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Like many languages of Central and South America, Maleku does not have many number words-- really only five. It is possible to count to high numbers in Maleku, but only by using long compound words. For example, the way to say "ten" in Maleku is "pakeenepakeene kuuin ootini," which literally means "both hands plus five." Most Maleku people today use borrowed Spanish numerals instead of these traditional counting words.
Maleku language pronunciation guide
 | dooka |
 | páaunka |
 | poóse |
 | pakái |
 | ootíni |
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