Bisaya Grammar · Lesson 11 of 30
Numbers and Counting
Learn to count in Bisaya
Overview
Examples & Usage
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
Key Tips
- 1Spanish numbers (uno, dos, tres...) are commonly used in commerce and telling time
- 2Use 'ka' as a linker between number and noun: 'tulo ka buok' (three pieces)
- 3For ordering/ranking, add 'ika-': 'ikaduha' (second), 'ikatulo' (third)
- 4Time typically uses Spanish numbers: 'alas dos' (2 o'clock)
- 5'Pila' is used to ask 'how much' or 'how many'
Mini Quiz
Test your knowledge
5 questions · select the best answer for each
1.What is 'seven' in native Bisaya?
2.How do you say 'three people' in Bisaya?
3.'Alas singko.' What time is this?
4.What is the Bisaya word for 'second' (ordinal number)?
5.How do you ask 'How many?' in Bisaya?
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the native Bisaya numbers from 1 to 10?
The native Bisaya numbers are: usa (1), duha (2), tulo (3), upat (4), lima (5), unom (6), pito (7), walo (8), siyam (9), napulo (10). These are used in many everyday contexts. However, for money, time, and larger numbers, Spanish-derived numbers (uno, dos, tres, kwatro, singko, sais, siyete, otso, nuwebe, diyes) are commonly used alongside or instead of native numbers.
When do Cebuanos use Spanish numbers instead of native ones?
Spanish-derived numbers dominate in several contexts: telling time ('Alas dos' = 2 o'clock), prices and money (larger amounts), telephone numbers, addresses, and ages in formal settings. For small counts in conversation (how many people, items), native numbers are common. In practice, both systems mix freely and native speakers switch between them naturally. Learners benefit from learning both systems.
How do I count objects — what is the linker for numbers?
Use 'ka' between a number and the noun: 'tulo ka balay' (three houses), 'lima ka tao' (five people), 'usa ka buok' (one piece). 'Buok' is a counter word for individual items. Other counters: 'ka pares' (pairs), 'ka dosena' (dozens). Never use 'nga' with numbers — 'tulo nga balay' is incorrect in standard Bisaya. 'Ka' is the exclusive linker for cardinal numbers.
How do ordinal numbers (first, second, third) work in Bisaya?
Ordinal numbers use the 'ika-' prefix: 'ikausa' (first), 'ikaduha' (second), 'ikatulo' (third), 'ikaupat' (fourth), 'ikalima' (fifth). In informal speech, 'una' (from Spanish) is very commonly used for 'first.' 'Ikaduha ko nagsulti' (I spoke second). The 'ika-' prefix works all the way through large numbers.
How do I tell time in Bisaya?
Time uses 'alas' + Spanish number for the hour. 'Alas dose' (12 o'clock), 'Alas singko' (5 o'clock), 'Alas otso y medya' (8:30). For 1 o'clock: 'Alas una' (from Spanish 'una'). For AM/PM: 'sa buntag' (morning), 'sa hapon' (afternoon/PM), 'sa gabii' (evening). Example: 'Alas otso sa buntag' (8 AM). 'Pila na ang oras?' (What time is it now?) is the standard way to ask.
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