Numbers in Friulian
Furlan
Numbers in Friulian follow a mixed counting system that combines elements of decimal and vigesimal structures. Spoken primarily in the Friuli region of northeastern Italy, Friulian is used by approximately 800,000 speakers. Its unique counting patterns include specific words for numbers from zero to ten, and compound formations for higher numbers. The language’s counting system reflects its historical and cultural influences, making it distinct among Romance languages. Understanding these rules provides insight into Friulian’s linguistic richness and regional identity. This article explores the numbers in Friulian from 1 to 1000, including pronunciation, formation rules, and cultural context.
Number system
Friulian counting primarily uses a decimal system, but incorporates vigesimal elements, especially in numbers above twenty. Numbers from 1 to 10 have unique words, such as 'un' for 1 and 'dîs' for 10. Eleven to sixteen are formed by adding 'dis' to the root (e.g., 'undis' for 11, 'dodis' for 12). Numbers from 17 to 19 reverse the pattern, placing the unit after ten: 'disesiet' (17), 'disevot' (18), 'disenûf' (19). Tens like 20 ('vincj') and 30 ('trente') are specific words, with compound numbers formed by juxtaposition, dropping vowels (e.g., 21 is 'vincjeun', combining 'vincj' and 'un'). Hundreds are formed by prefixing the digit with 'cent' (e.g., 'cent' for 100, 'dusinte' for 200). Thousands combine the digit with 'mil' (e.g., 'doi mil' for 2000). Compound numbers link tens, hundreds, and units with 'e' (and), with no spaces, and vowels often drop for phonetic ease. For example, 42 is 'trentedoi' (trenta + doi), and 78 is 'setantevot' (setante + vot). Large numbers like one million are 'un milion', and one billion is 'un miliart'.
Number list (29)
Counting rules
Numbers from 0 to 10 are unique words
Numbers 1 to 10 have specific words: 'un' (1), 'doi' (2), 'trê' (3), 'cuatri' (4), 'cinc' (5), 'sîs' (6), 'siet' (7), 'vot' (8), 'nûf' (9), 'dîs' (10). For example, 3 is 'trê', and 9 is 'nûf'.
Numbers 11 to 16 are formed by adding 'dis' to the root
Eleven to sixteen are 'undis' (11), 'dodis' (12), 'tredis' (13), 'cutuardis' (14), 'cuindis' (15), 'sedis' (16). For example, 14 is 'cutuardis'.
Numbers 17 to 19 reverse the pattern, placing the unit after ten
17 is 'disesiet', 18 is 'disevot', 19 is 'disenûf'. For example, 18 combines 'dise' (from 10) and 'vot' (8).
Tens have specific words, with compound formation for numbers above twenty
20 is 'vincj', 30 is 'trente', 40 is 'cuarante', etc. Compound numbers like 21 are formed by juxtaposing the ten and unit, dropping vowels: 'vincjeun' (21), 'trentedoi' (32), 'cuarantevot' (48).
Hundreds are formed by prefixing the digit with 'cent'
For example, 100 is 'cent', 200 is 'dusinte', 300 is 'tresinte'. Compound numbers like 109 are 'cent e nûf', combining 'cent' and 'nûf' with 'e'.
Thousands are formed by placing the digit before 'mil', linked with 'e' for additional units
For example, 1,000 is 'mil', 2,000 is 'doi mil', 1,100 is 'mil e cent', and 1,110 is 'mil cent e dîs'.
Unique features
Compound numbers above twenty drop vowels in the ten name, e.g., 42 is 'trentedoi' instead of 'trente e doi'.
Unlike many Romance languages, Friulian uses a vigesimal-decimal mix, especially in numbers above twenty.
The pattern for 17-19 reverses the usual order, placing the unit after ten, e.g., 'disesiet' (17).
Large numbers like one million ('un milion') and one billion ('un miliart') are formed with specific words, showing a clear scale.
The language borrows the word 'mil' for thousand, but forms larger numbers with native roots and specific suffixes.
Cultural context
Friulian is spoken mainly in the Friuli region of northeastern Italy, an area rich in history and tradition. The language reflects a blend of Latin roots and local influences, with numbers playing a vital role in daily life, trade, and festivals. For example, traditional markets often use specific terms for large quantities, and certain numbers may be considered lucky or taboo based on local customs. The use of large numbers like 'un milion' indicates the importance of commerce and historical record-keeping. Despite modern influences, Friulian maintains its unique counting system, preserving regional identity and cultural heritage in everyday communication and celebrations.
Fun facts
Fact 1: The number 18 is 'disevot', combining 'dise' (10) and 'vot' (8), illustrating the vigesimal influence.
Fact 2: Compared to Italian, which is primarily decimal, Friulian’s use of a vigesimal pattern in numbers like 20 ('vincj') and 40 ('cuarante') is distinctive.
Fact 3: The dropping of vowels in compound numbers (e.g., 'trentedoi' for 32) reflects phonetic simplification common in spoken Friulian.
Fact 4: The term 'un milion' for one million shows the influence of Latin and Italian, adapted into Friulian phonology.
Fact 5: For very large numbers, Friulian uses specific words like 'miliart' for billion, a recent linguistic development reflecting global numerical scales.
Frequently asked questions
How do you count to 10 in Friulian?
1 – un, 2 – doi, 3 – trê, 4 – cuatri, 5 – cinc, 6 – sîs, 7 – siet, 8 – vot, 9 – nûf, 10 – dîs.
What number base does Friulian use?
Friulian primarily uses a decimal system with vigesimal influences, especially in numbers above twenty, as seen in 20 ('vincj') and 40 ('cuarante').
How do you say 42 in Friulian?
42 is 'trentedoi', formed by 'trenta' (30) and 'doi' (2), dropping the vowel 'a' from 'trenta' and concatenating.
How do you say 100 in Friulian?
100 is 'cent'. Larger hundreds are formed by prefixing the digit: 200 is 'dusinte', 300 is 'tresinte'.
How many people speak Friulian?
Approximately 800,000 speakers primarily in Italy’s Friuli region.
Is Friulian related to other languages?
Yes, it is a Romance language within the Indo-European family, related to Italian, Ladin, and other regional Romance dialects.
What makes Friulian counting unique?
Its use of vigesimal elements, vowel dropping in compound numbers, and specific words for large scales like 'un milion' and 'un miliart' make it distinctive.