Numbers in Dothraki
Numbers in Dothraki follow a primarily decimal system with a mix of vigesimal elements for tens. Spoken by the proud nomadic horsemen of Essos, the Dothraki language has around 100,000 speakers in the fictional universe of Game of Thrones. Its counting system is unique, combining base-10 and base-20 features, especially in forming tens and large numbers. The language's numbers are constructed with specific prefixes and suffixes, reflecting its rich cultural context. Understanding the numbers in Dothraki reveals much about their worldview and social structure. This article provides a comprehensive overview of how counting works in Dothraki, with real examples and detailed explanations.
Number list (29)
Counting rules
Number words from 1 to 9
Digits from zero to nine are: som [0], at [1], akat [2], sen [3], tor [4], mek [5], zhinda [6], fekh [7], ori [8], qazat [9]. For example, 1 is 'at', 4 is 'tor', and 9 is 'qazat'.
Forming numbers 11 to 19
Numbers 11 to 19 are formed by placing the digit word before 'thi' (10) without space. For example, 11 is 'atthi' (at + thi), 12 is 'akatthi', 16 is 'zhindatthi' (note the doubling of 't'), and 18 is 'oritthi'.
Forming tens
Tens are formed by prefixing 'chi' (or 'ch' if the digit begins with a vowel) to the digit word. For example, 20 is 'chakat', 30 is 'chisen', 40 is 'chitor', 50 is 'chimek', 60 is 'chizhinda', 70 is 'chifekh', 80 is 'chori', and 90 is 'chiqazat'.
Forming hundreds
Hundreds are formed by prefixing 'ken' to the digit word, with no space. For example, 200 is 'akatken', 300 is 'sentken', 400 is 'torken', 500 is 'mekken', 600 is 'zhindaken', 700 is 'fekhken', 800 is 'oriken', and 900 is 'qazatken'.
Forming thousands
Thousands are formed by prefixing 'dalen' to the digit, separated by a space. For example, 1,000 is 'dalen', 2,000 is 'akat dalen', 3,000 is 'sen dalen', and 4,000 is 'tor dalen'. Compound numbers like 1,003 are 'dalen ma sen', and 2,011 is 'akat dalen m’atthi'.
Unique features
The formation of numbers 11-19 by placing the digit name before 'thi' without space, e.g., 'atthi' (11) and 'akatthi' (12).
The use of 'chi' as a prefix for tens, which is a vigesimal influence, e.g., 'chakat' (20) and 'chisen' (30).
Hundreds are formed by prefixing 'ken' directly to the digit word, e.g., 'senken' (300), showing a simple yet systematic pattern.
Large numbers like 1,000 are formed by combining the digit word with 'dalen', and larger numbers are built with conjunctions like 'ma' for addition, e.g., 'dalen ma sen' (1,300).
The word for one million is 'yor', a borrowed or constructed term, indicating a cultural significance for large numbers.
Cultural context
The Dothraki people are nomadic horsemen living across the vast plains of Essos. Their culture emphasizes strength, honor, and horsemanship. Numbers are vital in their daily life for counting horses, trade, and warfare. They have specific terms for large quantities, reflecting their warrior society. While no specific taboo numbers are documented, the number 'yor' for one million signifies a concept of vastness and grandeur. Their counting system, blending decimal and vigesimal elements, mirrors their practical needs and cultural values, emphasizing efficiency and clarity in communication during raids, trade, and social hierarchy.
Fun facts
Fact 1: The number 16 is 'zhindatthi', doubling the 't' to follow stress patterns, making it irregular compared to other teens.
Fact 2: Unlike many languages that use purely decimal systems, Dothraki incorporates vigesimal elements, especially in forming tens like 'chakat' (20).
Fact 3: The formation of hundreds by prefixing 'ken' to the digit is similar to some Turkic languages, but the combination with vigesimal tens is unique.
Fact 4: The word 'yor' for one million is a recent addition, possibly borrowed from other languages or a constructed term for storytelling purposes.
Fact 5: Large numbers like thousands are built with conjunctions, allowing for complex expressions such as 'akat dalen m’atthi' (2,011), demonstrating flexibility.
Frequently asked questions
How do you count to 10 in Dothraki?
1 - at, 2 - akat, 3 - sen, 4 - tor, 5 - mek, 6 - zhinda, 7 - fekh, 8 - ori, 9 - qazat, 10 - thi.
What number base does Dothraki use?
Dothraki primarily uses a decimal (base-10) system, but it incorporates vigesimal (base-20) elements for forming tens, such as 'chakat' (20) and 'chisen' (30), indicating a mixed system.
How do you say 42 in Dothraki?
42 is 'chitor ma akat', formed by combining 'chitor' (40) and 'akat' (2) with 'ma' (and).
How do you say 100 in Dothraki?
100 is 'ken'. Hundreds are formed by prefixing 'ken' to the digit word, e.g., 300 is 'sentken'.
How many people speak Dothraki?
The exact number of speakers is unknown, but it is spoken by the fictional Dothraki people in the universe of Game of Thrones, estimated at around 100,000 within that context.
Is Dothraki related to other languages?
Dothraki is a constructed language created for a fantasy universe, with influences from natural languages but primarily a unique, fictional system designed by David J. Peterson.
What makes Dothraki counting unique?
Its blend of decimal and vigesimal systems, especially in forming tens like 'chakat' (20), and the irregular formation of certain teens like 'zhindatthi' (16), make it distinctive among constructed languages.
Sources
- Dothraki, by David J. Peterson
- The Dothraki Language Dictionary (.pdf)
- Dothraki, by David J. Peterson
- Lekh Dothraki
- Dothraki Vocabulary and Grammar Guide (.pdf)
- A Wiki of Ice and Fire