Numbers in Haitian Creole
Kreyòl Ayisyen
Numbers in Haitian Creole follow a vigesimal (base-20) system, making it unique among many languages. Spoken by about 8 million in Haiti and over a million in Caribbean communities, Haitian Creole's counting system incorporates inherited African influences and French elements. Its structure features special words for numbers from zero to sixteen, and uses a base-20 system for numbers above sixty. This system results in interesting formations like 'swasanndis' for 70 and 'katreven' for 80. Understanding these rules reveals the language's rich cultural history and linguistic complexity, making the numbers in Haitian Creole both fascinating and distinctive for learners and linguists alike.
Number system
Haitian Creole employs a vigesimal counting system inherited from Celtic influences via French. Numbers 0-16 are unique words: youn [1], de [2], twa [3], kat [4], senk [5], sis [6], sèt [7], uit [8], nèf [9], dis [10], onz [11], douz [12], trèz [13], katòz [14], kenz [15], sèz [16]. Seventeen to nineteen are formed by combining ten and the units: disèt [17], dizuit [18], diznèf [19]. Tens are specific words: dis [10], ven [20], trant [30], karant [40], senkant [50], swasann [60]. From sixty to ninety-nine, the system uses multiples of twenty: swasanndis [60+10], swasanndiznèf [60+10+9], katreven [4×20=80], katrevendis [4×20+10=80+10]. Numbers are formed by combining tens and units, with the conjunction 'ey' (and) for addition, e.g., karanteyen [41] (30+10+1). Hundreds are formed with the unit before 'san' (hundred): san [100], twa san [300], si san [600]. Larger numbers like one million and one billion are yon milyon and yon milya respectively.
Number list (29)
Counting rules
Numbers 0-16 are unique words
Numbers from zero to sixteen have specific words: zero, youn [1], de [2], twa [3], kat [4], senk [5], sis [6], sèt [7], uit [8], nèf [9], dis [10], onz [11], douz [12], trèz [13], katòz [14], kenz [15], sèz [16]. For example, 'sèt' is 7, and 'sèz' is 16.
Numbers 17-19 are formed by combining ten and units
Seventeen to nineteen are regular combinations: disèt [17], dizuit [18], diznèf [19], formed by adding 7, 8, 9 to ten respectively.
Tens have specific words from 10 to 60
Tens are dis [10], ven [20], trant [30], karant [40], senkant [50], swasann [60]. For example, 30 is 'trant', and 50 is 'senkant'.
Numbers above 60 use a vigesimal system
From 60 upwards, the system uses multiples of 20: swasanndis [60+10], swasanndiznèf [60+10+9], katreven [4×20=80], katrevendis [4×20+10=80+10]. For example, 70 is 'swasanndis', and 80 is 'katreven'.
Compound numbers combine tens and units, with 'ey' for addition
Numbers like 42 are 'karannsis' (40+2), but 41 is 'karanteyen' (30+10+1) with 'ey' implied. The conjunction 'ey' is used for clarity in some cases.
Hundreds are formed by placing the unit before 'san'
One hundred is 'san', two hundred 'de san', three hundred 'twa san', etc. For example, 101 is 'san en', 301 is 'twa san en'.
Unique features
The use of a vigesimal system inherited from Celtic influences, evident in words like 'swasann' (60) and 'swasanndis' (70).
Numbers like 80 ('katreven') and 90 ('katrevendis') are formed by multiplying four by twenty, unlike decimal systems.
The number 70 ('swasanndis') is counter-intuitive, as it combines 60 and 10, unlike in English.
Large numbers like one million ('yon milyon') and one billion ('yon milya') are borrowed from French but adapted into native structure.
The word 'san' for hundred is used with the unit before it, reflecting a different approach from English or French.
Cultural context
Haitian Creole is spoken primarily in Haiti, where it is a symbol of national identity and cultural pride. The language plays a vital role in daily life, trade, and traditional ceremonies. Numbers are used in religious festivals, market transactions, and storytelling. Certain numbers, like 7 ('sèt'), are considered lucky, while others may have cultural significance. The language's numerals reflect a history of African, French, and Celtic influences, making them a cultural bridge across generations. Large numbers are often used in religious and political contexts, emphasizing the importance of numeracy in societal organization.
Fun facts
Fact 1: The number 70 is 'swasanndis', combining 60 ('swasann') and 10 ('dis'), showing the vigesimal system.
Fact 2: Unlike English, where 80 is 'eighty', in Haitian Creole, 80 is 'katreven', derived from 'kat' (4) and 'ven' (20).
Fact 3: The pattern of forming numbers like 33 ('trant-twa') reflects combining 'trant' (30) and 'twa' (3), with the conjunction implied.
Fact 4: Historically, the vigesimal system may be linked to Celtic influence, possibly introduced via French colonial contact.
Fact 5: For very large numbers, Haitian Creole uses borrowed terms like 'yon milyon' and 'yon milya', showing adaptation of European numerals.
Frequently asked questions
How do you count to 10 in Haitian Creole?
1 - youn, 2 - de, 3 - twa, 4 - kat, 5 - senk, 6 - sis, 7 - sèt, 8 - uit, 9 - nèf, 10 - dis.
What number base does Haitian Creole use?
Haitian Creole uses a vigesimal (base-20) system, evidenced by words like 'swasann' (60) and 'swasanndis' (70), which combine multiples of 20 with additional units.
How do you say 42 in Haitian Creole?
42 is 'karannsis', formed by 40 ('karant') plus 2 ('sis'), combined directly without 'ey'.
How do you say 100 in Haitian Creole?
100 is 'san'. Larger numbers like 101 are 'san en', where 'en' indicates addition.
How many people speak Haitian Creole?
Approximately 8 million in Haiti and over 1 million in Caribbean communities.
Is Haitian Creole related to other languages?
Yes, it is a French-lexified creole with influences from African languages such as fon, ewe, kikongo, yoruba, and igbo.
What makes Haitian Creole counting unique?
Its vigesimal system, especially the formation of numbers like 70 ('swasanndis') and 80 ('katreven'), sets it apart from decimal-based languages.
Sources
- Ann pale kreyol: An Introductory Course in Haitian Creole, by Albert Valdman (in .pdf)