Numbers in Slovak
slovenčina
Numbers in Slovak follow a decimal (base-10) system, which is common among Indo-European languages. Spoken by about 5 million people primarily in Slovakia and Vojvodina, the language features unique patterns such as gendered forms for one and two, and compound formations for larger numbers. The counting system combines simple roots with suffixes, making it both logical and consistent. Slovak numbers are integral to daily life, from commerce to cultural traditions, and reflect its rich linguistic heritage. Understanding the numbers in Slovak offers insight into the language’s structure and cultural nuances, making it an essential part of learning Slovak.
Number system
Slovak counting is primarily decimal, with numbers from 1 to 9 having unique words: jeden [1], dva [2], tri [3], štyri [4], päť [5], šesť [6], sedem [7], osem [8], deväť [9]. Numbers 11-19 are formed by adding -násť to the root: jedenásť [11], dvanásť [12], trinásť [13], štrnásť [14], pätnásť [15], šestnásť [16], sedemnásť [17], osemnásť [18], devätnásť [19]. Tens are formed by combining the root with -desiat: desať [10], dvadsať [20], tridsať [30], štyridsať [40], päťdesiat [50], šesťdesiat [60], sedemdesiat [70], osemdesiat [80], deväťdesiat [90]. For compound numbers like 42, the unit (dva) comes directly after the ten (štyridsať), forming štyridsaťdva [40+2]. Hundreds are formed by adding the suffix sto to the digit root: sto [100], dvesto [200], tristo [300]. Thousands follow the pattern with tisíc: tisíc [1,000], dvetisíc [2,000], tritisíc [3,000]. Larger numbers are built similarly, combining these patterns.
Number list (29)
Counting rules
Digits
Digits from 0 to 9 have specific words: nula [0], jeden [1], dva [2], tri [3], štyri [4], päť [5], šesť [6], sedem [7], osem [8], deväť [9]. The words jeden and dva are gendered, with forms like jeden/jedno/jedna and dva/dve/dve depending on gender.
Numbers 11-19
Numbers from eleven to nineteen are formed by adding -násť to the root: jedenásť [11], dvanásť [12], trinásť [13], štrnásť [14], pätnásť [15], šestnásť [16], sedemnásť [17], osemnásť [18], devätnásť [19].
Tens
Tens are formed by combining the root with -desiat: desať [10], dvadsať [20], tridsať [30], štyridsať [40], päťdesiat [50], šesťdesiat [60], sedemdesiat [70], osemdesiat [80], deväťdesiat [90]. For numbers 21-99, the unit immediately follows the ten without space, e.g., dvadsaťjeden [21], štyridsaťdva [42].
Hundreds
Hundreds are formed by adding sto to the digit root: sto [100], dvesto [200], tristo [300]. Note that 'sto' is neuter, so two hundred is dvesto, not dvasto.
Thousands
Thousands are formed with tisíc: tisíc [1,000], dvetisíc [2,000], tritisíc [3,000]. The pattern is consistent, with no space between the number word and tisíc, e.g., štyritisíc [4,000].
Unique features
Gendered forms for one and two: jeden/jedno/jedna and dva/dve/dve, which affect number agreement.
Compound formation for numbers like 42 (štyridsaťdva) and 78 (sedemdesiatdva), where units follow tens directly.
The pattern of adding -násť for 11-19, which is similar to other Slavic languages but with unique Slovak words.
Large numbers like one million (milión) and one billion (miliarda) are borrowed terms reflecting international influence.
The consistent use of suffixes like -desiat, -násť, and -sto makes the system highly regular and logical.
Cultural context
Slovak is spoken mainly in Slovakia, a country rich in folklore, traditions, and history. Numbers appear in daily life, from markets and trade to festivals and religious events. The number seven (sedem) is considered lucky, while the number thirteen (trinásť) may be viewed as unlucky. Slovak culture values numeracy, especially in folk crafts, music, and storytelling. Large numbers like milión are used in economic contexts, while small numbers are integral to traditional counting and counting-out games. The language’s structure reflects a blend of simplicity and regularity, making it accessible yet rich in cultural significance.
Fun facts
Fact 1: The number 16 is šesťnásť, combining šesť (6) and -násť, showing the pattern for 11-19.
Fact 2: Unlike English, Slovak forms compound numbers like 78 as sedemdesiatdva, which directly combines 'seventy' and 'two'.
Fact 3: The word for 100, sto, is neuter, affecting how numbers like 200 (dvesto) are formed, not dvasto.
Fact 4: The word milión for one million is borrowed from Latin, reflecting historical influences.
Fact 5: Slovak handles very large numbers by combining smaller units, e.g., tritisíc for 3,000, showing a systematic pattern.
Frequently asked questions
How do you count to 10 in Slovak?
The numbers are: 1 - jeden, 2 - dva, 3 - tri, 4 - štyri, 5 - päť, 6 - šesť, 7 - sedem, 8 - osem, 9 - deväť, 10 - desať.
What number base does Slovak use?
Slovak uses a decimal (base-10) system, evidenced by the formation of numbers like desať [10], dvadsať [20], tridsať [30], and the pattern for 11-19 with -násť.
How do you say 42 in Slovak?
42 is štyridsaťdva, formed by combining štyridsať [40] and dva [2], following the pattern for compound numbers.
How do you say 100 in Slovak?
The word for 100 is sto, and larger hundreds are formed by adding the digit root: dvesto [200], tristo [300].
How many people speak Slovak?
Approximately 5 million people speak Slovak, primarily in Slovakia and Vojvodina.
Is Slovak related to other languages?
Yes, Slovak is part of the Indo-European language family, specifically the West Slavic branch, related to Czech and Polish.
What makes Slovak counting unique?
Its gendered forms for one and two, and the systematic compound formation for numbers like 78 (sedemdesiatdva), distinguish Slovak counting from many other languages.