Numbers in Faroese
føroyskt
Numbers in Faroese follow a primarily decimal system with notable vigesimal influences, especially in the formation of larger numbers. Spoken by about 50,000 people on the Faroe Islands, Faroese is a North Germanic language with unique counting features. Its numbers in Faroese exhibit a mix of straightforward and compound formations, with special forms for numbers from thirteen to nineteen and a distinct way of combining tens and units. The language's counting system reflects both historical influences and practical usage, making it a fascinating subject for linguistic study and number learning. Understanding these patterns enhances comprehension of Faroese culture and language structure.
Number system
Faroese counting primarily operates on a decimal base, but it incorporates vigesimal (base-20) elements especially in the formation of numbers like 30, 40, 50, etc. Numbers 1-3 have gendered and declined forms, e.g., ein (masculine), eina (feminine), eitt (neutral). Numbers 4-12 are unique words, such as fýra [4], ellivu [11], and tólv [12]. From thirteen to nineteen, the pattern involves adding a form of 'ten' (tíggju) to the digit, e.g., trettan [13], fjúrtan [14], fimtan [15]. Tens are formed by adding the suffix -ti to the digit, e.g., tríati [30], fýrati [40], with some formal forms like tretivu [30] showing traces of vigesimal influence. Compound numbers from twenty-one to ninety-nine combine units and tens with 'og' (and), e.g., ein og tríati [31], fimm og fimmti [55]. Hundreds and thousands are nouns, with 100 being 'hundrað' and 1,000 'túsund', and larger numbers like million and billion formed with specific words, e.g., ein millión, ein milliard.
Number list (29)
Counting rules
Number Formation from 1 to 12
Numbers 1-12 are unique words: ein [1], tveir [2], tríggir [3], fýra [4], fimm [5], seks [6], sjey [7], átta [8], níggju [9], tíggju [10], ellivu [11], tólv [12]. The first three have gendered forms, e.g., ein (masculine), eina (feminine), eitt (neutral).
Numbers 13 to 19
These are formed by adding a form of 'ten' (tíggju) to the digit: trettan [13], fjúrtan [14], fimtan [15], sekstan [16], seytjan [17], átjan [18], nítjan [19].
Tens Formation
Tens are formed by adding -ti to the digit: tríati [30], fýrati [40], fimmti [50], seksti [60], sjeyti [70], áttati [80], níti [90]. Formal forms like tretivu [30] show traces of vigesimal influence. Some tens, such as hálvfems [90], are formed with compound elements indicating a mixed system.
Compound Numbers 21-99
Numbers like 31 and 55 are formed by combining the unit and ten with 'og' (and): ein og tríati [31], fimm og fimmti [55], where the unit precedes the ten. For example, 78 is trýggjur og áttati (3 + 80).
Hundreds and Thousands
Hundreds are 'hundrað' and are gendered, e.g., eitt hundrað [100], tvey túsund [2000]. Larger numbers like one million and billion are 'ein millión' and 'ein milliard', with plural forms 'milliónir'.
Unique features
The use of gendered and declined forms for 1-3, such as ein (masculine), eina (feminine), eitt (neutral).
The combination of decimal and vigesimal elements, especially in the formal tens like tretivu [30] and hálvfems [90], reflects a historical vigesimal influence.
Numbers from 13 to 19 are formed by adding a form of 'ten' (tíggju) to the digit, e.g., nítjan [19], which is unique compared to pure decimal systems.
Large numbers like million and billion are borrowed and adapted into Faroese as 'ein millión' and 'ein milliard', with plural forms.
The use of 'og' (and) to connect units and tens, e.g., ein og tríati [31], is similar to other North Germanic languages but with specific Faroese forms.
Cultural context
The Faroe Islands are a remote North Atlantic archipelago with a rich maritime culture. Faroese people rely heavily on fishing, and numbers play a vital role in trade, navigation, and daily life. Traditional celebrations and folklore often reference specific numbers, with some numbers considered lucky or taboo, though these are not widely documented. The language's unique counting system reflects their historical isolation and Norse heritage. Faroese numerals are used in local markets, storytelling, and official documents, maintaining cultural identity. The language's ability to express large numbers like million and billion demonstrates its adaptation to modern economic needs while preserving traditional forms.
Fun facts
Fact 1: The number 'nítjan' [19] is formed from 'níggju' (9) plus a suffix for ten, showing a unique pattern of number formation.
Fact 2: Unlike English, where 21 is 'twenty-one,' Faroese says 'ein og tjügu' (1 and 20), reflecting its vigesimal influence.
Fact 3: The formal tens like 'trítivu' [30] demonstrate a historical influence from a base-20 system, similar to French 'quatre-vingt'.
Fact 4: The Faroese word for 100, 'hundrað,' is similar to other Germanic languages, indicating shared roots.
Fact 5: Large numbers like 'ein millión' (one million) are borrowed, but the plural 'milliónir' shows native adaptation.
Frequently asked questions
How do you count to 10 in Faroese?
1 – ein, 2 – tveir, 3 – tríggir, 4 – fýra, 5 – fimm, 6 – seks, 7 – sjey, 8 – átta, 9 – níggju, 10 – tíggju.
What number base does Faroese use?
Faroese primarily uses a decimal system, but it incorporates vigesimal elements, especially in the formal forms of tens like tretivu [30] and hálvfems [90], showing influence from a base-20 system.
How do you say 42 in Faroese?
42 is constructed as fjøruti [40] plus two, so it is 'fjóruti og tveir' (40 and 2).
How do you say 100 in Faroese?
100 is 'hundrað'. Larger numbers like 200 are tvey túsund, combining 'tvey' (2) and 'túsund' (thousand).
How many people speak Faroese?
Approximately 50,000 people speak Faroese, primarily on the Faroe Islands.
Is Faroese related to other languages?
Yes, Faroese is part of the North Germanic branch of the Germanic language family, closely related to Icelandic, Norwegian, and Danish.
What makes Faroese counting unique?
Its blend of decimal and vigesimal influences, especially in formal tens like 'trítivu' [30], and the gendered forms for 1-3 make Faroese counting distinctive among Germanic languages.