Numbers in Ido
Numbers in Ido follow a decimal system with a clear and logical structure, making it easy for learners to grasp. As an constructed international auxiliary language, Ido aims to facilitate communication across diverse linguistic backgrounds. Spoken by a dedicated community since its founding in 1907, Ido's counting system combines simplicity with consistency. Its unique formation rules for compound numbers and large scales make it stand out among other auxiliary languages. The language's design emphasizes ease of learning, especially in numerical expressions, which are essential for trade, science, and daily communication. Understanding the numbers in Ido offers insight into its logical structure and cultural adaptability.
Number system
Ido uses a decimal system where digits from one to nine are specific words: un [1], du [2], tri [3], quar [4], kin [5], sis [6], sep [7], ok [8], non [9]. Tens are formed by prefixing 'dek' with the digit, followed by 'a' (except for ten itself): dek [10], duadek [20], triadek [30], quaradek [40], kinadek [50], sisadek [60], sepadek [70], okadek [80], nonadek [90]. Compound numbers link tens and units with 'e' (and), separated by dashes: for example, dek-e-un [11], quaradek-e-kin [45], and dek-e-du [12]. Hundreds are formed by prefixing 'cent' with the digit and 'a' (except for 100): cent [100], duacent [200], triacent [300], quaracent [400], kinacent [500], sisacent [600], sepacent [700], okacent [800], nonacent [900]. Thousands are formed similarly: mil [1,000], duamil [2,000], triamil [3,000], quaramil [4,000], kinamil [5,000], sisamil [6,000], sepamil [7,000], okamil [8,000], nonamil [9,000]. Larger numbers follow the long scale, e.g., un milion [1 million], un miliardo [1 billion], un biliono [1 trillion].
Number list (29)
Counting rules
Digits from one to nine are unique words.
The numbers 1 to 9 are un [1], du [2], tri [3], quar [4], kin [5], sis [6], sep [7], ok [8], and non [9]. For example, 6 is sis, 9 is non, and 3 is tri.
Tens are formed by prefixing 'dek' with the digit, followed by 'a', except for ten itself.
For example, 20 is duadek, 30 triadek, and 90 nonadek. The number 10 is simply 'dek'.
Compound numbers link tens and units with 'e' and a dash.
For example, 11 is dek-e-un, 45 is quaradek-e-kin, and 78 is sepadek-e-ok.
Hundreds are formed by prefixing 'cent' with the digit and 'a', except for 100.
For example, 200 is duacent, 300 triacent, and 900 nonacent.
Thousands are formed similarly to hundreds, with 'mil' and the digit + 'a'.
For example, 1,000 is mil, 2,000 duamil, and 9,000 nonamil.
Higher scale numbers follow the long scale, multiplying by one million for each step above a million.
For example, 1 million is un milion, 1 billion is un miliardo, and 1 trillion is un biliono.
Unique features
The formation of compound numbers like 42 as quaradek-e-kin (40 + 2) shows systematic logic similar to Romance languages but with a consistent pattern.
Unlike many languages, Ido uses a suffix 'a' after the multiplier digits in hundreds and thousands, e.g., duacent [200], which is similar to Esperanto but with its own rules.
A surprising pattern is that the number 80 is okadek, which breaks the simple pattern of 'dek' + unit, showing a unique formation for 80.
Large numbers like un miliardo (1 billion) are formed using the long scale, where each new term is a million times the previous, similar to European languages like Italian or French.
The word 'mil' for thousand is borrowed from Latin, reflecting Ido's goal of international intelligibility and simplicity.
Cultural context
Ido is designed as an international auxiliary language, spoken by enthusiasts worldwide, especially in Europe and online communities. Its culture emphasizes clarity, neutrality, and ease of learning. Numbers in Ido are used in trade, science, and daily communication, with no known taboo or superstitions associated with specific numbers. The language's neutral stance makes it suitable for international contexts, where precise numerical communication is essential. The use of large scale numbers like un biliono (1 trillion) reflects its potential for scientific and economic discussions. As a constructed language, Ido promotes a culture of linguistic neutrality and global cooperation, with numbers playing a key role in its practical and ideological framework.
Fun facts
Fact 1: The number 19 is dek-e-non, combining 'dek' (10) with 'non' (9), illustrating the straightforward decimal composition.
Fact 2: Compared to English, Ido's number 42 is quaradek-e-kin, which explicitly states '40 plus 2', similar to the French 'quarante-deux' but with a clear pattern.
Fact 3: The formation of 80 as okadek is unique, as it does not follow the simple pattern of 'dek' + unit, indicating an irregular but systematic pattern for certain multiples.
Fact 4: The word 'mil' for thousand is borrowed from Latin, reflecting Ido's international and scientific roots.
Fact 5: Large numbers like un biliono (1 trillion) are built on the long scale, making Ido suitable for discussing very large quantities in science and economics.
Frequently asked questions
How do you count to 10 in Ido?
1 – un, 2 – du, 3 – tri, 4 – quar, 5 – kin, 6 – sis, 7 – sep, 8 – ok, 9 – non, 10 – dek.
What number base does Ido use?
Ido uses a decimal (base-10) system, evidenced by the formation of numbers like dek [10], duadek [20], and nonadek [90], following consistent patterns for tens and units.
How do you say 42 in Ido?
42 is quaradek-e-kin, combining 'quar' (40) with 'kin' (2) using the 'e' connector, following the pattern for compound numbers.
How do you say 100 in Ido?
100 is 'cent'. Hundreds are formed by prefixing 'cent' with the digit and 'a', e.g., 200 is duacent.
How many people speak Ido?
The exact number of speakers is unknown, but Ido is spoken by a dedicated community worldwide, especially among language enthusiasts and constructed language advocates.
Is Ido related to other languages?
Ido is a constructed language derived from Esperanto, which itself is based on Romance and Germanic language roots, aiming for international neutrality.
What makes Ido counting unique?
Its systematic formation of compound numbers with 'e' and the consistent pattern for hundreds and thousands, such as 300 triacent and 4,000 quaramil, make Ido's counting highly logical and easy to learn.
Sources
- La linguo Ido