Numbers in West Frisian
Frysk
Numbers in West Frisian follow a vigesimal (base-20) system combined with decimal elements, making it unique among European languages. Spoken by about 600,000 people mainly in Friesland, Netherlands, it shares similarities with other Germanic languages but has distinctive counting patterns. The language's counting system features specific words for numbers 0-12, with compound formations for higher numbers. Understanding these rules reveals the rich linguistic structure behind the numbers in West Frisian, highlighting its cultural and historical significance. This article explores the complete number system, pronunciation, and cultural context of West Frisian numbers.
Number system
West Frisian uses a vigesimal system where the key multiplier for tens is 20, as seen in 'tweintich' (20), 'tritich' (30), and 'fjirtich' (40). Numbers from 1 to 12 are unique words like 'ien' (1), 'twa' (2), and 'tolve' (12). Numbers 13-19 are formed by adding 'tjin' to the unit, e.g., 'trettjin' (13), 'fjirtjin' (14), 'njoggen' (9) becomes 'njoggentjin' (19). Tens are formed by adding '-tich' to the multiplier digit: 'tweintich' (20), 'tritich' (30), 'fjirtich' (40). Compound numbers like 31 ('ien-en-tritich') combine the unit ('ien') with the ten ('tritich') using '-en-' (and). Hundreds are formed by combining the number with 'hûndert' without space: 'twahûndert' (200). Thousands are formed similarly: 'trijetûzen' (3,000). Numbers between 21-99 are constructed by placing the unit before the ten, joined with '-en-': 'fiif-en-fjirtich' (45). Larger numbers follow the same pattern, with the scale words 'miljoen', 'miljard', and 'biljoen' for millions, billions, and trillions respectively.
Number list (29)
Counting rules
Number words 0-12
Numbers from zero to twelve have unique words: 'nul' (0), 'ien' (1), 'twa' (2), 'trije' (3), 'fjouwer' (4), 'fiif' (5), 'seis' (6), 'sân' (7), 'acht' (8), 'njoggen' (9), 'tsien' (10), 'alve' (11), 'tolve' (12). These are used as building blocks for higher numbers.
Forming 13-19
Numbers 13-19 are formed by adding 'tjin' to the unit word: 'trettjin' (13, from 'trett' for 13), 'fjirtjin' (14), 'fyftjin' (15), 'sechtjin' (16), 'santjin' (17), 'achttjin' (18), 'njoggentjin' (19). For example, 'njoggentjin' combines 'njoggen' (9) with 'tjin'.
Forming tens
Tens are formed by adding '-tich' to the multiplier digit: 'tweintich' (20), 'tritich' (30), 'fjirtich' (40), 'fyftich' (50), 'sechtich' (60), 'santich' (70), 'tachtich' (80), 'njoggentich' (90). For example, 'fjirtich' is 40, built from 'fjouwer' (4) + '-tich'.
Constructing compound numbers
Numbers between 21 and 99 are formed by placing the unit before the ten, joined with '-en-': 'ien-en-tritich' (31), 'fiif-en-fjirtich' (45), 'sân-en-fjirtich' (46). The unit word comes first, followed by '-en-', then the ten word.
Hundreds and thousands
Hundreds are formed by combining the number with 'hûndert' without space: 'twahûndert' (200), 'trijetûzen' (3,000). For example, 200 is 'twahûndert', and 1,000 is 'tûzen'. Larger numbers follow the same pattern, with scale words for millions ('miljoen'), billions ('miljard'), and trillions ('biljoen').
Unique features
The number 12 is 'tolve', a unique word not derived from other numbers, unlike in many languages where 12 is a compound.
West Frisian combines vigesimal and decimal systems, similar to French 'quatre-vingt' but with its own structure, such as 'tweintich' for 20.
Numbers 13-19 are formed by adding 'tjin' to the unit, e.g., 'fjirtjin' (14), which is different from the simple addition pattern in English.
Large numbers like million, billion, and trillion follow the long scale with suffixes '-joen' and '-jard', e.g., 'ien miljoen' (1 million).
The language borrows the word 'tûzen' for thousand, which is common across Germanic languages, but combines it directly with the number without space, e.g., 'trijetûzen'.
Cultural context
West Frisian is primarily spoken in Friesland, a province in the northern Netherlands, with a rich cultural heritage rooted in maritime traditions, folklore, and local festivals. Numbers are vital in daily life, especially in trade, traditional events, and storytelling. The use of specific number words reflects regional pride and linguistic identity. While there are no widely known taboo numbers, certain numbers like 13 may be avoided in some contexts due to superstitions. The language's unique counting system preserves historical numeration methods, connecting modern speakers with their cultural past and regional identity.
Fun facts
Fact 1: The number 'njoggentjin' (19) combines 'njoggen' (9) with 'tjin', showing a unique suffix pattern for teens.
Fact 2: Unlike English, which is decimal-based, West Frisian's use of a vigesimal system for numbers like 20 ('tweintich') is similar to French 'quatre-vingt'.
Fact 3: The formation of compound numbers like 'fiif-en-fjirtich' (45) demonstrates the language's consistent pattern of placing units before tens.
Fact 4: Historically, the long scale used for large numbers aligns with other European languages like French and German, emphasizing the cultural importance of large number naming.
Fact 5: The word 'tûzen' for thousand is directly borrowed from Old English 'tūsen', showing historical linguistic connections.
Frequently asked questions
How do you count to 10 in West Frisian?
1 - ien, 2 - twa, 3 - trije, 4 - fjouwer, 5 - fiif, 6 - seis, 7 - sân, 8 - acht, 9 - njoggen, 10 - tsien.
What number base does West Frisian use?
West Frisian uses a vigesimal (base-20) system, evidenced by 'tweintich' (20), 'tritich' (30), and 'fjirtich' (40), where the tens are formed by multiplying 2, 3, 4, etc., by 20.
How do you say 42 in West Frisian?
42 is 'fiif-en-tritich', formed by 'fiif' (5) + '-en-' (and) + 'tritich' (30), following the pattern of unit before ten.
How do you say 100 in West Frisian?
100 is 'hûndert', a standalone word for hundred, used directly without combining with other words.
How many people speak West Frisian?
Approximately 600,000 people speak West Frisian, mainly in Friesland, Netherlands.
Is West Frisian related to other languages?
Yes, it belongs to the West Germanic branch of the Indo-European family, closely related to Dutch, English, and German.
What makes West Frisian counting unique?
Its use of a vigesimal system for numbers like 20 ('tweintich') and the formation of teens with 'tjin' make its counting system distinctive among European languages.