Numbers in Northern Kurdish
Kurmancî
Numbers in Northern Kurdish follow a mixed decimal and vigesimal system, making it unique among Indo-European languages. Spoken by approximately 9 million people across Turkey, Syria, Iran, and Iraq, it is part of the Kurdish language family. Its counting system combines straightforward decimal patterns with a vigesimal component for certain numbers, especially in the twenties. This blend creates a distinctive structure where numbers like 42 or 78 are formed by combining tens and units with the word û. Understanding these rules offers insight into the rich linguistic and cultural heritage of the Kurdish people, making the numbers in Northern Kurdish both practical and culturally significant.
Number system
Northern Kurdish uses a combination of decimal and vigesimal systems. Numbers 1-9 are unique words like yek [1], du [2], sê [3], and so on. Numbers 11-19 are formed by combining the unit with deh [10], e.g., yanzdeh [11], dwanzdeh [12], sêzdeh [13]. Tens are named after roots: sî [30], çil [40], pêncî [50], with specific words like bîst [20] for twenty and nod [90] for ninety. Compound numbers are built by combining the tens and units with û, such as sî û du [32] for 32 or heftê û yek [71] for 71. Hundreds are formed by the root for hundred (sed) with the multiplier, e.g., pêncsed [500], şeşsed [600]. Thousands are expressed with the word hezar, e.g., çar hezar [4,000], pênj hezar [5,000]. Large numbers like lek [100,000] and milyon [1,000,000] are borrowed or specific words. The system blends these elements, creating a flexible and expressive counting method.
Number list (29)
Counting rules
Digits from zero to nine
Digits 0-9 are specific words: sifir [0], yek [1], du [2], sê [3], çar [4], pênc [5], şeş [6], heft [7], heşt [8], neh [9]. For example, 3 is sê, and 7 is heft.
Numbers 11-19
Numbers from eleven to nineteen are formed by combining the unit root with deh [10], with no space: yanzdeh [11], dwanzdeh [12], sêzdeh [13], çardeh [14], panzdeh [15], şanzdeh [16], hivdeh [17], hijdeh [18], nozdeh [19]. For example, 13 is sêzdeh.
Tens
Tens have specific names: bîst [20], sî [30], çil [40], pêncî [50], şêst [60], heftê [70], heştê [80], nod [90]. For example, 30 is sî, and 80 is heştê.
Hundreds
Hundreds are built by stating the digit then sed [hundred], e.g., pêncsed [500], şeşsed [600]. For example, 700 is heftsed.
Compound numbers
Numbers between 21 and 99 are formed by combining the tens and units with û (and): sî û du [32], heftê û yek [71], meaning 32 and 71 respectively. The same pattern applies between hundreds and tens or units, e.g., sed û yek [101], meaning 101.
Thousands
Thousands are expressed with the word hezar: çar hezar [4,000], pênj hezar [5,000], şeş hezar [6,000]. For example, 2,000 is du hezar.
Large numbers
One hundred thousand is lek [100,000], and five hundred thousand is kirûr [500,000]. One million is milyon. These words are used for very large quantities, often in formal or financial contexts.
Unique features
The use of vigesimal (20-based) naming for numbers like bîst [20] and nod [90], combined with decimal patterns, makes it distinct from purely decimal systems.
Compound numbers are formed by connecting tens and units with û, e.g., sî û du [32], which is similar to French 'trente-deux' but with a different connector.
The formation of hundreds by directly combining the digit with sed [hundred], e.g., şeşsed [600], is straightforward yet unique among Indo-European languages.
Large numbers like lek [100,000] and kirûr [500,000] are borrowed or culturally specific, showing adaptation for high-value counting.
The language incorporates borrowed words like milyon [million], reflecting modern influences and trade.
Cultural context
Northern Kurdish is spoken primarily in regions of Turkey, Syria, Iran, and Iraq, where Kurdish communities maintain rich cultural traditions. Numbers appear in daily life, trade, and traditional events, often reflecting social status or wealth. For example, large numbers like milyon are used in official contexts, while smaller numbers are common in markets. Certain numbers, such as 13 or 17, may carry superstitions, but generally, numbers are neutral. The use of specific words like lek for 100,000 highlights the importance of numeracy in land and property transactions. Kurdish culture values storytelling and oral tradition, where numbers help preserve history and social structure.
Fun facts
The number 42 in Northern Kurdish is heftê û du, combining the tens heftê [70] and the unit du [2], illustrating the compound formation.
Compared to English, which is decimal-only, Northern Kurdish's vigesimal elements for 20 and 90 make it more similar to French or Celtic languages.
Linguistically, the formation of numbers like 13 (sêzdeh) shows a pattern of root + deh, similar to other Iranian languages, but with unique compound rules.
Historically, the word lek for 100,000 reflects a cultural emphasis on land and property, vital in Kurdish society.
For very large numbers, the use of borrowed terms like milyon demonstrates adaptation to modern economic needs.
Frequently asked questions
How do you count to 10 in Northern Kurdish?
1 - yek, 2 - du, 3 - sê, 4 - çar, 5 - pênc, 6 - şeş, 7 - heft, 8 - heşt, 9 - neh, 10 - deh.
What number base does Northern Kurdish use?
It uses a mixed system combining vigesimal (20-based) for certain numbers like bîst [20] and nod [90], with decimal for others, as seen in 30 sî and 50 pêncî.
How do you say 42 in Northern Kurdish?
42 is sî û çar, combining the ten sî [30] and the four çar [4] with û (and).
How do you say 100 in Northern Kurdish?
100 is sed, and 101 is sed û yek, combining hundred sed with one yek.
How many people speak Northern Kurdish?
Approximately 9 million people speak Northern Kurdish, primarily in Turkey, Syria, Iran, and Iraq.
Is Northern Kurdish related to other languages?
Yes, it belongs to the Indo-European family, specifically the Iranian branch, related to Persian and Pashto.
What makes Northern Kurdish counting unique?
Its blend of vigesimal and decimal systems, especially in forming numbers like 20 and 90, along with straightforward compound constructions, makes it distinctive among Indo-European languages.
Sources
- Kurdish Academy of Language