Basic counting numbers

Level 1

Malay uses a base-10 system for counting. Numbers always come before the noun they describe. In formal Malay, they are usually paired with a 'classifier' (a counting unit).

How It Works

Cardinal numbers (kata bilangan kardinal) answer the question Berapa? (How many?).

1. Basic Numbers (1-10):

  • 1: satu
  • 2: dua
  • 3: tiga
  • 4: empat
  • 5: lima
  • 6: enam
  • 7: tujuh
  • 8: lapan
  • 9: sembilan
  • 10: sepuluh (never satu puluh)

2. The 'se-' Prefix:
The number satu is unique. In many contexts, especially with classifiers or units of measurement, it shortens to se-.
Example: sebuah rumah (one/a house) instead of satu buah rumah.

3. Teens and Tens:

  • Teens: Use the suffix -belas. 11 is sebelas, 12 is dua belas, etc.
  • Tens: Use the suffix -puluh. 20 is dua puluh, 30 is tiga puluh, etc.

4. Word Order:
In Malay, the number always precedes the noun.
Structure: [Number] + [Classifier] + [Noun].
Example: tiga biji epal (three apples).

5. Register Differences:
In formal writing, classifiers are required. In casual speech, they are often dropped (e.g., dua kereta instead of dua buah kereta).

Examples (5)

  1. Saya ada dua buah buku.

    I have two books.

    Word by Word: I have two [classifier] book.

    Uses the number 'dua' before the classifier 'buah' and the noun 'buku'.

  2. Ada sebelas orang pelajar di sini.

    There are eleven students here.

    Word by Word: There-is eleven [classifier] student at here.

    Demonstrates the mandatory 'se-' prefix for the number eleven (sebelas).

  3. Dia membeli lima biji epal.

    He/She bought five apples.

    Word by Word: He/She buy five [classifier] apple.

    Shows the standard word order: Number + Classifier + Noun.

  4. Harga baju ini sepuluh ringgit.

    The price of this shirt is ten ringgit.

    Word by Word: Price shirt this ten ringgit.

    Shows 'sepuluh' (ten) used as a measurement of currency.

  5. Seratus orang tetamu akan datang.

    One hundred guests will come.

    Word by Word: One-hundred [classifier] guest will come.

    For 100, 'seratus' is more common than 'satu ratus'.

Common Mistakes

  • Using 'satu' instead of 'se-' for 10 or 11.

    Saya ada satu puluh ringgit.
    Saya ada sepuluh ringgit.

    In Malay, 10 and 11 must use the 'se-' prefix. 'Satu puluh' and 'satu belas' are grammatically incorrect.

  • Pluralizing the noun when a number is present.

    tiga buah buku-buku
    tiga buah buku

    In Malay, if a number indicates plurality, you do not need to repeat the noun (reduplication). The number already tells us there is more than one.

  • Placing the number after the noun.

    kereta dua
    dua buah kereta

    Numbers must come before the noun. Placing a number after a noun usually turns it into a label (e.g., 'Kereta 2' might mean 'Car Number 2' in a list).

How It Connects

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

Basic counting numbersLevel 1

Learn This First

To understand cardinal numbers, learners should first be aware that Malay nouns do not change form for plurality, as the number itself provides the necessary count information.

Learn Next

Patterns that build on this one.

Words in This Pattern

duatigaempattujuhlapansembilansepuluh