Numbers in Guarani
Avañe’ẽ
Numbers in Guarani follow a vigesimal (base-20) system, which is common among many indigenous American languages. Spoken by approximately 4.85 million people mainly in Paraguay, Guarani is co-official alongside Spanish and also used in Argentina, Bolivia, and Brazil. Its counting system is unique because it combines base-20 with additive patterns, especially for numbers 21-99. For example, 16 is 'papoteĩ' (10 + 6), and 27 is 'mokõipa pokõi' (20 + 7). Understanding the numbers in Guarani reveals a rich cultural heritage and linguistic structure that differs from the decimal systems used worldwide.
Number system
Guarani uses a vigesimal system, where multiples of twenty form the basis for larger numbers. Numbers 1-9 are unique words: peteĩ [1], mokõi [2], mbohapy [3], irundy [4], po [5], poteĩ [6], pokõi [7], poapy [8], porundy [9]. Tens are formed by suffixing the digit with 'pa': pa [10], mokõipa [20], mbohapypa [30], irundypa [40], popa [50], poteĩpa [60], pokõipa [70], poapypa [80], porundypa [90]. For example, 16 is 'papoteĩ' (10 + 6), and 27 is 'mokõipa pokõi' (20 + 7). Hundreds are formed by suffixing the digit with 'sa': sa [100], mokõisa [200], mbohapysa [300], irundysa [400], posa [500], poteĩsa [600], pokõisa [700], poapysa [800], porundysa [900]. Larger numbers combine these patterns, such as 1,000 being 'su' and 1 million 'sua'. Compound numbers are built by combining these elements, e.g., 42 is 'mbohapypa pokõi' (30 + 12).
Number list (29)
Counting rules
Counting from zero to nine
Digits are expressed with specific words: mba’eve [0], peteĩ [1], mokõi [2], mbohapy [3], irundy [4], po [5], poteĩ [6], pokõi [7], poapy [8], porundy [9]. For example, 3 is 'mbohapy', and 9 is 'porundy'.
Forming tens
Tens are created by suffixing the digit with 'pa' (meaning ten) without space, e.g., 10 is 'pa', 20 is 'mokõipa', 30 is 'mbohapypa', 40 is 'irundypa', 50 is 'popa'. For example, 16 is 'papoteĩ' (10 + 6), and 27 is 'mokõipa pokõi' (20 + 7).
Forming hundreds
Hundreds are formed by suffixing the digit with 'sa' (hundred), e.g., 100 is 'sa', 200 is 'mokõisa', 300 is 'mbohapysa'. For example, 400 is 'irundysa', and 900 is 'porundysa'.
Building compound numbers
Numbers between 11 and 99 are formed by combining tens and units, e.g., 16 is 'papoteĩ' (10 + 6), 42 is 'mbohapypa pokõi' (30 + 12), and 78 is 'pokõi mbohapypa pokõi' (70 + 8). Larger numbers like 1,000 are 'su', and 1 million is 'sua'.
Large numbers
Thousands are formed by suffixing the digit with 'su', e.g., 1,000 is 'su', 2,000 is 'mokõisu'. Millions are formed by suffixing the digit with 'sua', e.g., 2,000,000 is 'mokõisua'.
Unique features
The vigesimal system is evident in the formation of numbers like 20 'mokõipa' and 40 'irundypa', which are built from multiples of 20.
Unlike many languages that use a decimal system, Guarani combines base-20 with additive patterns, such as 16 'papoteĩ' (10 + 6).
The number 5 'po' also means 'hand', showing a cultural link between counting and body parts.
Large numbers like 1 million are formed simply as 'sua', reflecting a straightforward lexical pattern for big quantities.
The word for 0 'mba’eve' is a unique term meaning 'nothing' or 'no thing', indicating a cultural perspective on zero.
Cultural context
Guarani is primarily spoken in Paraguay, where it is a vital part of daily life, culture, and identity. It is used in traditional ceremonies, trade, and storytelling. The language's number system reflects a deep connection to indigenous practices and worldview. Certain numbers, like 13 or 21, are common in cultural expressions, but specific taboos or superstitions about numbers are not well documented. The language's use in official contexts and education helps preserve its rich numerical and linguistic heritage, making it a symbol of national pride and cultural resilience.
Fun facts
Fact 1: The number 16 'papoteĩ' combines 10 'pa' and 6 'poteĩ', illustrating the additive vigesimal pattern.
Fact 2: Unlike English, which is decimal, Guarani's use of 'pa' for ten and 'sa' for hundred shows a different structural approach.
Fact 3: The word for 5 'po' also means 'hand', linking counting to body parts, common in many indigenous languages.
Fact 4: The term for one million 'sua' is simple and does not follow the compound pattern of smaller numbers, highlighting linguistic efficiency.
Fact 5: Large numbers like 1,000,000 are formed by adding the suffix 'sua' to the base number, e.g., 'mokõisua' for 2 million, showing a regular pattern for big quantities.
Frequently asked questions
How do you count to 10 in Guarani?
1 - peteĩ, 2 - mokõi, 3 - mbohapy, 4 - irundy, 5 - po, 6 - poteĩ, 7 - pokõi, 8 - poapy, 9 - porundy, 10 - pa.
What number base does Guarani use?
Guarani uses a vigesimal (base-20) system, as evidenced by 20 'mokõipa', 40 'irundypa', and 80 'poapypa', which are multiples of 20, and compound numbers like 27 'mokõipa pokõi'.
How do you say 42 in Guarani?
42 is 'mbohapypa pokõi' (30 + 12), where 30 'mbohapypa' (3×10) and 12 'pakõi' (2×6), combining tens and units.
How do you say 100 in Guarani?
100 is 'sa', and larger hundreds are formed by suffixing the digit with 'sa', e.g., 200 is 'mokõisa'.
How many people speak Guarani?
Approximately 4.85 million people speak Guarani, mainly in Paraguay, with communities in Argentina, Bolivia, and Brazil.
Is Guarani related to other languages?
Yes, it belongs to the Tupi–Guarani branch of the Tupian language family, sharing roots with other indigenous South American languages.
What makes Guarani counting unique?
Its vigesimal system and the use of body-part related words like 'po' for five (hand) make its counting system distinctive among world languages.