Numbers in Indonesian
Bahasa Indonesia
Numbers in Indonesian follow a primarily decimal (base-10) system, with some unique formations for larger numbers. Spoken by about 25 million native speakers mainly in Indonesia, it belongs to the Austronesian language family. The counting system features regular patterns for units, tens, hundreds, and thousands, making it logical yet distinct from other languages. For example, numbers from eleven to nineteen are formed by combining the unit with 'belas', such as 'dua belas' for 12, while tens like 'tiga puluh' (30) are built from the multiplier plus 'puluh'. The language's structure offers insight into its cultural and linguistic history, making the numbers in Indonesian both practical and fascinating.
Number system
Indonesian uses a decimal system where each place value is based on powers of ten. Numbers from 1 to 9 are unique words: satu (1), dua (2), tiga (3), empat (4), lima (5), enam (6), tujuh (7), delapan (8), sembilan (9). Numbers 11-19 are formed by saying the unit then 'belas': dua belas (12), tiga belas (13), sembilan belas (19). Tens are created by the number plus 'puluh': dua puluh (20), tiga puluh (30), empat puluh (40). Compound numbers like 42 are built as 'empat puluh dua' (40 + 2), and 78 as 'tujuh puluh delapan' (70 + 8). Hundreds are formed by the number plus 'ratus': dua ratus (200), tiga ratus (300). Thousands use 'ribu': seribu (1,000), dua ribu (2,000). Larger numbers follow similar patterns, with 'sejuta' for one million, 'milyar' for billion, and 'seribu milyar' for trillion.
Number list (29)
Counting rules
Units and Zero
Digits from zero to nine are specific words: kosong [0], satu [1], dua [2], tiga [3], empat [4], lima [5], enam [6], tujuh [7], delapan [8], sembilan [9]. For example, 'satu' is 1, 'dua' is 2, and 'sembilan' is 9.
Numbers 11-19
Numbers from eleven to nineteen are formed by saying the unit then 'belas'. For example, 12 is 'dua belas', 13 is 'tiga belas', and 19 is 'sembilan belas'. The number 11 is 'sebelas', which is an exception.
Tens
Tens are built from the multiplier followed by 'puluh'. For example, 20 is 'dua puluh', 30 is 'tiga puluh', and 90 is 'sembilan puluh'. Compound numbers like 34 are 'tiga puluh empat' (30 + 4).
Hundreds
Hundreds are formed with the number plus 'ratus'. For example, 100 is 'seratus', 200 is 'dua ratus', and 300 is 'tiga ratus'. Numbers like 142 are 'seratus empat puluh dua' (100 + 40 + 2).
Thousands and Larger Numbers
The word for thousand is 'ribu'. 'Seribu' (1,000) uses 'se-' prefix, and larger numbers follow the pattern: 2,000 is 'dua ribu', 3,000 is 'tiga ribu'. One million is 'sejuta', billion is 'milyar', and trillion is 'seribu milyar'. For example, 1,234,567 is 'satu juta dua ratus tiga puluh empat ribu lima ratus enam puluh tujuh'.
Unique features
Numbers from 11 to 19 are formed by combining the unit with 'belas', e.g., 'tiga belas' (13), unlike English which uses '-teen'.
The use of 'se-' prefix for one (se- for 'satu') in 'sebelas' (11) and 'seribu' (1,000) shows a unique morphological pattern.
The formation of compound numbers like 78 ('tujuh puluh delapan') is very regular, combining tens and units directly.
Large numbers like 'seribu milyar' (trillion) are formed by combining the words for thousand and billion, reflecting a decimal-based but culturally adapted system.
The word 'sejuta' for one million is a contraction of 'satu juta', showing a linguistic shortcut for large numbers.
Cultural context
Indonesian is spoken primarily in Indonesia, an archipelago with over 270 million people, making it the fourth most populous country. The language is central to daily life, trade, and cultural identity. Numbers are used in traditional markets, religious practices, and official documentation. Certain numbers like 13 ('tiga belas') are considered neutral, with no widespread superstitions. The use of large numbers like 'milyar' reflects Indonesia's economic growth and development. The language's flexibility in forming large numbers demonstrates its adaptability for modern and traditional contexts, emphasizing clarity and ease of use in everyday transactions and cultural expressions.
Fun facts
The number 'sebelas' (11) literally means 'one above ten', showing a unique linguistic structure not common in many languages.
Compared to English, Indonesian numbers are more regular, especially in compound formations like 'tiga puluh empat' (34).
Linguistically, the pattern of combining units with 'belas' and 'puluh' reflects a straightforward decimal system with morphological simplicity.
Historically, the use of 'se-' prefixes in words like 'sejuta' and 'seribu' indicates a contraction that simplifies large number expressions.
Indonesian handles very large numbers efficiently, with 'seribu milyar' (trillion) being a natural extension of the decimal system, unlike some languages that have unique words for such large numbers.
Frequently asked questions
How do you count to 10 in Indonesian?
1 - satu, 2 - dua, 3 - tiga, 4 - empat, 5 - lima, 6 - enam, 7 - tujuh, 8 - delapan, 9 - sembilan, 10 - sepuluh.
What number base does Indonesian use?
Indonesian uses a decimal (base-10) system. Evidence includes 'dua puluh' (20), 'tiga puluh' (30), and 'seratus' (100), which are formed by multiplying and combining units based on ten.
How do you say 42 in Indonesian?
42 is 'empat puluh dua', formed by 'empat puluh' (40) plus 'dua' (2).
How do you say 100 in Indonesian?
100 is 'seratus', which is a special form combining 'se-' with 'ratus'.
How many people speak Indonesian?
Approximately 25 million native speakers mainly in Indonesia.
Is Indonesian related to other languages?
Yes, it belongs to the Austronesian language family, specifically the Malayan branch.
What makes Indonesian counting unique?
Its regular formation of numbers, especially the use of 'belas' for 11-19 and 'puluh' for tens, along with the contraction 'se-' for large numbers like 'sejuta' and 'seribu', makes it distinctive.
Sources
- Learn Indonesian online with Cici and Shaun