Numbers in Welsh
Cymraeg
Numbers in Welsh follow a unique vigesimal (base-20) system combined with decimal elements, making it distinct among European languages. Spoken primarily in Wales by about 700,000 speakers, it also exists in parts of England and Argentina. Welsh counting features a mixture of straightforward and compound forms, especially for numbers above twenty. Its structure involves combining multiples of twenty with units, and using specific words for hundreds and thousands. This system reflects its Celtic roots and historical development, giving the numbers in Welsh a rich linguistic character. Understanding these rules reveals a fascinating blend of decimal and vigesimal patterns, making Welsh counting both complex and intriguing.
Number system
Welsh counting primarily uses a vigesimal system, where multiples of twenty are fundamental. Numbers 1-9 are unique words: un [1], dau [2], tri [3], pedwar [4], pump [5], chwech [6], saith [7], wyth [8], naw [9]. Tens are formed by prefixing 'deg' with the multiplier: deg [10], dauddeg [20], trideg [30], pedwardeg [40], pumdeg [50], chweddeg [60], saithdeg [70], wythdeg [80], nawdeg [90]. Numbers 11-19 are formed by combining 'undeg' (meaning 'under') with 1-9: undeg un [11], undeg dau [12], undeg tri [13], undeg pedwar [14], undeg pump [15], undeg chwech [16], undeg saith [17], undeg wyth [18], undeg naw [19]. For example, 25 is 'chwech ar ddeg pump' (literally 'six at ten five'), and 78 is 'saith deg wyth' (seventy-eight). Hundreds are formed by placing the multiplier before 'cant' (hundred): cant [100], dau gant [200], tri chant [300], etc. Compound numbers like 42 are 'deugain pedwar' (literally 'forty-two'), combining twenty (dauddeg) and units. Larger numbers like 1,000 are 'mil' and 1,000,000 is 'miliwn'.
Number list (29)
Counting rules
Counting from zero to ten
Numbers from zero to nine have unique words: sero (or dim) [0], un [1], dau/dwy [2], tri/tair [3], pedwar/pedair [4], pump [5], chwech/chwe [6], saith [7], wyth [8], naw [9]. For example, 3 is 'tri', and 8 is 'wyth'.
Forming tens
Tens are formed by prefixing 'deg' with the multiplier: deg [10], dauddeg [20], trideg [30], pedwardeg [40], pumdeg [50], chweddeg [60], saithdeg [70], wythdeg [80], nawdeg [90]. For example, 30 is 'trideg' and 70 is 'saithdeg'.
Forming numbers 11-19
Numbers 11-19 are formed by combining 'undeg' (meaning 'under') with 1-9: undeg un [11], undeg dau [12], undeg tri [13], undeg pedwar [14], undeg pump [15], undeg chwech [16], undeg saith [17], undeg wyth [18], undeg naw [19]. For example, 13 is 'undeg tri'.
Building compound numbers
Numbers above twenty are formed by combining the tens with units, often with a space: dauddeg pump [25] (20 + 5), chweddeg tri [60] (60), or chwech ar ddeg pump [25] (literally 'six at ten five'). For example, 42 is 'deugain pedwar' (literally 'two hundred' but in context, 42 is 'deugain pedwar').
Hundreds
Hundreds are formed by placing the multiplier before 'cant' (hundred): cant [100], dau gant [200], tri chant [300], pedwar cant [400], pum cant [500], chwe chant [600], saith cant [700], wyth cant [800], naw cant [900]. For numbers like 101, it's 'cant ac un'; for 110, 'cant a deg'.
Thousands and larger numbers
Thousands are formed by placing the multiplier before 'mil': mil [1,000], dau fil [2,000], tri mil [3,000], etc. One million is 'miliwn', and one billion is 'biliwn'. For example, 2,345 is 'dau mil tri chant a deug ar ddeg pedwar'.
Unique features
Welsh uses a vigesimal system where 20 is a key multiplier, as seen in 'dauddeg' for 20 and 'chweddeg' for 60, unlike purely decimal systems.
Numbers like 11-19 are formed with 'undeg' + unit, similar to French 'onze' or Spanish 'once', but with a unique prefix 'undeg'.
The pattern for 70 ('saithdeg') and 90 ('nawdeg') shows irregularity compared to other tens, reflecting historical linguistic development.
Large numbers like one million ('miliwn') and one billion ('biliwn') are borrowed terms from Latin/English, adapted into Welsh.
The word 'cant' for 100 is used with 'ac' or 'a' to connect with lower numbers, a feature common in Celtic languages but distinctive in structure.
Cultural context
Welsh is primarily spoken in Wales, a nation with a rich Celtic heritage and strong cultural identity. The language plays a vital role in traditions, music, and national pride. Numbers appear in festivals, historical texts, and daily transactions, especially in rural communities. Certain numbers, like 3 and 7, hold cultural significance, but there are no widely known taboos. The use of Welsh numbers in official documents and signage emphasizes cultural preservation. In traditional events, counting and numeracy are intertwined with storytelling and music, reinforcing the language's deep roots in Welsh life and identity.
Fun facts
The number 25 in Welsh is 'chwech ar ddeg pump', literally 'six at ten five', showcasing the vigesimal structure.
Unlike English, which is decimal-based, Welsh combines vigesimal and decimal patterns, similar to French but more integrated.
The formation of 11-19 with 'undeg' is unique among European languages, resembling some Celtic and Gaelic patterns.
Historically, the Welsh counting system reflects ancient trade and barter practices, where twenty was a significant counting unit.
Large numbers like 'biliwn' for billion are recent borrowings, showing adaptation to modern numerical concepts.
Frequently asked questions
How do you count to 10 in Welsh?
Un [1], dau [2], tri [3], pedwar [4], pump [5], chwech [6], saith [7], wyth [8], naw [9], deg [10].
What number base does Welsh use?
Welsh primarily uses a vigesimal (base-20) system, evidenced by words like 'dauddeg' for 20 and 'chweddeg' for 60, combined with decimal elements for numbers under 20.
How do you say 42 in Welsh?
42 is 'deugain pedwar', meaning 'two twenties and four'. It combines 'deugain' (20) and 'pedwar' (4).
How do you say 100 in Welsh?
100 is 'cant'. Numbers like 101 are 'cant ac un', linking hundreds with lower numbers using 'ac'.
How many people speak Welsh?
Approximately 700,000 people speak Welsh, mainly in Wales, but also in parts of England and Argentina.
Is Welsh related to other languages?
Yes, Welsh belongs to the Celtic branch of the Indo-European language family, related to Breton and Cornish.
What makes Welsh counting unique?
Its vigesimal system, especially the use of 'dauddeg' for 20 and compound forms like 'chwech ar ddeg pump' for 25, makes Welsh counting distinctive among European languages.