töluorð

Töluorð are the words in Icelandic used to express quantity, order, or fractions. They form a closed class that includes cardinal numbers (one, two, three), ordinal numbers (first, second, third), and, in broader terms, fractional and multiplicative forms. They are essential for counting, specifying quantities, dating, and describing rankings or measurements. The term Töluorð literally means “number words” and is treated as a distinct word class in Icelandic grammar.

Cardinal numerals denote quantity (eins, tveir, þrír, etc.). Ordinal numerals express position in a sequence (fyrsti, annar, þriðji, etc.). Many numerals inflect to agree with the gender, number, and case of the noun they modify, while larger numerals can function more like determiners in some contexts. Fractional and multiplicative forms exist as separate words or as compound constructions built from other numerals.

Syntax and usage: Töluorð typically precede the noun they modify and are used in counting, specifying quantities (for example, counting objects, dates, times, prices, or rankings), and in measurements. In everyday writing and speech, digits are common for large numbers in formal contexts, while words are preferred in prose or formal registers. Some numerals decline with case and gender, reflecting Icelandic grammar, whereas others are stable in certain constructions.

Etymology and classification: The name derives from tala “to count” and orð “word.” As a grammatical category, töluorð are contrasted with other word classes and are a standard part of Icelandic syntax and lexicon, enabling precise expression of quantity, order, and fractional relationships.