Numbers in Portuguese (Brazil)
Português brasileiro
Numbers in Portuguese (Brazil) follow a decimal system with some unique features in forming numbers. Spoken by approximately 170 million people in Brazil, it is also used in Portugal, African countries, Macau, and East Timor. The language is part of the Romance family, evolving from Portuguese since the 16th century. Its counting system combines specific words for numbers zero to quinze, with compound formations for higher numbers. Unique aspects include the use of 'e' to connect tens and units, and the regular pattern for hundreds and thousands. Understanding these rules helps in mastering the numbers in Portuguese (Brazil) efficiently.
Number system
Counting in Portuguese (Brazil) is primarily decimal, with unique words for numbers zero to quinze. Numbers 16 to 19 are formed by combining ten and units, e.g., dezesseis [16], dezessete [17], dezoito [18], dezenove [19]. Numbers 20, 30, 40, etc., have specific names: vinte [20], trinta [30], quarenta [40], and so on. For example, 42 is 'quarenta e dois' — combining 'quarenta' (40) and 'dois' (2) with 'e' (and). Hundreds are formed as 'cem' for 100, with 'cento' used in compound numbers like 'cento e quarenta e seis' (146). Thousands are formed as 'mil', e.g., 'dois mil' (2000). Larger numbers follow the short scale system, e.g., 'um milhão' (1,000,000).
Number list (29)
Counting rules
Numbers zero to quinze
Numbers from zero to quinze have unique words: zero [0], um [1], dois [2], três [3], quatro [4], cinco [5], seis [6], sete [7], oito [8], nove [9], dez [10], onze [11], doze [12], treze [13], catorze [14], quinze [15].
Numbers sixteen to nineteen
These are formed by combining ten and units: dezesseis [16], dezessete [17], dezoito [18], dezenove [19], following a regular pattern based on the ten and the units.
Tens
Specific words are used: vinte [20], trinta [30], quarenta [40], cinquenta [50], sessenta [60], setenta [70], oitenta [80], noventa [90]. Numbers like 35 are formed as 'trinta e cinco' (30 and 5), linking tens and units with 'e'.
Hundreds
The word 'cem' is used for 100, but in compound numbers, 'cento' is used: cento e quarenta e seis [146], which combines 100, 40, and 6. For exact hundreds, words like 'duzentos' [200], 'trezentos' [300], up to 'novecentos' [900] are used.
Building compound numbers
Numbers like 42 are 'quarenta e dois' (40 and 2). For 78, it's 'setenta e oito' (70 and 8). Thousands are formed as 'dois mil' (2000), and larger numbers combine these patterns, e.g., 'dois mil e trezentos' (2300). 'E' connects hundreds, tens, and units, but not thousands and hundreds unless ending with a hundred like 'dois mil e trezentos'.
Unique features
The use of 'e' to connect tens and units, such as in 'vinte e um' (21) and 'trinta e cinco' (35).
Numbers from 16 to 19 are formed regularly by combining ten and units, e.g., 'dezesseis' (16).
The word 'cem' is used exclusively for 100, while 'cento' appears in compound numbers like 'cento e quarenta e seis' (146).
Large numbers follow the short scale system, with 'mil' for thousand, 'milhão' for million, 'bilhão' for billion, etc.
The word 'meia' (half) is an abbreviation of 'uma meia dúzia' (half a dozen), used in informal contexts like phone conversations.
Cultural context
Brazilian Portuguese is spoken by approximately 170 million people, primarily in Brazil but also in Portugal, African countries, Macau, and East Timor. Numbers are integral in daily life, from commerce to traditions. For example, lucky numbers like 7 ('sete') are often considered auspicious, while 13 ('treze') may be avoided in some contexts. In trade, precise counting is essential, especially in markets and financial transactions. The language's use of 'e' to connect parts of numbers reflects a cultural emphasis on clarity and tradition. Large numbers are common in national statistics, sports, and celebrations, showcasing the language's capacity to articulate vast quantities.
Fun facts
Fact 1: The number 'cinco' (5) is often associated with good luck in Brazil, especially during celebrations.
Fact 2: Unlike English, where 'twenty-one' is a compound, in Portuguese, 'vinte e um' explicitly uses 'e' to connect the parts.
Fact 3: The formation of numbers from 16 to 19 is regular and predictable, unlike some languages with irregular forms.
Fact 4: Historically, the short scale system used in Portuguese for large numbers aligns with the system used in English, unlike the long scale system used in some European languages.
Fact 5: The word 'milhão' (million) is borrowed from Latin roots, but its pronunciation and spelling have evolved uniquely in Portuguese.
Frequently asked questions
How do you count to 10 in Portuguese (Brazil)?
1 - um, 2 - dois, 3 - três, 4 - quatro, 5 - cinco, 6 - seis, 7 - sete, 8 - oito, 9 - nove, 10 - dez.
What number base does Portuguese (Brazil) use?
Portuguese (Brazil) uses a decimal (base-10) system, as evidenced by the words for 10 (dez), 20 (vinte), 100 (cem), and 1,000 (mil). The pattern of combining tens and units with 'e' also reflects a decimal base.
How do you say 42 in Portuguese (Brazil)?
42 is 'quarenta e dois', formed by 'quarenta' (40) and 'dois' (2), connected with 'e' (and).
How do you say 100 in Portuguese (Brazil)?
100 is 'cem'. For numbers like 146, it's 'cento e quarenta e seis', combining 'cento' with tens and units.
How many people speak Portuguese (Brazil)?
Approximately 170 million people speak Portuguese (Brazil).
Is Portuguese (Brazil) related to other languages?
Yes, it is part of the Indo-European family, specifically the Romance branch, evolving from Latin and related to languages like Spanish, Italian, and French.
What makes Portuguese (Brazil) counting unique?
The consistent use of 'e' to connect tens, units, and hundreds, along with the specific words for numbers 0-15 and the regular formation of 16-19, makes its counting system distinctive.
Sources
- Learn the most useful words and phrases first so you can start speaking Brazilian Portuguese fast with MOSALingua