Short Answer 
Yoruba numerals feature unique words for numbers 1 to 10, which serve as the foundation for larger numbers. Numbers 11 to 19 are formed by combining the word for ten with the digits 1 to 9, while numbers beyond 20 are constructed by combining the word for the tens with the units.
Understanding Yoruba Numerals
In Yoruba, numbers from 1 to 10 have unique words. This foundational set is crucial for building larger numbers. The words are as follows:
- 1 – ọkan
- 2 – ·∫πji
- 3 – ·∫πta
- 4 – ·∫πrin
- 5 – arun
- 6 – efa
- 7 – ·∫πje
- 8 – ·∫πjọ
- 9 – esan
- 10 – ·∫πwa
Forming Numbers 11 to 19
To express numbers between 11 and 19 in Yoruba, you simply combine the term for 10, which is ọgọrọ, with the digits 1 through 9. This creates a distinct formation for each number, exemplified by:
- 11 – ọgọrọ ọkan
- 12 – ọgọrọ ·∫πji
- 13 – ọgọrọ ·∫πta
Constructing Tens and Beyond
For numbers greater than 20, Yoruba employs a structure where you combine the word for the tens, og√∫n, with the respective units. This pattern helps in forming numbers up to 500. For example:
- 20 – og√∫n
- 30 – og√∫n ·∫πji
- 102 – ọgọrọ ọkan og√∫n
- 500 – éj√°