How to Count and Use Numerals in Indonesian for English Speakers

Understanding Indonesian Numerals: An Overview

Indonesian numerals are straightforward and logical, making them relatively easy for English speakers to learn. The language uses a decimal system similar to English, but with unique words for numbers. This article will guide you through the basics of Indonesian counting and numerals, helping you build a strong foundation for everyday use.

Basic Numbers from 0 to 10

Here are the Indonesian words for numbers zero through ten, which are essential for counting and daily conversations:

Forming Numbers 11 to 19

Numbers from 11 to 19 in Indonesian are formed by combining the word for the unit digit with the suffix belas, which is similar to the English '-teen'.

• 11 - sebelas (se- + belas)
• 12 - dua belas
• 13 - tiga belas
• 14 - empat belas
• 15 - lima belas
• 16 - enam belas
• 17 - tujuh belas
• 18 - delapan belas
• 19 - sembilan belas

Tens: 20, 30, 40, and Beyond

For multiples of ten, Indonesian uses the suffix puluh, which means 'tens'. The number before puluh indicates how many tens.

• 20 - dua puluh
• 30 - tiga puluh
• 40 - empat puluh
• 50 - lima puluh
• 60 - enam puluh
• 70 - tujuh puluh
• 80 - delapan puluh
• 90 - sembilan puluh

Combining Tens and Units

To form numbers between the tens, simply combine the tens and units with a space, similar to English.

• 21 - dua puluh satu
• 35 - tiga puluh lima
• 48 - empat puluh delapan
• 59 - lima puluh sembilan

Hundreds, Thousands, and Beyond

Indonesian uses specific words for larger numbers:

• 100 - seratus (se- means one, ratus means hundred)
• 200 - dua ratus
• 1,000 - seribu (ribu means thousand)
• 2,000 - dua ribu
• 1,000,000 - satu juta (juta means million)

Special Notes on 'Se-' Prefix

The prefix se- means 'one' and is used with units like ratus (hundred), ribu (thousand), and puluh (tens) to form numbers like seratus (one hundred) and seribu (one thousand). This is a common pattern in Indonesian numerals.

Practice Examples

Let's practice with some example numbers and their Indonesian equivalents: