Numbers in Aymara
Aymar aru
Numbers in Aymara follow a vigesimal (base-20) system, which is common among many indigenous Andean languages. Spoken by approximately 2.2 million people across Bolivia, Peru, and Chile, Aymara's counting system is unique in its use of multiples of twenty and compound formations. The language's structure reflects its rich cultural history and connection to the Andean environment. Understanding the numbers in Aymara reveals how their counting system combines base-20 principles with specific words for units, tens, hundreds, and thousands, making it both complex and fascinating for linguists and learners alike.
Number system
Aymara uses a vigesimal system where numbers are built around multiples of twenty. Numbers 1-9 are unique words: maya [1], paya [2], quimsa [3], pusi [4], pheska [5], sojjta [6], pakallko [7], quimsakallko [8], llätunca [9]. Tens are formed by combining the digit with 'tunca' (meaning ten): pä tunca [20], quimsa tunca [30], pusi tunca [40], pheska tunca [50], and so on. For example, 42 is 'quimsa tunca paya ni' (30 + 2), while 78 is 'pusi tunca pakallko ni' (40 + 7). Hundreds are formed by combining the multiplier with 'pataca' (hundred): pä pataca [200], quimsa pataca [300], etc. Larger numbers like 1,000 are 'waranka', and one million is 'millona'. Compound numbers are built by combining these units, tens, and hundreds following the vigesimal pattern, often with conjunctions like 'ni' for 'and'.
Number list (29)
Counting rules
Number words for 1-9
Digits from one to nine are unique words: maya [1], paya [2], quimsa [3], pusi [4], pheska [5], sojjta [6], pakallko [7], quimsakallko [8], llätunca [9]. For example, 3 is 'quimsa', and 7 is 'pakallko'.
Forming tens
Tens are formed by combining the digit with 'tunca' (meaning ten). For example, 10 is 'tunca', 20 is 'pä tunca', 30 is 'quimsa tunca', 40 is 'pusi tunca', and 50 is 'pheska tunca'. For instance, 60 is 'sojjta tunca'.
Constructing compound numbers
Numbers like 28 are formed by placing the ten first, then the unit with 'ni' (and). For example, 28 is 'pä tunc quimsakallkoni' (20 + 8), and 78 is 'pusi tunca pakallkoni' (40 + 7).
Hundreds
Hundreds are formed by combining the multiplier with 'pataca' (hundred). For example, 200 is 'pä pataca', 300 is 'quimsa pataca', and 900 is 'llätunc pataca'. 100 itself is 'pataca'.
Thousands
Thousands are formed similarly, with the multiplier and 'waranka' (thousand). For example, 1,000 is 'waranka', 2,000 is 'pä waranka', and 7,000 is 'pakallk waranka'.
Unique features
The use of vigesimal (base-20) system is evident in numbers like 30 ('quimsa tunca') and 40 ('pusi tunca'), showing a clear pattern of multiplying units by twenty.
Unlike many languages that use decimal systems, Aymara combines units and tens with specific words, making compound numbers like 28 ('pä tunc quimsakallkoni') unique.
A surprising pattern is that the word for nine ('llätunca') is used in forming numbers up to 19, but the system shifts to multiples of twenty for higher numbers.
Large numbers like 1,000 ('waranka') and 1,000,000 ('millona') are borrowed from Spanish, reflecting cultural contact and historical influence.
The language's counting system emphasizes cultural identity, with specific words for each number, and uses conjunctions like 'ni' to connect parts of compound numbers.
Cultural context
The Aymara people primarily inhabit the high Andes regions of Bolivia, Peru, and Chile. Their culture is rich in traditions, agriculture, and indigenous beliefs. Numbers in Aymara are integral to daily life, from trade and agriculture to rituals and ceremonies. For example, specific numbers may be associated with sacred or taboo meanings, and counting plays a role in traditional festivities. The use of native words for numbers reinforces cultural identity and connection to the land. Large numbers like 'millona' are used in modern contexts such as economic transactions, while traditional counting remains vital in local markets and community events.
Fun facts
The number 6 is 'sojjta', and 7 is 'pakallko', showing that the numbers 6-9 are unique words rather than derived from other numbers.
Compared to English, which is decimal, Aymara's vigesimal system is similar to that of the Mayan language, but with distinct words and formation rules.
The pattern of forming numbers like 42 ('quimsa tunca paya ni') demonstrates how the language combines tens and units with specific conjunctions, unlike in many Indo-European languages.
Historically, the use of Spanish loanwords like 'millona' for one million reflects colonial influence and modern adaptation.
Aymara can form very large numbers by stacking units, thousands, and millions, showing a flexible and scalable counting system rooted in indigenous tradition.
Frequently asked questions
How do you count to 10 in Aymara?
1 - maya, 2 - paya, 3 - quimsa, 4 - pusi, 5 - pheska, 6 - sojjta, 7 - pakallko, 8 - quimsakallko, 9 - llätunca, 10 - tunca.
What number base does Aymara use?
Aymara uses a vigesimal (base-20) system, evidenced by words like 'pä tunca' for 20, 'quimsa tunca' for 30, and the formation of compound numbers like 28 ('pä tunc quimsakallkoni').
How do you say 42 in Aymara?
42 is 'quimsa tunca paya ni' (30 + 2), formed by combining 'quimsa tunca' (30) and 'paya' (2) with 'ni' meaning 'and'.
How do you say 100 in Aymara?
100 is 'pataca'. Larger hundreds are formed by combining the multiplier with 'pataca', such as 'pä pataca' for 200.
How many people speak Aymara?
Approximately 2.2 million people speak Aymara across Bolivia, Peru, and Chile.
Is Aymara related to other languages?
Yes, it is part of the Aymaran language family, which includes Jaqaru and Kawki, and is related to other indigenous Andean languages.
What makes Aymara counting unique?
Its vigesimal system and the use of specific words for each number, along with the formation of compound numbers like 78 ('pusi tunca pakallkoni'), make it distinctive.