Numbers in Southern Quechua
Urin qichwa
Numbers in Southern Quechua follow a vigesimal (base-20) system, which is common among many indigenous Andean languages. Spoken by approximately 6.9 million people across regions of Peru, Bolivia, and Argentina, Southern Quechua's counting system is both complex and unique. It combines simple numerals with compound formations for larger numbers, using a pattern of multiplication and addition based on 20. The language's counting rules reflect its cultural history and connection to the Andean world, making numbers in Southern Quechua a fascinating subject for linguistic study and cultural understanding.
Number system
Southern Quechua primarily uses a vigesimal system, where numbers are built around multiples of 20. For numbers 1-9, unique words are used: huk (1), iskay (2), kimsa (3), tawa (4), pichqa (5), suqta (6), qanchis (7), pusaq (8), isqun (9). Tens are formed by combining the multiplier with 'chunka' (10), such as iskay chunka (20), kimsa chunka (30), and so on. For example, 42 is 'kimsa chunka pusaqniyuq' (3×20 + 8), where 'pusaqniyuq' indicates 8. Numbers 11-19 are formed by adding 'hukniyuq' or similar suffixes after 'chunka' plus the units, e.g., 'chunka hukniyuq' (11). Hundreds are formed by combining the multiplier with 'pachak' (100), such as 'iskay pachak' (200). Larger numbers like 1,000 are 'waranqa', and 1 million is 'hunu'. Compound numbers are built by combining these elements, often with the suffix '-yuq' to indicate 'with'.
Number list (29)
Counting rules
Digits from 0 to 9
Numbers 0-9 are unique words: ch’usaq [0], huk [1], iskay [2], kimsa [3], tawa [4], pichqa [5], suqta [6], qanchis [7], pusaq [8], isqun [9]. For example, 1 is 'huk', 4 is 'tawa', and 9 is 'isqun'.
Forming tens
Tens are formed by combining the multiplier with 'chunka' (10). For example, 10 is 'chunka', 20 is 'iskay chunka', 30 is 'kimsa chunka', 50 is 'pichqa chunka', and 90 is 'isqun chunka'.
Constructing compound numbers
Numbers like 17 are formed by combining 'chunka' with the units, plus '-yuq'. For example, 17 is 'chunka qanchisniyuq' (7×2 + 1), and 58 is 'pichqa chunka pusaqniyuq' (5×20 + 8).
Hundreds
Hundreds are formed by combining the digit with 'pachak'. For example, 200 is 'iskay pachak', 300 is 'kimsa pachak', and 500 is 'pichqa pachak'. 100 itself is 'pachak'.
Thousands
Thousands are formed by combining the digit with 'waranqa'. For example, 1,000 is 'waranqa', 2,000 is 'iskay waranqa', 3,000 is 'kimsa waranqa'.
Large numbers
One million is 'hunu' and one billion is 'lluna'. These scale words are used for very large numbers, often in formal or cultural contexts.
Unique features
Numbers like 17 are 'chunka qanchisniyuq', combining 'chunka' (10) with 7 and the suffix '-niyuq', reflecting a vigesimal pattern with suffixation.
Unlike many languages, Southern Quechua forms numbers 11-19 by adding suffixes to 'chunka', e.g., 15 is 'chunka pichqayuq', showing a pattern of additive formation.
The suffix '-yuq' is used extensively in compound numbers, such as 42 ('kimsa chunka pusaqniyuq'), indicating 'with' or 'having', which is a distinctive feature.
Large numbers like 1 million ('hunu') and 1 billion ('lluna') are borrowed or culturally adapted words, not derived from the base vigesimal system.
The language maintains a consistent pattern of combining base numerals with scale words, reflecting a strong cultural connection to the number system.
Cultural context
Southern Quechua is spoken by communities in the Andes, particularly in Peru, Bolivia, and Argentina. The language is deeply tied to indigenous culture, agriculture, and traditional trade. Numbers are used in rituals, land division, and storytelling. For example, counting livestock or measuring land often employs these native terms. Certain numbers, like 13 ('chunka kimsayuq'), may hold cultural significance, while others are purely functional. The use of large scale words like 'hunu' (million) reflects modern adaptations. The language's numerals are integral to daily life, ceremonial events, and historical record-keeping, preserving a rich cultural heritage.
Fun facts
Fact 1: The number 17 is 'chunka qanchisniyuq', combining 10, 7, and the suffix '-niyuq', illustrating the vigesimal and suffixation pattern.
Fact 2: Compared to English, which is decimal, Southern Quechua's use of 20 as a base makes counting more complex but culturally significant, reflecting ancient Andean practices.
Fact 3: The suffix '-yuq' appears in many compound numbers, like 58 ('pichqa chunka pusaqniyuq'), showing a linguistic feature unique to Quechuan languages.
Fact 4: The word 'hunu' for one million is believed to be borrowed or adapted from Spanish 'huno', indicating cultural exchange.
Fact 5: For very large numbers, Quechua uses scale words like 'hunu' and 'lluna', demonstrating the language's capacity to express vast quantities within a native framework.
Frequently asked questions
How do you count to 10 in Southern Quechua?
1 - huk, 2 - iskay, 3 - kimsa, 4 - tawa, 5 - pichqa, 6 - suqta, 7 - qanchis, 8 - pusaq, 9 - isqun, 10 - chunka.
What number base does Southern Quechua use?
It uses a vigesimal (base-20) system, evidenced by words like 'iskay chunka' for 20, 'kimsa chunka' for 30, and the formation of numbers like 42 ('kimsa chunka pusaqniyuq').
How do you say 42 in Southern Quechua?
Break 42 into 2×20 plus 2. 'Kimsa chunka' means 30, and 'pusaqniyuq' means 8. So, 42 is 'kimsa chunka pusaqniyuq'.
How do you say 100 in Southern Quechua?
100 is 'pachak'. Larger hundreds are formed by combining the digit with 'pachak', e.g., 200 is 'iskay pachak'.
How many people speak Southern Quechua?
Approximately 6.9 million speakers, primarily in regions of Peru, Bolivia, and Argentina.
Is Southern Quechua related to other languages?
Yes, it belongs to the Quechuan language family, specifically the Quechua II branch, which includes several related indigenous languages.
What makes Southern Quechua counting unique?
Its vigesimal system, suffix-based compound formation, and the use of scale words like 'hunu' for million make its counting system distinctive among world languages.