Numbers in Navajo
Diné bizaad
Numbers in Navajo follow a vigesimal (base-20) system, which is common among many indigenous North American languages. Spoken by approximately 150,000 Navajo people primarily in the southwestern United States and parts of Mexico, this language's counting system is unique and complex. It combines base-20 multiples with additive forms for numbers 1-10 and 11-19, making it distinct from purely decimal systems. The language's structure reflects its rich cultural history and traditional counting methods. Understanding the numbers in Navajo provides insight into their worldview and linguistic heritage, revealing patterns that are both logical and deeply rooted in their cultural practices.
Number system
Navajo uses a vigesimal system where numbers from 1 to 10 are specific words: tʼááłáʼí [1], naaki [2], tááʼ [3], dį́į́ʼ [4], ashdlaʼ [5], hastą́ą́ [6], tsostsʼid [7], tseebíí [8], náhástʼéí [9], and neeznáá [10]. Numbers 11-19 are formed by adding -tsʼáadah (meaning 'plus ten') to the digit: łáʼtsʼáadah [11], naakitsʼáadah [12], tááʼtsʼáadah [13], dį́į́ʼtsʼáadah [14], ashdlaʼáadah [15], hastą́ʼáadah [16], tsostsʼidtsʼáadah [17], tseebíítsʼáadah [18], náhástʼéítsʼáadah [19]. Tens are formed by adding -diin (times ten) to the digit: naadiin [20], tádiin [30], dízdiin [40], ashdladiin [50], hastą́diin [60], tsostsʼidiin [70], tseebídiin [80], náhástʼédiin [90]. Compound numbers like 22 (naadįįnaaki) combine the base-20 digit (naadiin) with the unit (naaki). Larger numbers such as 42 (díz dįįʼ łáʼ) are formed by combining 40 (dízdiin) with 2 (naaki) using the suffix -dįį-. The hundreds are formed by adding -di to the digit and then 'neeznádiin' (hundred), e.g., naakidi neeznádiin [200], and thousands by adding 'mííl' after the hundred form, e.g., tʼááłáhádí mííl [1000]. The system is a combination of multiplicative and additive patterns, with irregular vowel and consonant changes in compound forms.
Number list (29)
Counting rules
Numbers 1-10 are unique words
Numbers from one to ten are specific words: tʼááłáʼí [1], naaki [2], tááʼ [3], dį́į́ʼ [4], ashdlaʼ [5], hastą́ą́ [6], tsostsʼid [7], tseebíí [8], náhástʼéí [9], and neeznáá [10].
Numbers 11-19 are formed by adding -tsʼáadah
Numbers eleven to nineteen are created by adding the suffix -tsʼáadah (meaning 'plus ten') to the digit: łáʼtsʼáadah [11], naakitsʼáadah [12], tááʼtsʼáadah [13], dį́į́ʼtsʼáadah [14], ashdlaʼáadah [15], hastą́ʼáadah [16], tsostsʼidtsʼáadah [17], tseebíítsʼáadah [18], náhástʼéítsʼáadah [19].
Tens are formed by adding -diin
Tens are created by attaching -diin to the digit: naadiin [20], tádiin [30], dízdiin [40], ashdladiin [50], hastą́diin [60], tsostsʼidiin [70], tseebídiin [80], náhástʼédiin [90]. The suffix -diin indicates 'times ten'.
Compound numbers 21-29 and 41-49 are formed by suffixing units
Numbers like 22 (naadįįnaaki) combine the base-20 number naadiin [20] with the unit naaki [2], resulting in naadįįnaaki. Similarly, 41 (díz dįįʼ łáʼ) combines 40 (dízdiin) with 1 (łáʼ).
Numbers 30-90 are formed similarly to 20, 40, etc.
They are formed by adding -diin to the digit, e.g., dízdiin [40], ashdladiin [50], hastą́diin [60], tsostsʼidiin [70], tseebídiin [80], náhástʼédiin [90].
Numbers above 20 are combined with 'dóó baʼąą'
Numbers like 35 (tádiin dóó baʼąą ashdlaʼ) are formed by placing 'dóó baʼąą' ('and in addition') between the tens and units. For example, 68 (hastą́diin dóó baʼąą tseebíí) combines 60 and 8.
Hundreds are formed by adding -di to the digit and 'neeznádiin'
For example, 200 is naakidi neeznádiin, 300 is táadi neeznádiin, and 900 is náhástʼéidi neeznádiin. The pattern involves adding -di to the digit and then 'neeznádiin' for hundred.
Thousands are formed similarly to hundreds, with 'mííl'
For example, 1,000 is tʼááłáhádí mííl, 2,000 is naakidi mííl, and 3,000 is táadi mííl. The pattern involves combining the digit with 'mííl' after the hundred form.
Millions are formed by adding -tsoh to 'mííl'
For example, 1 million is tʼááłáhádí mííltsoh, 2 million is naakidi mííltsoh. This pattern indicates large numbers by appending '-tsoh' to the basic 'mííl'.
Unique features
Navajo uses a vigesimal (base-20) system, evident in the formation of numbers like 20 (naadiin) and 40 (dízdiin).
Numbers 11-19 are formed by adding -tsʼáadah to the digit, e.g., łáʼtsʼáadah [11], instead of a separate unique word.
Compound numbers like 22 (naadįįnaaki) combine base-20 and units, showing irregular vowel changes and suffixes.
Large numbers like 1,000 (tʼááłáhádí mííl) and 1 million (tʼááłáhádí mííltsoh) follow consistent patterns, reflecting a layered vigesimal system.
The word for hundred (neeznádiin) and thousand (mííl) are borrowed terms adapted into the system, integrating Spanish influence.
Cultural context
The Navajo people primarily reside in the southwestern United States, including Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, and Colorado, with some speakers in Mexico's Chihuahua and Sonora regions. Their culture emphasizes harmony, storytelling, and tradition, where numbers often appear in ceremonial contexts, trade, and daily life. Large numbers are used in counting livestock, trade goods, and during ceremonies. Certain numbers are considered sacred or significant, such as 4 (dį́į́ʼ) which is associated with the four sacred mountains. The language's numerical system reflects their worldview, emphasizing a layered, vigesimal approach that ties closely to their cultural identity.
Fun facts
Fact 1: The number 15 (ashdlaʼáadah) is formed by adding -áadah to 5 (ashdlaʼ), showing a regular additive pattern.
Fact 2: Unlike decimal systems, Navajo's vigesimal system makes counting to 100 more efficient with fewer words, e.g., 80 (tseebídiin).
Fact 3: The irregular vowel change in compound numbers like 41 (díz dįįʼ łáʼ) reflects phonological processes unique to Navajo.
Fact 4: Historically, Navajo numbers were used in trade and barter, with large numbers like 1,000 (tʼááłáhádí mííl) indicating significant trade transactions.
Fact 5: For very large numbers, Navajo simply extends the pattern, e.g., 2 million (naakidi mííltsoh), showing a systematic way to express enormous quantities.
Frequently asked questions
How do you count to 10 in Navajo?
1 - tʼááłáʼí, 2 - naaki, 3 - tááʼ, 4 - dį́į́ʼ, 5 - ashdlaʼ, 6 - hastą́ą́, 7 - tsostsʼid, 8 - tseebíí, 9 - náhástʼéí, 10 - neeznáá.
What number base does Navajo use?
Navajo uses a vigesimal (base-20) system, evidenced by words like naadiin [20], dízdiin [40], and the formation of numbers like 22 (naadįįnaaki).
How do you say 42 in Navajo?
42 is dízdiin (40) plus 2 (naaki), combined as díz dįįʼ łáʼ, where the suffix -dįį- connects the tens and units.
How do you say 100 in Navajo?
100 is tʼááłáhádí neeznádiin, formed by adding -di to tʼááłáhádí (100) and then 'neeznádiin' (hundred).
How many people speak Navajo?
Approximately 150,000 people speak Navajo, primarily in the southwestern United States and parts of Mexico.
Is Navajo related to other languages?
Yes, Navajo is part of the Athabaskan language family within the Dené-Yeniseian family, sharing roots with languages like Apache and other Athabaskan languages.
What makes Navajo counting unique?
Its vigesimal system and the way it combines multiplicative and additive forms, such as 11-19 formed by adding -tsʼáadah, make Navajo counting distinctive among world languages.