Numbers in Breton
Brezhoneg
Numbers in Breton follow a vigesimal (base-20) system, making its counting unique among European languages. Spoken mainly in Brittany, France, by approximately 210,000 speakers, Breton's number system reflects Celtic influences. It combines traditional counting with a vigesimal pattern, especially evident in numbers above twenty. For example, 30 is 'tregont' (three tens), and 70 is 'dek ha tri-ugent' (ten and three twenties). The language's counting system is intricate yet logical, with compound formations for numbers like 42 ('daou-ugent ha pevarzek') and 78 ('tri-ugent ha seitek'). Understanding these rules offers insight into Breton's rich linguistic heritage. This article explores the numbers in Breton, their formation, and cultural significance.
Number system
Breton uses a vigesimal system, where the primary counting units are based on twenty. Numbers 6-9 are formed by combining units with the base-20 pattern: 6 is 'c’hwec’h' (literally 'two-20'), 7 is 'seizh' (seven), 8 is 'eizh' (eight), and 9 is 'nav' (nine). Tens are constructed with specific words: 10 is 'dek', 20 is 'ugent', and 30 is 'tregont' (three tens). For example, 16 is 'c’hwezek' (two-20), 17 is 'seitek' (seven-20), and 18 is 'triwec’h' (three-20). Compound numbers like 42 are formed as 'daou-ugent ha pevarzek' (2*20 + 14). 70 is 'dek ha tri-ugent' (10 + 3*20), and 90 is 'dek ha pevar-ugent' (10 + 4*20). Hundreds are formed with the multiplier before 'kant' (hundred), e.g., 300 is 'tri c’hant'. Thousands are similarly formed, e.g., 2000 is 'daou vil'.
Number list (29)
Counting rules
Formation of units (1-9)
Digits from zero to nine are represented by specific words: 0 is 'mann', 1 is 'unan', 2 is 'daou', 3 is 'tri', 4 is 'pevar', 5 is 'pemp', 6 is 'c’hwec’h', 7 is 'seizh', 8 is 'eizh', and 9 is 'nav'. For example, 3 is 'tri', and 9 is 'nav'.
Formation of teens (11-19)
Teens are formed by adding 'ek' to the unit or directly using the number: 11 is 'unnek' (one + ten), 12 is 'daouzek' (two + ten), 13 is 'trizek', 14 is 'pevarzek', 15 is 'pemzek', 16 is 'c’hwezek', 17 is 'seitek', 18 is 'triwec’h', and 19 is 'naontek'.
Formation of tens (20, 30, 40, etc.)
Tens are based on a vigesimal system: 20 is 'ugent', 30 is 'tregont', 40 is 'daou-ugent', 50 is 'hanter-kant', 60 is 'tri-ugent', 70 is 'dek ha tri-ugent', 80 is 'pevar-ugent', and 90 is 'dek ha pevar-ugent'. Numbers like 26 ('c’hwec’h warn ugent') combine units with twenty using 'warn' (over).
Formation of hundreds
Hundreds are formed by placing the multiplier before 'kant' (hundred). For example, 100 is 'kant', 200 is 'daou c’hant', 300 is 'tri c’hant', and 900 is 'nav c’hant'.
Formation of compound numbers
Numbers between 21 and 29 are formed by the unit, 'warn' (over), then twenty: 21 is 'unan warn ugent', 22 is 'daou warn ugent'. For numbers above 30, the pattern is unit or teen + 'ha' (and) + ten: 33 is 'tri ha tregont', 57 is 'seizh ha hanter-kant'. For example, 74 is 'pevarzek ha tri-ugent'.
Unique features
Breton's use of a vigesimal system is similar to Welsh and Basque, but with unique formations like 'seitek' for 17 and 'triwec’h' for 18.
Unlike most European languages, Breton forms numbers above twenty by combining units with twenty using 'warn', e.g., 26 ('c’hwec’h warn ugent').
The number 70 is 'dek ha tri-ugent' (ten and three twenties), which is counter-intuitive compared to decimal systems.
Large numbers like 1000 are formed simply as 'mil', but the language retains its vigesimal pattern in compound formations.
Breton has borrowed the word 'mil' for thousand from Latin, reflecting historical influences.
Cultural context
Breton is spoken mainly in Brittany, a culturally rich region in northwestern France. The Breton people have a distinct Celtic heritage, with traditions rooted in fishing, agriculture, and folklore. Numbers play a vital role in festivals, traditional music, and storytelling. Certain numbers, like 13, are considered unlucky, while others, like 7 ('seizh'), are culturally significant. The language's unique counting system reflects Celtic identity and resilience, often used in cultural preservation efforts. Despite modern influences, Breton maintains its traditional number formations, symbolizing regional pride and linguistic heritage.
Fun facts
The number 16 is 'c’hwezek', literally 'two-20', illustrating the vigesimal base.
Compared to English, Breton's 70 ('dek ha tri-ugent') is similar to French 'soixante-dix' (sixty-ten), but Breton explicitly combines ten and three twenties.
Numbers like 18 ('triwec’h') show a pattern of combining base units with 'ec’h', which is unique among Celtic languages.
Historically, Breton's vigesimal system may have originated from ancient Celtic counting practices, preserved in modern forms.
For very large numbers, Breton simply adds words like 'ur million' for a million, but maintains its vigesimal pattern in smaller units.
Frequently asked questions
How do you count to 10 in Breton?
1 - unan, 2 - daou, 3 - tri, 4 - pevar, 5 - pemp, 6 - c’hwec’h, 7 - seizh, 8 - eizh, 9 - nav, 10 - dek.
What number base does Breton use?
Breton uses a vigesimal (base-20) system, evidenced by words like 'c’hwec’h' for 6, 'seitek' for 17, and 'dek ha tri-ugent' for 70, which combine units with twenty.
How do you say 42 in Breton?
42 is 'daou-ugent ha pevarzek' (2*20 + 14), formed by 'daou-ugent' (40) plus 'ha' (and) plus 'pevarzek' (14).
How do you say 100 in Breton?
The word for 100 is 'kant'. Larger hundreds are formed by placing the multiplier before 'kant', e.g., 300 is 'tri c’hant'.
How many people speak Breton?
Approximately 210,000 speakers mainly in Brittany, France.
Is Breton related to other languages?
Yes, Breton belongs to the Celtic branch of the Indo-European family, related to Welsh and Cornish.
What makes Breton counting unique?
Its vigesimal system, especially the way numbers like 70 ('dek ha tri-ugent') are formed, sets it apart from most European languages.