Lesson 5: Numbers 1–10

What You’ll Learn

In this lesson, you’ll learn:

• Numbers one to ten in Gagana Samoa

• How these numbers are commonly heard and used

• Why numbers are an important part of everyday language

This lesson focuses on familiarity and recognition, not speed or memorisation.

Before We Begin

You don’t need to remember all the numbers straight away.

Language grows through:

• Repetition

• Hearing words used naturally

• Seeing patterns over time

Your goal today is simply to notice and recognise these numbers when you hear or see them.

Why Numbers Matter

Numbers are part of everyday life.

In Samoan, numbers are used when talking about:

• Age

• Time

• Food

• Family

• Church and community gatherings

Learning numbers helps you:

• Follow simple conversations

• Understand instructions and descriptions

• Feel more confident listening in everyday settings

Numbers 1–10 in Gagana Samoa

Here are the numbers one to ten:

• tasi — one

• lua — two

• tolu — three

• fa — four

• lima — five

• ono — six

• fitu — seven

• valu — eight

• iva — nine

• sefulu — ten

You may already recognise some of these numbers from daily life or conversation.

Numbers and Meaning

Numbers in Samoan are often used together with nouns.

For example:

• tasi le tama — one child

• lua aso — two days

• tolu tagata — three people

At this stage, you don’t need to worry about sentence structure.
Simply becoming familiar with the numbers themselves is enough.

Say It Out Loud

Read these numbers slowly:

• tasi (tah-see)

• lua (loo-ah)

• tolu (toh-loo)

• fa (fah)

• lima (lee-mah)

• ono (oh-noh)

• fitu (fee-too)

• valu (vah-loo)

• iva (ee-vah)

• sefulu (seh-foo-loo)

Say each number clearly.
Pause between numbers.
There is no need to rush.

Cultural Note

In Samoan culture, numbers are often spoken clearly and carefully, especially in:

• Church settings

• Formal gatherings

• Speeches and announcements

Speaking slowly and clearly is a sign of respect and attentiveness.

Mini Review

You should now understand that:

• Numbers are commonly used in everyday Samoan

• Familiarity with numbers helps listening and comprehension

• Learning slowly builds confidence over time

Practice (Optional)

If you’d like to practise:

• Count from one to ten out loud once today

• Listen for numbers when Samoan is spoken around you

• Notice how numbers are used with people, time, or objects

This practice is optional — do what feels right for you.

Next Lesson

In the next lesson, we’ll explore people, family, and respect, and how language reflects relationships in Samoan culture.

Closing Encouragement

Learning numbers is a quiet but important step.

Understanding grows through repetition and listening —
and you’re building that foundation well.

Back to Gagana Samoa 101

Lesson 6: Coming Soon