Numbers in Sardinian
Sardu
Numbers in Sardinian follow a primarily decimal system with unique features and some vigesimal influences. Spoken in Sardinia, Italy, by approximately 1.2 million speakers, Sardinian is part of the Southern Romance language group. Its counting system is distinctive, combining specific words for units, tens, and hundreds, often forming compound numbers with clear patterns. Unlike many Romance languages, Sardinian uses unique words for numbers up to 20 and combines them systematically for larger numbers. Understanding the numbers in Sardinian offers insight into its rich linguistic heritage and cultural identity, making it a fascinating subject for language enthusiasts and linguists alike.
Number system
Sardinian uses a decimal system with unique words for 1-10: unu [1], duos [2], tres [3], bàtoro [4], chimbe [5], ses [6], sete [7], oto [8], noe [9], deghe [10]. Numbers from 11 to 16 are formed by adding the root of the digit to the plural form of ten: undighi [11], doighi [12], treighi [13], batordighi [14], bindighi [15], seighi [16]. For 17, the pattern reverses, placing the unit after ten: deghesete [17], where 'degh' is ten and 'sete' is seven. Numbers 18 and 19 combine ten with unit: degheoto [18], deghenoe [19]. Tens are formed with specific words: binti [20], trinta [30], baranta [40], chinbanta [50], sessanta [60], setanta [70], otanta [80], nonanta [90]. Hundreds are formed by combining the multiplier with 'chentu': chentu [100], duchentos [200], trechentos [300], etc. Compound numbers like 42 are formed by combining 'baranta' (40) and 'duos' (2), resulting in 'barantaduos'. For 78, it would be 'setantasetenta' (70 + 8). The system is primarily decimal, with some vigesimal influence seen in the formation of numbers above 20, especially in compound forms.
Number list (29)
Counting rules
Numbers 1-10
Numbers from 1 to 10 are unique words: unu [1], duos [2], tres [3], bàtoro [4], chimbe [5], ses [6], sete [7], oto [8], noe [9], deghe [10].
Numbers 11-16
Formed by adding the root of the digit to the plural of ten: undighi [11], doighi [12], treighi [13], batordighi [14], bindighi [15], seighi [16].
Numbers 17-19
Constructed by placing the unit after ten: deghesete [17], degheoto [18], deghenoe [19]. For example, 17 is 'deghesete' (ten + seven).
Tens
Tens have specific words: binti [20], trinta [30], baranta [40], chinbanta [50], sessanta [60], setanta [70], otanta [80], nonanta [90].
Hundreds
Formed by combining the multiplier with 'chentu': chentu [100], duchentos [200], trechentos [300], batorchentos [400], chinbichentos [500], seschentos [600], setechentos [700], otochentos [800], nobichentos [900].
Compound Numbers
Numbers like 42 are formed by combining 'baranta' (40) and 'duos' (2), resulting in 'barantaduos'. For 78, it would be 'setantasetenta' (70 + 8). The pattern involves concatenating the tens and units, sometimes with a linking element, following the specific rules for units and tens.
Unique features
The use of a specific word for 20, 'binti', and the formation of numbers like 21 as 'bintunu' (apocope) is distinctive.
Unlike many Romance languages, Sardinian forms numbers 11-16 by adding the root to the plural of ten, e.g., 'undighi' for 11.
Numbers 17-19 reverse the pattern, placing the unit directly after ten, e.g., 'deghesete' for 17, which is unusual among Romance languages.
Large numbers like 1,000 are formed with 'milli', and two thousand is 'duamiza', showing gender agreement and compounding.
The language retains some vigesimal influences in compound formations, especially around 20 and above.
Cultural context
Sardinian is spoken primarily on the island of Sardinia, Italy, where it is a vital part of cultural identity. The language is used in daily life, traditional festivities, and local trade. Numbers play a role in folk songs, storytelling, and rituals, often symbolizing luck or taboo. For example, the number 13 is not specifically noted as taboo, but traditional numerology influences local customs. The use of specific number words reflects Sardinian's rich history, blending Latin roots with local innovations. The language's unique counting system preserves ancient patterns, making it a key aspect of Sardinian cultural heritage and pride.
Fun facts
Fact 1: The number 16 is 'seighi', formed from 'sei' (6) plus the suffix, showing a pattern of adding 'ghi' for 11-16.
Fact 2: Unlike Italian, Sardinian forms 11-16 by adding the root to the plural of ten, e.g., 'undighi' for 11, which is unique among Romance languages.
Fact 3: The word for 17, 'deghesete', reverses the pattern seen in 11-16, with the unit following ten, illustrating a different formation rule.
Fact 4: Historically, the word 'milli' for thousand reflects Latin influence, and 'duamiza' for 2000 shows gender agreement with 'miza' (feminine).
Fact 5: For large numbers, Sardinian combines words systematically, but the language lacks precise terms beyond 999,999, indicating a primarily decimal system with some vigesimal features.
Frequently asked questions
How do you count to 10 in Sardinian?
1 - unu, 2 - duos, 3 - tres, 4 - bàtoro, 5 - chimbe, 6 - ses, 7 - sete, 8 - oto, 9 - noe, 10 - deghe.
What number base does Sardinian use?
Sardinian primarily uses a decimal (base-10) system, evidenced by the specific words for 10, 20, 30, etc., and the formation of numbers like 11 ('undighi') and 17 ('deghesete') which follow decimal patterns.
How do you say 42 in Sardinian?
42 is 'barantaduos', formed by combining 'baranta' (40) and 'duos' (2).
How do you say 100 in Sardinian?
100 is 'chentu'. Larger hundreds are formed by prefixing the multiplier: 200 is 'duchentos', 300 'trechentos'.
How many people speak Sardinian?
Approximately 1.2 million speakers, primarily in Sardinia, Italy.
Is Sardinian related to other languages?
Yes, it belongs to the Indo-European language family, specifically the Romance branch, sharing roots with Italian, Spanish, and French.
What makes Sardinian counting unique?
Its formation of numbers 11-16 by adding roots to the plural of ten, and the reversal pattern in 17-19, are distinctive features not common in other Romance languages.
Sources
- Sardinian language dictionary, an online dictionary taking its input in English, Sardinian variant, as well as in French, German, Italian and Spanish.