Numbers in Tetun Dili
Numbers in Tetun Dili follow a primarily decimal system with influences from Portuguese, featuring unique words for numbers from 1 to 15 and combining patterns for larger numbers. Spoken by about 50,000 people mainly in East Timor's capital Dili and surrounding areas, Tetun Dili is a creole language with Austronesian roots. Its counting system is distinctive due to the use of specific words for key multiples and the conjunction 'i' to link numbers. This makes the numbers in Tetun Dili both interesting and accessible, especially for learners interested in Austronesian languages or creoles influenced by Portuguese. Understanding its counting rules reveals the language’s rich cultural and linguistic blend.
Number system
Tetun Dili uses a decimal (base-10) system with specific words for numbers from 1 to 15, such as ún [1], dois [2], trés [3], and so forth. Numbers 16 to 19 are formed by combining 'dez' (10) with the units, like dezaseis [16], dezaseti [17], dezoitu [18], and dezanovi [19], following a regular pattern. Tens are named with unique words: dés [10], vinti [20], trenta [30], kuarenta [40], sinkuenta [50], sesenta [60], setenta [70], oitenta [80], and noventa [90]. For example, 42 is 'kuarenta i dois' (40 + 2), and 78 is 'setenta i oito' (70 + 8). Hundreds are formed with specific words: sein [100], duzentus [200], trezentus [300], and so on. Compound numbers are constructed by linking tens and units with 'i' (and), such as 'oitenta i trés' (83). Larger numbers like 1,000 are 'míl', and millions are formed by placing the number before 'milyaun', e.g., 'un milyaun' (1 million). The pattern is largely decimal, with specific words for key multiples and the conjunction 'i' to connect units and tens.
Number list (29)
Counting rules
Number words from 0 to 15
Numbers from zero to fifteen have unique words: zero [0], ún [1], dois [2], trés [3], kuatru [4], sinku [5], seis [6], seti [7], oitu [8], novi [9], dés [10], onzi [11], dozi [12], trezi [13], katorzi [14], and kizi [15]. For example, 'sinku' is five, and 'trezi' is thirteen.
Formation of numbers 16-19
Numbers 16-19 are formed by combining 'dez' (10) with the units: dezaseis [16], dezaseti [17], dezoitu [18], dezanovi [19]. For example, 17 is 'dezaseti' (10 + 7).
Naming of tens
Tens have specific words: dés [10], vinti [20], trenta [30], kuarenta [40], sinkuenta [50], sesenta [60], setenta [70], oitenta [80], and noventa [90]. For example, 30 is 'trenta', and 50 is 'sinkuenta'.
Constructing compound numbers
Numbers like 42 are formed as 'kuarenta i dois' (40 + 2), and 78 as 'setenta i oit' (70 + 8). The conjunction 'i' links tens and units. For example, 83 is 'oitenta i trés'.
Hundreds
Hundreds are named as sein [100], duzentus [200], trezentus [300], kuatrusentus [400], kinyentus [500], seisentus [600], setisentus [700], oitusentus [800], and novisentus [900]. Numbers like 120 are 'sentu i vinti' (100 + 20).
Linking hundreds, tens, and units
Hundreds and tens are linked with 'i' unless the number ends with zeros, e.g., 'dois míl i trezentus' (2,300). Thousands and units are linked similarly, e.g., 'dois míl i trés' (2,003).
Large numbers
Millions are formed by placing the number before 'milyaun', e.g., 'un milyaun' (1 million), and billions by 'bilyaun', e.g., 'un bilyaun' (1 billion). The system follows the short scale, where each new term is 1,000 times larger than the previous.
Unique features
The use of 'i' to connect tens and units, as in 'oitenta i trés' (83), is a distinctive feature of Tetun Dili's number system.
Unlike many languages, the words for 16-19 are formed regularly by combining 'dez' (10) with the units, such as 'dezaseis' (16).
The language employs specific words for key multiples like 'sinkuenta' (50) and 'noventa' (90), which are unique compared to other Austronesian languages.
Large numbers like millions and billions are formed by placing the number before 'milyaun' or 'bilyaun', following the short scale system similar to Portuguese and Brazilian Portuguese.
The influence of Portuguese is evident in the words for numbers, such as 'dois' for 2 and 'três' for 3, making the counting system a blend of Austronesian and Romance language features.
Cultural context
In East Timor, particularly in Dili, numbers in Tetun Dili are integral to daily life, trade, and cultural practices. The language's use in markets, ceremonies, and official contexts reflects its importance. The influence of Portuguese is a cultural bridge, and large numbers are often used in economic transactions and population counts. While there are no specific taboo numbers, the language's structure emphasizes clarity and simplicity, especially in counting large quantities. Traditional Timorese culture values community and oral transmission, making the number words a vital part of storytelling and social interactions. The use of large numbers like 'un milyaun' (one million) underscores the country's aspirations and demographic realities.
Fun facts
The number 'dezanovi' (19) is formed by combining 'dez' (10) and 'novi' (9), illustrating the regular pattern for 16-19.
Compared to Indonesian, which uses a different system, Tetun Dili's reliance on Portuguese-influenced words makes it unique among Austronesian languages.
The conjunction 'i' used to link tens and units is similar to the Portuguese 'e' (and), highlighting linguistic borrowing.
Historically, the use of large numbers like 'un bilyaun' (1 billion) reflects modern economic and demographic concepts in East Timor.
Despite its small speaker base, Tetun Dili's number system efficiently handles very large numbers, demonstrating its adaptability for contemporary needs.
Frequently asked questions
How do you count to 10 in Tetun Dili?
1 - ún, 2 - dois, 3 - trés, 4 - kuatru, 5 - sinku, 6 - seis, 7 - seti, 8 - oitu, 9 - novi, 10 - dés.
What number base does Tetun Dili use?
Tetun Dili uses a decimal (base-10) system, evidenced by specific words for 10 ('dés'), 20 ('vinti'), 30 ('trenta'), and the formation of numbers like 42 ('kuarenta i dois').
How do you say 42 in Tetun Dili?
It is 'kuarenta i dois', formed by 'kuarenta' (40) and 'dois' (2), linked with 'i'.
How do you say 100 in Tetun Dili?
The word for 100 is 'sein'. Larger hundreds are 'duzentus' (200), 'trezentus' (300), etc., with combinations like 'sentu i vinti' (120).
How many people speak Tetun Dili?
Approximately 50,000 speakers, primarily in East Timor's capital Dili and surrounding regions.
Is Tetun Dili related to other languages?
Yes, it is an Austronesian language from the Malayo-Polynesian group, heavily influenced by Portuguese and influenced by Mambae, Indonesian, and Malay.
What makes Tetun Dili counting unique?
Its use of the conjunction 'i' to link tens and units, and the regular formation of numbers 16-19 by combining 'dez' with units, are distinctive features.
Sources
- Tetun Dili Institute of Technology