Numbers 1-5 adopt the word class of the noun. There is also a substantive form (in square brackets) for abstract numbers. For word classes using prefixes "li-" and "Ø-" all numbers are used in substantive form.
Adaptation of the Counted Noun to the Number
Number 1 is followed by the noun in the singular word class, 2 and higher by the noun in the corresponding plural word class. Number and noun are connected by a word class dependent particle, which after number 1 needs another particle "le", e.g. "loti le le leng", "maloti a mabeli", "sente tse le 'ngoe", "lisente tse peli".
Comments on the Grammar
Flexion is done by prefixes. Note: The spelling differs in Botswana (first entry) and South Africa.