Numbers in Lombard (Milanese)
Lumbaart
Numbers in Lombard (Milanese) follow a primarily decimal system with some unique features. Spoken mainly in Lombardy, Italy, by about 3.5 million speakers, it belongs to the Romance language family. What makes its counting system special is the combination of specific words for numbers from one to ten, and the formation of compound numbers without spaces. The language also has irregularities in hundreds and thousands, reflecting its rich cultural history. Understanding the numbers in Lombard (Milanese) offers insight into its linguistic structure and regional traditions, making it a fascinating subject for language enthusiasts and linguists alike.
Number system
Lombard (Milanese) uses a decimal system, where numbers from one to ten have specific words: vun [1], duu [2], trii [3], quatter [4], cinch [5], ses [6], sett [7], vott [8], noeuv [9], des [10]. Numbers 11 to 16 are formed by adding ten to the root: vundes [11], dodes [12], tredes [13], quattordes [14], quindes [15], sedes [16]. For 17-19, the pattern reverses, with the unit placed after ten: dersett [17], desdott [18], desnoeuv [19]. Tens are named distinctly: vint [20], trenta [30], quaranta [40], cinquanta [50], sessanta [60], settanta [70], vottanta [80], novanta [90]. Compound numbers are formed by combining tens and units directly, often with a phonetic change: vintun [21], vinttrii [23], vintott [28], trentavun [31], quarantott [48]. Hundreds are formed by combining the multiplier with 'cent' without space: cent [100], dusent [200], tresent [300], quattercent [400], cinchcent [500], ses’cent [600], settcent [700], vottcent [800], noeuvcent [900]. Thousands are formed by placing the multiplier before 'mila' with a space: mila [1,000], dò mila [2,000], tré mila [3,000], quatter mila [4,000], cinch mila [5,000]. Larger numbers like one million and billion are 'on milion' and 'on miliard' respectively, with groups connected by 'e'.
Number list (29)
Counting rules
Counting from 1 to 10
Numbers from one to ten are unique words: vun [1], duu [2], trii [3], quatter [4], cinch [5], ses [6], sett [7], vott [8], noeuv [9], des [10]. For example, 3 is 'trii' and 7 is 'sett'.
Forming 11 to 16
Numbers 11 to 16 are formed by adding ten to the root: vundes [11], dodes [12], tredes [13], quattordes [14], quindes [15], sedes [16].
Forming 17 to 19
Numbers 17 to 19 reverse the pattern, placing the unit after ten: dersett [17], desdott [18], desnoeuv [19].
Tens formation
Tens have specific names: vint [20], trenta [30], quaranta [40], cinquanta [50], sessanta [60], settanta [70], vottanta [80], novanta [90]. Compound numbers combine these with units, often with phonetic changes: vintun [21], vinttrii [23], vintott [28], trentavun [31], quarantott [48].
Hundreds formation
Hundreds are formed by combining the multiplier with 'cent' without space: cent [100], dusent [200], tresent [300], quattercent [400], cinchcent [500], ses’cent [600], settcent [700], vottcent [800], noeuvcent [900].
Building larger numbers
Thousands are formed with the multiplier followed by 'mila' with a space: mila [1,000], dò mila [2,000], tré mila [3,000], etc. Larger numbers are linked with 'e' (and), e.g., 'on milion e dusenttrentaquatter mila e cinchcentsessantasett' (1,234,567).
Unique features
The formation of numbers 11-16 by adding ten to the root, e.g., vundes [11], dodes [12], is unique among Romance languages.
Compound numbers like 21, 23, and 28 are formed by juxtaposition with phonetic changes, e.g., vintun, vinttrii, vintott, without spaces.
The irregular formation of hundreds, such as 'ses’cent' for 600, shows historical phonetic influences.
Large numbers like one million ('on milion') and billion ('on miliard') are borrowed terms, reflecting cultural exchanges.
The use of 'e' to connect number groups, e.g., 'on milion e dusenttrentaquatter', is a distinctive syntactic feature.
Cultural context
The Lombard-speaking people primarily inhabit Lombardy and parts of Piedmont, with a rich cultural heritage rooted in trade, craftsmanship, and regional traditions. Numbers appear in daily transactions, traditional festivals, and local storytelling. The number 7 ('sett') is considered lucky, while 13 ('tredes') is often avoided in some contexts. In local markets, precise counting is vital for commerce, and large numbers are used in historical records and regional celebrations. The language's unique number system reflects its historical independence and regional identity, maintaining traditional forms even in modern usage.
Fun facts
The number 78 is 'vottantaott'—a compound of 'vottanta' (80) and 'ott' (8), showing phonetic contraction similar to French 'quatre-vingt-dix'.
Unlike English, which uses a decimal base and separate words, Lombard combines tens and units directly, e.g., 'vintun' (21).
The formation of 17 ('dersett') and 18 ('desdott') involves consonant shifts, indicating historical phonetic changes.
Lombard's large numbers like 'on milion' and 'on miliard' show borrowing from Latin and other Romance languages, adapted to local phonology.
Despite its regional nature, Lombard has preserved a decimal system with specific compound formations, making it both unique and systematic.
Frequently asked questions
How do you count to 10 in Lombard (Milanese)?
1-vun, 2-duu, 3-trii, 4-quatter, 5-cinch, 6-ses, 7-sett, 8-vott, 9-noeuv, 10-des.
What number base does Lombard (Milanese) use?
It uses a decimal (base-10) system, evidenced by the specific words for 10 ('des'), 20 ('vint'), and the formation of compound numbers like 'vintun' (21).
How do you say 42 in Lombard (Milanese)?
42 is 'quaranta duu'. 'Quaranta' (40) plus 'duu' (2), combined directly without space.
How do you say 100 in Lombard (Milanese)?
100 is 'cent'. Larger hundreds are formed by combining the multiplier with 'cent', e.g., 300 is 'tresent'.
How many people speak Lombard (Milanese)?
Approximately 3.5 million speakers, mainly in Italy's Lombardy and Piedmont regions, with some presence in Switzerland.
Is Lombard (Milanese) related to other languages?
Yes, it belongs to the Romance language family, specifically the Gallo-Italic branch, related to Piedmontese, Ligurian, and other regional Romance languages.
What makes Lombard (Milanese) counting unique?
Its use of direct juxtaposition for compound numbers, phonetic contractions like 'vintun', and irregular formations of hundreds and large numbers make it distinctive among Romance languages.
Sources
- Insubric cardinal numbers (in Italian)