Numbers in Maltese
Malti
Numbers in Maltese follow a primarily decimal system with some unique features influenced by its Semitic roots and European contact. Spoken by about 520,000 people mainly in Malta, it is a co-official language alongside English. Maltese's counting system combines Arabic-derived roots with Italian and Sicilian influences, making it distinct among Semitic languages. The language's numbers are constructed with specific patterns for units, tens, hundreds, and larger numbers, often combining roots with suffixes or connectors. This makes learning the numbers in Maltese both fascinating and complex, reflecting its rich cultural history and linguistic evolution.
Number system
Maltese uses a decimal system, with numbers from 1 to 9 formed from specific words like wieħed [1], tnejn [2], and tlieta [3]. Numbers from 11 to 19 are formed by combining the unit with a form of ten, such as ħdax [11], tnax [12], and tlettax [13], showing a pattern of adding the suffix -ax or -tax. Tens like għoxrin [20], tletin [30], and erbgħin [40] are formed by roots of the multiplier digit suffixed with in, e.g., tletin [30] from root for 3 plus in. Compound numbers like erbgħa u għoxrin [24] combine the unit, connector 'u' (and), and the ten. Hundreds are formed with roots like mija [100], mitejn [200], and tliet mija [300], followed by the word for hundred. Thousands are constructed similarly, e.g., elf [1,000], elfejn [2,000], and tliet elef [3,000]. Larger numbers like one million are 'miljun'.
Number list (29)
Counting rules
Units from 1 to 9
Numbers 1 to 9 are formed with specific words: wieħed [1], tnejn [2], tlieta [3], erbgħa [4], ħamsa [5], sitta [6], sebgħa [7], tmienja [8], disgħa [9]. For example, 6 is sitta, and 9 is disgħa.
Numbers 11 to 19
Numbers from eleven to nineteen are formed by combining the unit root with a suffix of ten: ħdax [11], tnax [12], tlettax [13], erbatax [14], ħmistax [15], sittax [16], sbatax [17], tmintax [18], dsatax [19]. For example, 15 is ħmistax, formed from ħamsa + tax.
Tens
Tens are formed by taking the root of the multiplier digit and adding in, except for 10 and 20 which are irregular: għaxra [10], għoxrin [20], tletin [30], erbgħin [40], ħamsin [50], sittin [60], sebgħin [70], tmenin [80], disgħin [90]. For example, 30 is tletin, from root for 3 plus in.
Compound numbers
Numbers like 24 are formed by stating the unit first, then 'u' (and), then the ten: erbgħa u għoxrin [24], tmienja u sebgħin [78]. For example, 78 is tmienja u sebgħin, combining 8 (tmienja) and 70 (sebgħin).
Hundreds
Hundreds are formed starting with the root of the multiplier, followed by mija [100], e.g., mija [100], mitejn [200], tliet mija [300], erba’ mija [400], hames mija [500], sitt mija [600], seba’ mija [700], tminn mija [800], disa’ mija [900].
Thousands
Thousands are formed similarly, with roots plus 'elef' (thousand): elf [1,000], elfejn [2,000], tlitt elef [3,000], erbat elef [4,000], ħamest elef [5,000], sitt elef [6,000], sebat elef [7,000], tmint elef [8,000], disat elef [9,000].
Unique features
The use of roots combined with suffixes like in tletin [30] and għoxrin [20], showing a systematic formation of tens.
Compound numbers are formed with the connector 'u' (and), e.g., erbgħa u għoxrin [24], which is similar to Catalan and some Italian dialects.
The pattern for 11-19 involves adding 'ax' or 'tax' to units, e.g., ħdax [11], tlettax [13], which is unique among Semitic languages.
Large numbers like 1,000 and 1,000,000 are formed with specific words elf and miljun, reflecting European influence.
The words for 200 and 300 are mitejn and tliet mija, showing irregular forms for hundreds, unlike many other Semitic languages.
Cultural context
Malta is a small island nation with a rich history influenced by Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, Italians, and British. Maltese is spoken mainly in Malta, where it is a symbol of national identity and cultural pride. Numbers appear in daily life, trade, religious festivals, and traditional events. Certain numbers, like 13, are considered unlucky, while others like 7 are seen as lucky. The language's unique number system reflects its diverse history, blending Semitic roots with European elements. Celebrations often involve traditional songs and poetry that feature numbers, emphasizing their cultural importance. The use of Maltese numbers in official documents and signage underscores their significance in national identity.
Fun facts
The number 16 is sittax, combining sitta (6) with the suffix -ax, showing a pattern similar to 11-19.
Unlike Arabic or Hebrew, Maltese uses Latin script for numbers, influenced by European languages.
The formation of compound numbers like 78 (tmienja u sebgħin) demonstrates a clear pattern of combining units and tens with 'u'.
Historically, the word for 1,000 is elf, borrowed from Italian 'mille', showing European influence.
For very large numbers, Maltese uses 'miljun' for million, a recent addition reflecting modern numerical concepts.
Frequently asked questions
How do you count to 10 in Maltese?
1 – wieħed, 2 – tnejn, 3 – tlieta, 4 – erbgħa, 5 – ħamsa, 6 – sitta, 7 – sebgħa, 8 – tmienja, 9 – disgħa, 10 – għaxra.
What number base does Maltese use?
Maltese uses a decimal (base-10) system, evidenced by the formation of numbers like ħdax [11], tnax [12], and tletin [30], which are built systematically from units and tens.
How do you say 42 in Maltese?
42 is erbgħa u erbgħin, formed by 'erbgħa' (4) + 'u' (and) + 'erbgħin' (40).
How do you say 100 in Maltese?
The word for 100 is mija. For 200, it is mitejn, and for 300, tliet mija, showing irregular forms for hundreds.
How many people speak Maltese?
Approximately 520,000 people speak Maltese, primarily in Malta.
Is Maltese related to other languages?
Yes, Maltese is a Central Semitic language descended from Siculo-Arabic, with influences from Sicilian, Italian, French, and English.
What makes Maltese counting unique?
Its combination of Semitic roots with European influences, especially in forming large numbers like 'miljun' for million, and the systematic pattern of combining units with tens using 'u' (and).