Numbers in Romani
Numbers in Romani follow a primarily decimal system with some influences from vigesimal patterns in larger numbers. Spoken by approximately 3 million Romani people across Europe, it is part of the Indo-Aryan branch of the Indo-European family. The language's counting system is unique, combining specific words for 1-10 with compound formations for higher numbers. Romani's numerals reflect both traditional Indo-Aryan roots and regional dialectal variations, making its counting system particularly interesting for linguists and learners alike. Understanding the numbers in Romani provides insight into their culture, history, and daily communication, especially in trade and social interactions.
Number system
Romani counting is primarily decimal, with specific words for 1 to 10: yek [1], duy [2], trin [3], shtar [4], panj [5], shov [6], efta [7], oxto [8], en’a [9], desh [10]. Numbers 11-16 are formed by combining 'desh-u-' with the unit: desh-u-yek [11], desh-u-duy [12], desh-u-trin [13], desh-u-shtar [14], desh-u-panj [15], desh-u-shov [16]. For 17-19, the pattern shifts to desh-efta [17], desh-oxto [18], desh-en’a [19], using a dash instead of '-u-'. Tens are formed by placing the unit before 'var-desh' (meaning 'times ten'): shtar-var-desh [40], panj-var-desh [50], shov-var-desh [60], efta-var-desh [70], oxto-var-desh [80], en’a-var-desh [90]. Compound numbers like 42 are built as panj-var-desh-u-shov [50 + 10], or more precisely, panj-var-desh-u-shov for 56, following the pattern. Hundreds are formed by prefixing 'shel' (hundred) with the multiplier: duy shel [200], trin shel [300], shtar shel [400], etc. The thousand is 'barij' [1,000]. For example, 78 is efta-var-desh-efta [70 + 8], and 365 is shtar shel-shov [400 + 60 + 5]. The system combines specific words with consistent patterns for tens, hundreds, and thousands, making it largely regular and logical.
Number list (29)
Counting rules
Number words from one to ten
Numbers 1 to 10 have unique words: yek [1], duy [2], trin [3], shtar [4], panj [5], shov [6], efta [7], oxto [8], en’a [9], desh [10].
Forming numbers 11 to 16
Numbers 11 to 16 are formed by combining 'desh-u-' with the unit: desh-u-yek [11], desh-u-duy [12], desh-u-trin [13], desh-u-shtar [14], desh-u-panj [15], desh-u-shov [16].
Numbers 17 to 19
From 17 to 19, the '-u-' is replaced by a dash: desh-efta [17], desh-oxto [18], desh-en’a [19].
Forming tens
Tens are formed by placing the unit before 'var-desh' (meaning 'times ten'): shtar-var-desh [40], panj-var-desh [50], shov-var-desh [60], efta-var-desh [70], oxto-var-desh [80], en’a-var-desh [90].
Compound numbers 21-29
Numbers like 21-29 are formed by linking the ten and the unit with '-te-': bish-te-yek [21], bish-te-duy [22], efta-te-shov [27].
Forming numbers 31-39
Numbers in the thirties use a dash to connect the ten and the unit: triyanda-yek [31], triyanda-duy [32].
Building larger numbers
Numbers like 51 or 65 are formed by combining the ten's word with the unit, e.g., panj-var-desh-u-yek [51], shov-var-desh-u-panj [65].
Hundreds
Hundreds are formed by prefixing 'shel' with the number: shel [100], duy shel [200], trin shel [300], shtar shel [400], shtar panj [500], etc.
Thousands
One thousand is 'barij'. Larger numbers are built by combining hundreds and thousands, e.g., shtar shel-shov [460], or shtar efta [700].
Unique features
Romani uses a decimal system with specific words for 1-10 and combines them with 'var-desh' for multiples of ten, e.g., shov-var-desh [60].
Compound numbers like 27 are formed with '-te-' linking the ten and the unit, e.g., efta-te-shov [77], which is unique compared to purely additive systems.
Numbers 11-16 are formed with 'desh-u-' plus the unit, but from 17 onward, a dash replaces '-u-', showing a transition in formation pattern.
Large numbers are built by prefixing 'shel' for hundreds and combining with the number words, e.g., shtar shel-shov [460], reflecting a clear base-10 structure.
The word for 1,000, 'barij', is borrowed from other languages, indicating cultural exchange and trade influences.
Cultural context
Romani is spoken across diverse regions in Europe, including the Balkans, Baltic states, and parts of Western Europe. Their culture emphasizes mobility, oral traditions, and community bonds. Numbers are vital in trade, social rituals, and storytelling. Certain numbers, like 7 (efta), are considered culturally significant, while others may be avoided in superstitions. The use of specific numerals in traditional crafts, music, and social events reflects their rich cultural heritage. Despite regional dialectal differences, the core counting system remains recognizable, serving as a linguistic link among Romani communities worldwide.
Fun facts
The number 'shov' [6] is often associated with luck and is considered a significant number in Romani traditions.
Romani counting shares similarities with some Indo-Aryan languages, like Hindi, but uses unique formations like 'desh-u-yek' for 11, unlike the Hindi 'gyarah'.
The pattern of forming numbers 11-16 with 'desh-u-' plus the unit is a distinctive feature, combining additive and compound methods.
Historically, the word 'barij' for 1,000 might have been borrowed or influenced by neighboring languages, reflecting trade routes.
While Romani primarily uses a decimal system, the compound formation for numbers like 77 (efta-var-desh-efta) hints at a flexible, semi-vigesimal influence in larger numbers.
Frequently asked questions
How do you count to 10 in Romani?
1 - yek, 2 - duy, 3 - trin, 4 - shtar, 5 - panj, 6 - shov, 7 - efta, 8 - oxto, 9 - en’a, 10 - desh.
What number base does Romani use?
Romani uses a decimal (base-10) system, evidenced by words for 10 (desh), 20 (bish), and 100 (shel), with compound formations for larger numbers.
How do you say 42 in Romani?
42 is formed as panj-var-desh-u-shov: 'panj' (5) + 'var-desh' (times ten) + 'u' (and) + 'shov' (6).
How do you say 100 in Romani?
100 is 'shel'. Larger hundreds are formed by prefixing 'shel' with the number, e.g., duy shel [200].
How many people speak Romani?
Approximately 3 million speakers, primarily across Europe, including Balkan, Baltic, and Western European regions.
Is Romani related to other languages?
Yes, Romani is part of the Indo-Aryan branch of the Indo-European family, sharing roots with languages like Hindi and Punjabi.
What makes Romani counting unique?
Its use of 'desh-u-' for 11-16 and the transition to dash-based formations for 17-19, along with compound formations for higher numbers, make its system distinctive.