The Etymology and Meaning of Russian Numbers 40 and 90

Russian is a fascinating language with numbers that, unlike some other languages, do not have direct literal meanings but instead reflect their numerical composition. This article delves into the etymology of the words сорок and девяносто, which correspond to 40 and 90 in English.

The Etymology of сорок (40)

The word сорок for 40 has interesting origins, traceable to the Turkic language family. Some linguists believe that сорок is a borrowing from the Cumanian word kirik or ыры, with a later shift in consonant sounds. The presence of similar Turkic loans in Russian, such as собака (dog), supports this theory. Moreover, the earliest documented use of сорок is in a place name, Sorok Tatar, in Lithuania, where indeed only Tatars lived, making the word's etymology slightly clearer.

The Etymology of девяносто (90)

The word девяносто for 90, on the other hand, has a more straightforward structure: it is derived from the word for nine, девять (devyat'), and a suffix indicating a multiple of ten. This etymological connection makes it easier to understand and remember. Linguists have noted a similar structure in Latin nonaginta, Greek νενκοντα, and Gothic niuntehund, suggesting it may be an ancient Indo-European feature.

The Historical Context

Historically, the use of девяносто has been tied to significant events. For instance, девяносто first appeared as a reference to the tithe (tax) collection. According to historical documents, Great Prince Vladimir Svyatoslavich established a tax system where every hundred of profit became 90, reflecting the real 100 but with a reduced collection rate. This practice was prevalent in the tithe church in Kiev, where Prince Vladimir implemented his tax policies.

Conclusion

While the numbers 40 and 90 in Russian do not have direct literal meanings, their etymologies provide insights into the language's historical and cultural development. The word сорок likely came from Turkic roots, while девяносто was built on the foundation of девять (nine) and a suffix indicating a multiple of ten. Both words reflect an interesting blend of linguistic evolution and historical context, making Russian a rich and nuanced language to study.

Keywords: Russian number etymology, sorok, devyanosto