Ilocano has two number systems: one is native and the other is derived fromSpanish. The systems are virtually used interchangeably. Yet, the situation can dictate which system is preferred.

Typically,Ilocanos use native numbers for one through 10, and Spanish numbers for amounts of 10 and higher.

Specific time is told using the Spanish system and numbers for hours and minutes, for example,Alas dos/A las dos (2 o'clock).

For dates, cardinal Spanish numbers are the norm; for example,12 (dose) ti Julio/Hulio (the twelfth of July).

As with other roots in the language, numbers can undergo various forms of agglutination.

Cardinal numbers are those used in counting.

Numbers are connected to their nouns using the ligaturea/nga.

maysa a boteliaone bottleinnem a riwriw a taosix million people

To form the ordinal number (second, third, etc.), except forfirst,maika- is prefixed to the cardinal form. Note the exceptional forms forthird,fourth andsixth. In some cases, Ilocano speakers tend to use Spanish ordinal numbers, especial infirst, second, and third (primero/a, segundo/a, tersero/a).

With the group numbers (pulo,gasut,ribo,laksa andriwriw), infixingin indicates division.

Aggregate numbers have already been introduced: sangapulo, sangaribo, etc. Each is prefixed withsanga-. To form other groups, other numbers, and units of length, time or capacity can be used withsanga-. The alternate form issangka-.

Distributives are formed by prefixingsag- plusreduplication of the first CV (light reduplication) of the cardinal form or the unit. Distributives expressso many each,so many a piece. Note the irregular forms forone each,three each,four each andsix each.

Saggatlokami.We take three each.Sagdodoliarda.They are one dollar each.

When used withpami(n)-,sagpami(n)-, the result is a distributive multiplicative:so many times each.

Sagpaminduakami a napan a nabuya diay sine.We each saw the movie twice.

Indefinite numbers are formed by prefixingsumag- and CV reduplication of the first syllable of the cardinal form. In addition, to thecardinal numbers,sumag- can be used with the interrogativemanoHow much/many?.

Limitatives express no more, no less than what the root number or aggregate specifies. It is formed by reduplicating the CVC (heavy reduplication) of the first syllable of thecardinal number or root form.sanga-/sangka- may be reduplicated,sangsanga-/sangsangka-, also to express limitation.

Sangsangaigup ti nainumkoI drank one gulp.

These adverbial numbers are formed by prefixingmami(n)- to the cardinal form. Note the forms foronce,twice,three times/thrice. Perfect form:nami(n)-. There are cases when the wordbeses (from Sp. veces) replacesmami(n)- andnami(n)- prefixes (maysa beses, dua (nga) beses, etc.)

Maminduakanto a mapan.You will go twice.Mamimpitok a nabuya.I've watched it seven times.

The multiplicatives can be limited bymaminpi-/mamipin- (Perf:naminpi-/namipin-).

The multiplicatives can be made ordinal withkapami(n)-. The resulting form is treated as a nominal and takes ergative agents.

Kapaminlimana ti agbuya iti dayta a pelikula.This is her fifth time to see that film.

Nakapamin- prefixed to numbers behaves as anadverb.

Nakapaminduana nga agpadawat iti kuarta.He solicited twice for money.

The denominator in fractions is prefixed bypagka-. Numbers such assangapuloten,sangagasuthundred, etc. drop thesanga- prefix before taking the prefix.

maysa a pagkatloone thirdlima a pagkagasut5 percent

Divisional numbers are formed by prefixingagka- and denote into how many parts something is divided. The perfective isnagka-.

Agkawalonto ti "apple pie".The apple pie will be divided into eight (pieces).Nagkawalo ti "apple pie".The apple pie was divided into eight (pieces).

• Ilocano language
• Languages of the Philippines

• Ilocano grammar
• Ilocano language
• Numerals

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