Irish/Reference/Numbers

Counting and using numbers in Irish is more complex than in some other languages. This page explains the different number systems used in Modern Irish and how to use them.

Types of Numbers
Many languages, including English, use different numbering systems for different purposes. English has two: one used for cardinal numbers (one, two three) and one for ordinal numbers (first, second, third).

Irish has not two, but four different numbering systems. They are:


 * Cardinal numbers (maoluimhreacha)
 * Cardinal numbers in Irish are used only when the number is not modifying another noun; for example, when counting.


 * Impersonal numbers (uimhreacha néamhphearsanta)
 * Used as adjectives when the number is modifying something other than people


 * Personal numbers (uimhreacha pearsanta)
 * Used as an adjective when the number is modifying a noun representing a person or people


 * Ordinal numbers (orduimhreacha)
 * Used for indicating order or position, just as in English

Because the impersonal numbers (uimhreacha néamphearsanta) are usually the same as the cardinal numbers (maoluimhreacha), but without the numeral particle "a", these two systems are often lumped together as "cardinal numbers" when they are taught.

Using Numbers
Unlike most Irish adjectives, when a number is used as an adjective in Irish it precedes the noun it modifies.

The Number One
The number one is a special case in Irish.