Classifiers — Indonesian Grammar

Classifiers are counter words used along with numbers to quantify nouns. While English uses these primarily for uncountable nouns (e.g., a slice of bread, a cup of tea), Indonesian uses them for almost all concrete nouns when counting.

Basic Structure

The standard word order for using a classifier is:

Number + Classifier + Noun

The classifier acts as a bridge between the number and the object being counted.

Dua orang guru.
Two teachers.
Empat ekor ikan.
Four fish.

The Prefix 'Se-' for Single Items

When counting a single item, you rarely use the full number (one). Instead, it is shortened to the prefix and attached directly to the front of the classifier. This combination functions similarly to the English articles a or an.

Saya membeli sebuah apel.
I bought an apple.
Dia melihat seekor burung.
He saw a bird.

Classifiers for Living Things

Living beings are strictly categorized into humans and non-humans.

: Used exclusively for human beings. It literally means person.

Seorang dokter.
A doctor.
Tiga orang anak.
Three children.

: Used for all animals, birds, fish, and insects. It literally means tail.

Seekor nyamuk.
A mosquito.
Dua ekor kuda.
Two horses.

Classifiers for Inanimate Objects

For non-living things, the classifier usually depends on the shape or size of the object.

: The most common classifier. Literally meaning fruit, it is used as a general counter for large objects (houses, cars), abstract concepts, or items that do not fit into other specific shape categories.

Sebuah rumah.
A house.
Dua buah meja.
Two tables.

: Used for long, cylindrical, or stick-like objects (trees, cigarettes, pens, rivers).

Sebatang pensil.
A pencil.
Tiga batang pohon.
Three trees.

or : Used for thin, flat, or sheet-like objects (paper, photos, clothing, leaves).

Selembar kertas.
A sheet of paper.
Dua helai baju.
Two pieces of clothing.

or : Used for small, round, or grain-like objects (seeds, eggs, candy, sand).

Sebiji permen.
A piece of candy.
Lima butir telur.
Five eggs.

Formal vs. Informal Usage

While classifiers are essential in formal Indonesian and writing, they are often dropped in casual, daily conversation. If you are speaking informally, it is acceptable to simply use the number followed by the noun.

Saya punya dua mobil.
I have two cars. (Casual)
Saya punya dua buah mobil.
I have two cars. (Formal)

In the course

Sentences from Lingora’s Indonesian course

21 of the course's 500 sentences use this, the first in lesson 2. A few of them, with the words “Classifiers” is about in bold:

Ini temanku, Anna. Dia seorang pelajar.
This is my friend, Anna. She is a student.
Lesson 2
Aku juga membeli selusin telur dan sebatang permen untukmu.
I bought a dozen eggs and a candy bar for you too.
Lesson 47

Comments

Loading comments…