The numeral: meaning groups, counting and piece numerals

Words that name the number or order of things and answer qancha? (how much?) necha? (how many?) nechanchi? (which in order?) are numerals. In besh kitob (five books), yigirma bola (twenty children) and uchinchi qavat (third floor), besh, yigirma and uchinchi are numerals. A numeral usually attaches to a noun and defines its quantity or order. In writing, numerals are given in words or digits: besh or 5. A noun after a numeral takes no plural suffix: besh kitob, not “besh kitoblar”. A numeral may be substantivized and take noun suffixes: beshni, beshga.