Numbers in Asturian
Asturianu
Numbers in Asturian follow a primarily decimal system with some influences from vigesimal patterns in larger numbers. Spoken mainly in Asturias, a region of Spain, by approximately 150,000 people, Asturian is a Romance language with unique counting features. Its number words range from simple units like 'un' for 1 to complex compounds for larger numbers. The language's counting system reflects its historical development, blending decimal and vigesimal elements. Understanding these patterns offers insight into Asturian culture and linguistic history. This article explores the complete set of numbers in Asturian, their formation rules, and cultural significance, making it a comprehensive guide for learners and enthusiasts alike.
Number system
Asturian primarily uses a decimal system, with specific patterns for numbers 1-15 and multiples of ten like trenta (30), cuarenta (40), and so on. Numbers 16-19 are formed by combining 'deciséis' (16), 'decisiete' (17), 'deciocho' (18), and 'decinueve' (19), showing a pattern of combining 'décimo' roots with units. For example, 16 is 'deciséis', derived from 'diez' (10) plus 'seis' (6), with phonetic shortening. Tens like 'trenta' (30) are combined with units using 'y' (and), e.g., 'trenta y un' (31). Hundreds are formed by attaching 'ciento' (100) to the multiplier, such as 'doscientos' (200) and 'trescientos' (300). Larger numbers like 1,000 ('mil') and 1,000,000 ('un millón') are used for big quantities, with no special vigesimal pattern for these.
Number list (29)
Counting rules
Number words from 0 to 15
Numbers from zero to fifteen have unique words: ceru [0], un [1], dos [2], tres [3], cuatro [4], cinco [5], seis [6], siete [7], ocho [8], nueve [9], diez [10], once [11], doce [12], trece [13], catorce [14], quince [15].
Numbers 16 to 19
Numbers 16 to 19 are formed by combining 'décimo' roots with units, e.g., 'deciséis' (16), 'decisiete' (17), 'deciocho' (18), 'decinueve' (19).
Numbers 20 to 29
Numbers from 20 to 29 are regular, with 'venti' for 20 and combining with units: 'venti' (20), 'ventiuno' (21), 'ventidós' (22), 'ventitrés' (23), 'venticuatro' (24), 'venticinco' (25), 'ventiseis' (26), 'ventisiete' (27), 'ventiocho' (28), 'ventinueve' (29).
Tens and units
Tens are named as 'trenta' (30), 'cuaranta' (40), 'cincuenta' (50), 'sesenta' (60), 'setenta' (70), 'ochenta' (80), 'noventa' (90). Compound numbers like 42 are formed as 'cuaranta y dos', 78 as 'setenta y ocho'.
Hundreds
Hundreds are formed by attaching 'ciento' (100) to the multiplier, e.g., 'cien' (100), 'doscientos' (200), 'trescientos' (300), 'cuatrocientos' (400), 'quinientos' (500), 'seiscientos' (600), 'setecientos' (700), 'ochocientos' (800), 'novecientos' (900).
Building larger numbers
Numbers like 101 are 'cien y un', 142 as 'cuarenta y dos', 256 as 'doscientos cincuenta y seis'. For 1,000, the word is 'mil'; for 1,000,000, 'un millón'.
Unique features
Numbers 16-19 are formed by phonetic shortening of 'décimo' + unit, e.g., 'deciséis' for 16, unlike standard Romance patterns.
The use of 'y' (and) to connect tens and units is similar to Spanish but with specific compound forms like 'setenta y ocho' for 78.
The number 70 is 'setenta', which is not derived from a vigesimal pattern but a traditional form, unlike some other Romance languages.
Large numbers like 'mil' (1000) and 'un millón' (million) are borrowed from Latin roots but are used straightforwardly without special morphological changes.
Asturian retains some archaic forms and phonetic features, such as the shortened 'deciséis' for 16, which is distinctive among Romance languages.
Cultural context
Asturian is spoken mainly in the Asturias region of Spain, an area rich in Celtic and Roman history. The language is a vital part of regional identity, used in daily life, local festivals, and traditional markets. Numbers appear in folk music, poetry, and local trade. While no specific taboo numbers are noted, the language preserves traditional forms that reflect regional pride. Celebrations often involve counting in Asturian, emphasizing cultural heritage. Despite not being official, Asturian remains a symbol of regional identity, with numbers playing a key role in storytelling and community events.
Fun facts
Fact 1: The number 'deciséis' (16) is phonetically shortened from 'décimo seis', showing a unique phonetic evolution.
Fact 2: Unlike French or Italian, Asturian uses 'setenta' for 70, which is not derived from vigesimal roots but a traditional form.
Fact 3: The pattern of forming 16-19 by combining 'décimo' roots with units is unique among Romance languages.
Fact 4: Historically, the use of 'mil' for 1000 has Latin origins, but in Asturian, it is used straightforwardly without complex morphological changes.
Fact 5: For very large numbers, Asturian simply adopts 'un millón' for one million, showing a straightforward borrowing from Latin-based numerals.
Frequently asked questions
How do you count to 10 in Asturian?
1 - un, 2 - dos, 3 - tres, 4 - cuatro, 5 - cinco, 6 - seis, 7 - siete, 8 - ocho, 9 - nueve, 10 - diez.
What number base does Asturian use?
Asturian primarily uses a decimal system, evidenced by the regular pattern of tens like 'trenta' (30) and 'cuaranta' (40), and the formation of numbers like 'trenta y un' (31). The formation of 16 ('deciséis') from 'décimo' roots shows some influence from a vigesimal pattern, but overall, it remains decimal.
How do you say 42 in Asturian?
42 is 'cuaranta y dos', formed by the tens 'cuaranta' (40) plus 'y' (and) plus the units 'dos' (2).
How do you say 100 in Asturian?
100 is 'cien'. For larger hundreds, like 200, it's 'doscientos', formed by combining 'dos' (2) and 'cientos' (hundreds).
How many people speak Asturian?
Approximately 150,000 people speak Asturian, mainly in the Asturias region of Spain.
Is Asturian related to other languages?
Yes, Asturian is a Romance language related to Spanish, Galician, and Leonese, sharing common Latin roots and similar grammatical structures.
What makes Asturian counting unique?
The formation of numbers 16-19 using phonetic shortening of 'décimo' roots, such as 'deciséis', and the mixture of decimal and vigesimal influences in larger numbers make Asturian counting distinctive among Romance languages.
Sources
- An approach to the Asturian language, by Xavier Frías Conde, 1999 (.pdf)