yang pertama

First with Yang Pertama

Level 1

Use yang pertama to identify the first item in a sequence, rank, or time. Pertama is the ordinary word taught here; kesatu is also a standard ordinal.

How It Works

The expression yang pertama is a standard way to express 'the first' in Indonesian. It is built using the word pertama (first) and the relative marker yang.

Usage Patterns:

  • With a Noun: When following a noun, yang is optional. You can say buku pertama or buku yang pertama. Adding yang provides a slight emphasis, similar to saying 'the one that is first'.
  • As a Pronoun: When you want to say 'the first one' without repeating the noun, yang is mandatory. For example: Saya pilih yang pertama (I choose the first one).

Pertama vs. Kesatu:
While other ordinal numbers use the ke- prefix (like kedua, ketiga), both kesatu and pertama are standard ordinal forms. Pertama is a useful general choice. Kesatu also appears in ordinary ranking expressions such as peringkat kesatu (first rank), not only in chapter or edition labels.

Common Phrases:

  • Pertama kali: Used specifically for 'the first time' (e.g., pertama kali saya ke Bali).
  • Pertama-tama: A discourse marker meaning 'First of all', used to begin a list or a speech.

Examples (4)

  1. Dia adalah anak yang pertama.

    He/she is the first child.

    Word by Word: He/she is child that first.

    Here, 'yang pertama' follows the noun 'anak' to specify their rank in the family.

  2. Langkah yang pertama adalah mencuci tangan.

    The first step is washing [your] hands.

    Word by Word: Step that first is wash hand.

    In a sequence of instructions, 'yang pertama' identifies the starting point.

  3. Saya suka mobil yang pertama.

    I like the first car.

    Word by Word: I like car that first.

    This distinguishes a specific car from a group of cars mentioned previously.

  4. Yang pertama sangat mahal.

    The first one is very expensive.

    Word by Word: That first very expensive.

    In this sentence, 'yang pertama' acts as the subject ('the first one') without needing a noun before it.

Common Mistakes

  • Assuming first must always be formed mechanically with ke-.

    Ini adalah mobil yang kesatu.
    Ini adalah mobil yang pertama.

    Pertama is the ordinary general choice taught here. Kesatu is also a standard ordinal and is not limited to technical labels. The original can be grammatical in a sequence of cars; the alternative teaches the common word rather than banning kesatu in conversation.

  • Omitting 'yang' when using 'pertama' as a standalone pronoun.

    Saya mau pertama.
    Saya mau yang pertama.

    When 'pertama' stands alone to mean 'the first one' (without a noun), you must include 'yang' to act as the pronoun marker.

How It Connects

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yang pertamaLevel 1First with Yang Pertama

Learn This First

To understand 'yang pertama', you first need to know how ordinal numbers are formed in Indonesian, specifically that 'pertama' is the unique word for 'first'. Additionally, understanding basic noun-modifier word order is essential since 'yang pertama' acts as a modifier following a noun.

Words in This Pattern