ekor

Classifier Ekor for Animals

Level 1

Use ekor (literally 'tail') when counting animals. It follows the number and precedes the animal's name.

How It Works

The word ekor literally means 'tail', but in grammar, it serves as the universal counter for all fauna (animals, birds, fish, and insects).

1. Basic Structure:
The pattern is: [Numeral] + ekor + [Noun].

  • dua ekor kucing (two cats)
  • lima ekor ikan (five fish)

2. The 'One' Exception:
When counting exactly one animal, the number satu is replaced by the prefix se-, resulting in seekor. Satu ekor is also a standard way to count one animal, particularly when the number matters; it is not an error.

3. Usage Scope:
Despite its literal meaning, ekor is used for all animals, including those without physical tails like frogs, spiders, or ants. Note that it is strictly for fauna; plants and inanimate objects use different classifiers (like pohon for trees or buah for general objects).

4. Pronominal Usage:
Once the animal being discussed is established, you can use the number and classifier alone without repeating the noun. For example, if talking about cats, you can simply say Saya punya dua ekor (I have two [of them]).

5. Register Differences:
Both dua ekor kucing and dua kucing can be standard. TBBI explicitly permits classifier omission before an animal noun. Use the classifier when helpful; its presence is not a universal test of formality.

Examples (5)

  1. Saya melihat <grammar expression="ekor classifier">seekor</grammar> burung.

    I see a bird.

    Word by Word: I see one-tail bird.

    Uses 'seekor' (the prefix 'se-' meaning one + 'ekor') to count a single animal.

  2. Ada tiga <grammar expression="ekor classifier">ekor</grammar> semut di meja.

    There are three ants on the table.

    Word by Word: There are three tail ant at table.

    Demonstrates that 'ekor' is used for insects like ants, not just large animals.

  3. Budi memancing dua <grammar expression="ekor classifier">ekor</grammar> ikan.

    Budi caught two fish.

    Word by Word: Budi fish two tail fish.

    The classifier 'ekor' follows the number 'dua' and precedes the noun 'ikan'.

  4. Dia punya sepuluh <grammar expression="ekor classifier">ekor</grammar> ayam.

    He has ten chickens.

    Word by Word: He have ten tail chicken.

    Standard usage of 'ekor' for counting poultry.

  5. Saya punya dua <grammar expression="ekor classifier">ekor</grammar>.

    I have two (of them).

    Word by Word: I have two tail.

    Shows pronominal usage where the noun is omitted because the context (animals) is already known.

Common Mistakes

  • Using 'ekor' for humans.

    Ada dua ekor anak di kelas.
    Ada dua orang anak di kelas.

    Ekor is the ordinary animal classifier. For the intended human children, use orang or omit the classifier: dua orang anak or dua anak.

  • Using 'ekor' with a pluralized (reduplicated) noun.

    Saya melihat tiga ekor kucing-kucing.
    Saya melihat tiga ekor kucing.

    For the ordinary meaning three cats, tiga already supplies quantity, so use tiga ekor kucing. Lexical repetition is different: tiga ekor kupu-kupu still keeps the full word for butterfly.

  • Separating se- from the classifier.

    Saya punya se ekor kelinci.
    Saya punya seekor kelinci.

    Write seekor together. Satu ekor is also standard when counting one animal; it is not merely a less-correct substitute.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

ekorLevel 1Classifier Ekor for Animals

Learn This First

To use the 'ekor' classifier, you first need to know basic cardinal numbers for counting. It is also helpful to understand the general concept of Indonesian classifiers, which is typically introduced first through the 'orang' classifier for people.

Words in This Pattern