Numbers in Basque
Euskara
Numbers in Basque follow a vigesimal (base-20) system, making it unique among European languages. Spoken by approximately 750,000 native speakers mainly in the Basque Country and Navarre, it is a language isolate with no known genealogical relationship to other languages. Its counting system combines traditional vigesimal patterns with specific formations for numbers from eleven to nineteen and compound formations for higher numbers. This distinctive structure influences daily life, trade, and cultural expressions. Understanding the numbers in Basque reveals a fascinating linguistic system rooted in its history and culture, showcasing how language can encode complex numerical concepts in a unique way.
Number system
Basque uses a vigesimal system, where numbers are primarily built around multiples of twenty. Numbers from 11 to 19 are formed by prefixing the unit digit with 'hama(r)', with exceptions like 'hamaika' for 11. For example, 12 is 'hamabi', 13 is 'hamahiru', and 19 is 'hemeretzi'. Tens are formed by combining 'hamar' (10) with multiples of twenty: 20 is 'hogei', 30 is 'hogeita hamar' (20 + 10), 40 is 'berrogei' (2×20), and 50 is 'berrogeita hamar' (2×20 + 10). Compound numbers like 34 are formed as 'hogeita hamalau' (20 + 14), and 68 as 'hirurogeita zortzi' (3×20 + 8). Hundreds are formed by prefixing the word for hundred 'ehun' with the multiplier digit, e.g., 'berrehun' for 200. Thousands are formed with the multiplier digit followed by 'mila', e.g., 'bi mila' for 2000. Larger numbers like million and billion are 'milioi' and 'miliar'.
Number list (29)
Counting rules
Digits from zero to ten
Numbers 0-10 have specific words: zero [0], bat [1], bi [2], hiru [3], lau [4], bost [5], sei [6], zazpi [7], zortzi [8], bederatzi [9], hamar [10]. For example, 3 is 'hiru', 7 is 'zazpi', and 10 is 'hamar'.
Numbers 11-19
Formed by prefixing the unit digit with 'hama(r)', with exceptions: 11 is 'hamaika', 12 is 'hamabi', 13 is 'hamahiru', 14 is 'hamalau', 15 is 'hamabost', 16 is 'hamasei', 17 is 'hamazazpi', 18 is 'hemezortzi', and 19 is 'hemeretzi'.
Tens and compound numbers
Tens are based on multiples of twenty: 20 is 'hogei', 30 is 'hogeita hamar' (20 + 10), 40 is 'berrogei' (2×20), 50 is 'berrogeita hamar' (2×20 + 10), 60 is 'hirurogei' (3×20), 70 is 'hirurogeita hamar' (3×20 + 10), 80 is 'laurogei' (4×20), and 90 is 'laurogeita hamar' (4×20 + 10). Compound numbers like 34 are 'hogeita hamalau' (20 + 14), and 68 is 'hirurogeita zortzi' (3×20 + 8).
Hundreds
Formed by prefixing 'ehun' (hundred) with the digit: 100 is 'ehun', 200 is 'berrehun', 300 is 'hirurehun', 400 is 'laurehun', 500 is 'bostehun', 600 is 'seiehun', 700 is 'zazpiehun', 800 is 'zortziehun', and 900 is 'bederatziehun'.
Thousands
Constructed by placing the digit followed by 'mila' (thousand): 1,000 is 'mila', 2,000 is 'bi mila', 3,000 is 'hiru mila', up to 9,000 'bederatzi mila'.
Large numbers
The words for million and billion are 'milioi' and 'miliar', respectively. For example, 1,000,000 is 'bat milioi' and 1,000,000,000 is 'bat miliar'.
Unique features
The vigesimal system means numbers like 30 are 'hogeita hamar' (20 + 10), unlike in most European languages. For example, 55 is 'berrogeita hamabost' (40 + 15).
Numbers 11-19 are formed with the prefix 'hama(r)', such as 'hamabi' (12), which is unique compared to Romance languages.
Compound numbers like 34 ('hogeita hamalau') combine tens and units directly, reflecting the vigesimal pattern.
Large numbers like 'bat milioi' (one million) are formed by combining the base words for million and billion, showing the language's capacity for large numerals.
The word for 100 is 'ehun', a simple root, but the hundreds are formed by prefixing this with the digit, e.g., 'laurehun' for 400, demonstrating a systematic pattern.
Cultural context
The Basque people primarily inhabit the Basque Country in northern Spain and southwestern France. Their culture emphasizes tradition, independence, and a deep connection to their language and history. Numbers appear prominently in festivals, traditional sports, and trade. For instance, the number 7, 'zazpi', is considered culturally significant in some festivities. The language's unique counting system reflects their historical resilience and distinct identity. While there are no specific taboo numbers, the use of traditional numerals reinforces cultural pride. Modern usage includes counting in markets, sports, and education, maintaining the vibrancy of the Basque language in daily life.
Fun facts
The number 19 is 'hemeretzi', which phonetically contracts from 'hama' (10) and 'retzi' (a form of nine), showing linguistic contraction.
Unlike most European languages, Basque's counting system is vigesimal, similar to French 'quatre-vingt' (80), but with its own unique formations.
The formation of compound numbers like 68 ('hirurogeita zortzi') clearly shows the multiplication of 20 plus units, a pattern consistent across the system.
Historically, the Basque counting system predates Roman influence, preserving ancient numerals and structures.
For very large numbers, Basque simply combines the words for million and billion with the base numerals, e.g., 'bat milioi' (one million), showing a straightforward approach to big numbers.
Frequently asked questions
How do you count to 10 in Basque?
1 - bat, 2 - bi, 3 - hiru, 4 - lau, 5 - bost, 6 - sei, 7 - zazpi, 8 - zortzi, 9 - bederatzi, 10 - hamar.
What number base does Basque use?
Basque uses a vigesimal (base-20) system. For example, 20 is 'hogei', 30 is 'hogeita hamar' (20 + 10), and 40 is 'berrogei' (2×20). Compound numbers like 34 ('hogeita hamalau') combine tens and units directly.
How do you say 42 in Basque?
42 is 'hogeita hamalau' (20 + 14). 'Hogeita' indicates 20, and 'hamalau' is 14, formed as 'hamalau' from 14's formation.
How do you say 100 in Basque?
100 is 'ehun'. Larger hundreds are formed by prefixing 'ehun' with the digit, e.g., 'berrehun' for 200.
How many people speak Basque?
Approximately 750,000 people speak Basque as their mother tongue, mainly in the Basque Country and Navarre.
Is Basque related to other languages?
No, Basque is a language isolate, with no demonstrable genealogical relationship to other languages.
What makes Basque counting unique?
Its vigesimal system, combining multiples of twenty with units and the formation of compound numbers like 'hirurogeita zortzi' (78), makes it distinctive among European languages.