Numbers in Uyghur
ئۇيغۇر تىلى
Numbers in Uyghur follow a primarily decimal (base-10) system, but with unique features in forming compound numbers. Spoken mainly in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of China, Uyghur has about 10 million native speakers. Its counting system combines straightforward words for 1-10 with specific patterns for larger numbers, making it distinct among Turkic languages. The language's rich history and cultural influences are reflected in its numerals, which are used daily in trade, traditional events, and storytelling. Understanding the numbers in Uyghur offers insight into their linguistic structure and cultural identity.
Number system
Uyghur numbers are primarily based on a decimal system, where digits from 0 to 9 have specific words: nöl (نۆل) [0], bir (بىر) [1], ikki (ئىككى) [2], üch (ئۈچ) [3], töt (تۆت) [4], Besh (بەش) [5], alte (ئالتە) [6], yette (يەتتە) [7], sekkiz (سەككىز) [8], tokkuz (توققۇز) [9]. Tens are formed with unique words: on (ئون) [10], yigirme (يىگىرمە) [20], ottooz (ئوتتۇز) [30], kirik (قىرىق) [40], ellik (ئەللىك) [50], atmish (ئاتمىش) [60], yetmish (يەتمىش) [70], seksen (سەكسەن) [80], toksan (توقسان) [90]. Compound numbers combine these, for example, 42 is 'kirik üch' (قىرىق ئۈچ), meaning 'forty three', and 78 is 'yetmish yette' (يەتمىش يەتتە), meaning 'seventy seven'. Hundreds are formed by placing the digit for the multiplier before 'yüz' (يۈز), e.g., ikki yüz (ئىككى يۈز) [200], üch yüz (ئۈچ يۈز) [300]. Thousands are similar, like ikki ming (ئىككى مىڭ) [2000], and larger numbers use scale words like milyon (مىليون) for million. The pattern is consistent: the number word for the digit, followed by the scale word, with compound numbers built by combining these parts.
Number list (29)
Counting rules
Digits from 0 to 9
Digits are represented by specific words: nöl (نۆل) [0], bir (بىر) [1], ikki (ئىككى) [2], üch (ئۈچ) [3], töt (تۆت) [4], Besh (بەش) [5], alte (ئالتە) [6], yette (يەتتە) [7], sekkiz (سەككىز) [8], tokkuz (توققۇز) [9]. For example, 1 is 'bir', 4 is 'töt', and 9 is 'tokkuz'.
Tens formation
Tens are formed with specific words: on (ئون) [10], yigirme (يىگىرمە) [20], ottooz (ئوتتۇز) [30], kirik (قىرىق) [40], ellik (ئەللىك) [50], atmish (ئاتمىش) [60], yetmish (يەتمىش) [70], seksen (سەكسەن) [80], toksan (توقسان) [90]. Compound numbers like 57 are 'ellik yette' (ئەللىك يەتتە), combining the ten and unit words.
Hundreds
Hundreds are formed by placing the digit for the multiplier before 'yüz' (يۈز). For example, 200 is 'ikki yüz' (ئىككى يۈز), 300 is 'üch yüz' (ئۈچ يۈز), and 700 is 'yette yüz' (يەتتە يۈز). The number 100 itself is simply 'yüz' (يۈز).
Thousands
Thousands are formed similarly, starting with the digit word followed by 'ming' (مىڭ). For example, 1,000 is 'ming' (مىڭ), 2,000 is 'ikki ming' (ئىككى مىڭ), and 7,000 is 'yette ming' (يەتتە مىڭ). Larger numbers combine these patterns, such as 3,450 as 'üch ming kirik yette' (ئۈچ مىڭ قىرئاق يەتتە).
Unique features
Uyghur uses specific words for each digit and combines them systematically for larger numbers, e.g., 57 is 'ellik yette' (ئەللىك يەتتە).
Unlike some Turkic languages, Uyghur explicitly forms compound numbers with clear words for tens and units, making it highly transparent.
A surprising pattern is that 100 is 'yüz' and not derived from a combination of digits, but hundreds are formed by placing the digit before 'yüz'.
Large numbers like millions and billions are borrowed from Arabic and Persian, e.g., 'milyon' (مىليون) and 'milyard' (مىليارد), showing cultural exchange.
The language incorporates Arabic script for its numerals, reflecting Islamic influence and historical script usage.
Cultural context
Uyghur is spoken mainly in Xinjiang, a region with a rich cultural heritage blending Turkic, Islamic, and Central Asian influences. Numbers appear frequently in traditional trade, religious events, and storytelling. For example, the number 40 ('kirik') holds cultural significance in Islamic traditions, symbolizing the 40 days of mourning. The Uyghur community values numerals in daily life, from market transactions to festivals. While no specific taboo numbers are widely documented, numerology and auspicious numbers like 7 ('yette') are appreciated. The use of Arabic script for numerals underscores the region’s Islamic cultural ties and historical connections with the broader Islamic world.
Fun facts
The number 70 is 'yetmish' (يەتمىش), which is unique among Turkic languages that often use different roots for seventy.
Compared to Turkish, Uyghur's number words are more transparent, especially for compound numbers like 93 ('toksan üch' - ninety three).
Linguistically, Uyghur's formation of compound numbers follows a clear pattern of 'tens' + 'units', similar to Chinese but different from Arabic.
Historically, the word for 100, 'yüz', is borrowed from Persian, reflecting historical Persian influence in the region.
For very large numbers, Uyghur adopts Arabic scale words like 'milyon' and 'milyard', showing integration of Islamic and Arabic numerals into modern usage.
Frequently asked questions
How do you count to 10 in Uyghur?
1 - bir, 2 - ikki, 3 - üch, 4 - töt, 5 - Besh, 6 - alte, 7 - yette, 8 - sekkiz, 9 - tokkuz, 10 - on.
What number base does Uyghur use?
Uyghur primarily uses a decimal (base-10) system, evidenced by the words for 10 (on), 20 (yigirme), and the pattern of forming numbers like 42 ('kirik üch') and 78 ('yetmish yette').
How do you say 42 in Uyghur?
42 is 'kirik üch' (قىرىق ئۈچ), formed by 'kirik' (40) plus 'üch' (3).
How do you say 100 in Uyghur?
100 is 'yüz' (يۈز). Larger hundreds are formed by placing the digit before 'yüz', e.g., 300 is 'üch yüz'.
How many people speak Uyghur?
About 10 million native speakers, primarily in Xinjiang, China, and also in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan.
Is Uyghur related to other languages?
Yes, Uyghur belongs to the Turkic language family, specifically the Karluk branch, related to Uzbek and Kyrgyz.
What makes Uyghur counting unique?
Its systematic formation of compound numbers, especially the clear pattern of combining tens and units, and the use of Arabic-influenced scale words like 'milyon' and 'milyard'.