Numbers and Counting
Learn to count in Bisaya
Overview
Bisaya has its own native number system, though Spanish-derived numbers are also commonly used, especially for larger numbers, time, and prices. Native Bisaya numbers: 1-10: usa, duha, tulo, upat, lima, unom, pito, walo, siyam, napulo Spanish-derived (common for money/time): uno, dos, tres, kwatro, singko, sais, siyete, otso, nuwebe, diyes
Examples
Usa (1), Duha (2), Tulo (3), Upat (4), Lima (5)
One, Two, Three, Four, Five
💡 Basic counting 1-5 in native Bisaya
Unom (6), Pito (7), Walo (8), Siyam (9), Napulo (10)
Six, Seven, Eight, Nine, Ten
💡 Basic counting 6-10 in native Bisaya
Napulo'g usa (11), Napulo'g duha (12)
Eleven, Twelve
💡 11-19: napulo + 'g + number
Baynte (20), Trenta (30), Kwarenta (40), Singkwenta (50)
Twenty, Thirty, Forty, Fifty
💡 Tens are usually Spanish-derived
Usa ka gatos (100), Usa ka libo (1000)
One hundred, One thousand
💡 Larger numbers use 'ka' as a linker
Tulo ka tawo
Three people
💡 When counting things: Number + ka + noun
💡 Tips to Remember
- •Spanish numbers (uno, dos, tres...) are commonly used in commerce and telling time
- •Use 'ka' as a linker between number and noun: 'tulo ka buok' (three pieces)
- •For ordering/ranking, add 'ika-': 'ikaduha' (second), 'ikatulo' (third)
- •Time typically uses Spanish numbers: 'alas dos' (2 o'clock)
- •'Pila' is used to ask 'how much' or 'how many'