ke-

Ordinal Numbers with Ke-

Level 1

ke- + number = ordinal position
Example: dua (two) → kedua (second).

How It Works

Ordinal numbers indicate the order or position of something in a sequence. Here is how to become proficient in using them:

  • Formation: Simply attach the prefix ke- to the cardinal number. For example, tiga (three) becomes ketiga (third).
  • The 'First' Exception: Both kesatu and pertama are standard forms for first. Learn the familiar alternative pertama.
  • Word Order: To describe a noun, the ordinal number usually follows the noun. For example, anak kedua (the second child).
  • Writing with Digits: If you use digits instead of words, you must use a hyphen: ke-2, ke-10, etc.
  • Centuries: Unlike dates, centuries use ordinals. For example, abad kedua puluh (the 20th century).
  • Interrogative Form: You can ask 'which one in a series?' by using keberapa (e.g., Anak keberapa? - Which child [in birth order] are you?).
  • Important Exceptions: Unlike English, Indonesian uses cardinal numbers for dates (e.g., tanggal lima - the 5th) and school grades (e.g., kelas delapan - 8th grade).

Note: If you place the ke- number before the noun, it changes the meaning to a collective quantity (e.g., kedua anak means 'both children', not 'the second child').

Examples (6)

  1. Dia adalah pemenang kedua.

    He/she is the second winner.

    Word by Word: He/she is winner second.

    Here, kedua follows the noun 'pemenang' to indicate the rank.

  2. Ini adalah kunjungan saya yang ketiga ke Jakarta.

    This is my third visit to Jakarta.

    Word by Word: This is visit my which third to Jakarta.

    The word yang is often used before an ordinal number to link it to the noun.

  3. Anda anak keberapa?

    Which child (in birth order) are you?

    Word by Word: You child how-many-th?

    The interrogative form keberapa is used to ask for a specific position in a sequence.

  4. Kedua kucing itu sedang tidur.

    Both of those cats are sleeping.

    Word by Word: Both cat that progressive sleep.

    When the ke- number comes before the noun, it functions as a collective quantity (both) rather than an ordinal (second).

  5. Kita hidup di abad kedua puluh satu.

    We live in the twenty-first century.

    Word by Word: We live in century twenty-first.

    Unlike dates or grades, centuries (abad) use ordinal numbers.

  6. Saya anak ke-4 dari lima bersaudara.

    I am the 4th child of five siblings.

    Word by Word: I child 4th from five siblings.

    Note the use of the hyphen when writing the ordinal number with a digit (ke-4).

Common Mistakes

  • Using ordinal numbers for dates.

    Hari ini tanggal ketiga.
    Hari ini tanggal tiga.

    In Indonesian, dates use cardinal numbers (tiga) rather than ordinal numbers (ketiga). Saying 'tanggal ketiga' sounds like you are counting the third date rather than stating the day of the month.

  • Using ordinal numbers for school grades or classes.

    Adik saya di kelas kedua.
    Adik saya di kelas dua.

    School levels and grades typically use cardinal numbers. 'Kelas dua' is the standard way to say 'second grade' or 'class two'.

  • Placing the ordinal number before the noun.

    Saya membaca ketiga bab.
    Saya membaca bab ketiga.

    'Ketiga bab' means 'all three chapters' (collective), whereas 'bab ketiga' means 'the third chapter' (ordinal).

How It Connects

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

ke-Level 1Ordinal Numbers with Ke-

Learn This First

To understand ordinal numbers, you first need to be familiar with basic cardinal numbers (satu, dua, tiga, etc.) because the prefix ke- is added to these roots. Additionally, since ordinal numbers usually follow the noun they modify (e.g., 'buku kedua'), understanding the basic noun-modifier word order is essential.

Words in This Pattern

ke-