten and two).

Now, when you get to 20, the pattern flips: you say "lua sefulu", meaning two tens.

 

Can you guess what 21 would be? Yep! It’s "lua sefulu tasi" — two tens and one.

✨ Here's a fun tip: In casual conversation or when counting quickly, we often shorten the number. So instead of saying "lua sefulu" for 20, you can say "luafulu" — a mashup that rolls off the tongue. That means 21 becomes "luatasi" — simple and smooth!

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🌺 Why It Matters

Counting in Samoan isn’t just about numbers—it’s about connection. Every number you learn brings you closer to the language, culture, and people of Samoa. Whether you're using it at home, at school, or in everyday life, your knowledge will keep growing just like your number skills.