Learning how to count in Malay can be a rewarding experience, especially if you are planning to travel to Malaysia or Indonesia where Malay is widely spoken. The Malay language, also known as Bahasa Malaysia or Bahasa Melayu, uses a decimal system similar to English. However, there are unique linguistic structures that you need to understand. This guide will help you navigate through the numbers from 1 to 50 in Malay, offering practical examples and tips along the way.

Numbers 1 to 10 in Malay

The foundation of counting in Malay lies in understanding the numbers from 1 to 10. Once you have mastered these, it becomes easier to count higher numbers as they are built on these basics.

1 – Satu
2 – Dua
3 – Tiga
4 – Empat
5 – Lima
6 – Enam
7 – Tujuh
8 – Lapan
9 – Sembilan
10 – Sepuluh

Pronunciation Tips for Numbers 1 to 10

– Satu (one) is pronounced as “sah-too”.
– Dua (two) is pronounced as “doo-ah”.
– Tiga (three) is pronounced as “tee-gah”.
– Empat (four) is pronounced as “em-paht”.
– Lima (five) is pronounced as “lee-mah”.
– Enam (six) is pronounced as “e-nahm”.
– Tujuh (seven) is pronounced as “too-joo”.
– Lapan (eight) is pronounced as “lah-pahn”.
– Sembilan (nine) is pronounced as “sem-bee-lahn”.
– Sepuluh (ten) is pronounced as “seh-poo-loo”.

Numbers 11 to 20 in Malay

After mastering the numbers from 1 to 10, you can move on to the teens. The structure for these numbers is quite logical.

11 – Sebelas
12 – Dua belas
13 – Tiga belas
14 – Empat belas
15 – Lima belas
16 – Enam belas
17 – Tujuh belas
18 – Lapan belas
19 – Sembilan belas
20 – Dua puluh

Understanding Teen Numbers in Malay

In Malay, the numbers from 11 to 19 are formed by combining the number from 1 to 9 with the word “belas”, which means “teen”.

– Sebelas (eleven) is a unique word and does not follow the typical pattern.
– Dua belas (twelve) combines “dua” (two) and “belas” (teen).
– This pattern continues up to Sembilan belas (nineteen).

Numbers 21 to 30 in Malay

Starting from twenty-one, the structure becomes more straightforward. You combine the tens with the units.

21 – Dua puluh satu
22 – Dua puluh dua
23 – Dua puluh tiga
24 – Dua puluh empat
25 – Dua puluh lima
26 – Dua puluh enam
27 – Dua puluh tujuh
28 – Dua puluh lapan
29 – Dua puluh sembilan
30 – Tiga puluh

Counting from 21 to 30 in Malay

The numbers from 21 to 30 are formed by combining the tens and the units:

– Dua puluh satu (twenty-one) combines “dua puluh” (twenty) and “satu” (one).
– Dua puluh dua (twenty-two) combines “dua puluh” (twenty) and “dua” (two).
– This pattern continues up to Tiga puluh (thirty).

Numbers 31 to 40 in Malay

The same pattern continues for the thirties.

31 – Tiga puluh satu
32 – Tiga puluh dua
33 – Tiga puluh tiga
34 – Tiga puluh empat
35 – Tiga puluh lima
36 – Tiga puluh enam
37 – Tiga puluh tujuh
38 – Tiga puluh lapan
39 – Tiga puluh sembilan
40 – Empat puluh

Counting from 31 to 40 in Malay

The numbers from 31 to 40 are constructed in a similar way:

– Tiga puluh satu (thirty-one) combines “tiga puluh” (thirty) and “satu” (one).
– Tiga puluh dua (thirty-two) combines “tiga puluh” (thirty) and “dua” (two).
– This pattern continues up to Empat puluh (forty).

Numbers 41 to 50 in Malay

Finally, let’s look at the numbers from 41 to 50.

41 – Empat puluh satu
42 – Empat puluh dua
43 – Empat puluh tiga
44 – Empat puluh empat
45 – Empat puluh lima
46 – Empat puluh enam
47 – Empat puluh tujuh
48 – Empat puluh lapan
49 – Empat puluh sembilan
50 – Lima puluh

Counting from 41 to 50 in Malay

The numbers from 41 to 50 follow the same logical pattern:

– Empat puluh satu (forty-one) combines “empat puluh” (forty) and “satu” (one).
– Empat puluh dua (forty-two) combines “empat puluh” (forty) and “dua” (two).
– This pattern continues up to Lima puluh (fifty).

Tips for Learning Malay Numbers

Learning to count in Malay is more than just memorizing numbers. Here are some tips to make the process easier:

Practice Regularly:
Consistency is key. Make it a habit to practice counting in Malay every day. Use flashcards, counting exercises, or even count objects around you in Malay.

Use Language Apps:
There are numerous language learning apps that can help you practice Malay numbers. Apps like Duolingo, Memrise, and Rosetta Stone offer interactive lessons that make learning fun and effective.

Engage with Native Speakers:
Practice speaking with native Malay speakers. This will not only improve your pronunciation but also help you understand the context in which numbers are used.

Watch Malay Content:
Watch Malay movies, TV shows, or YouTube videos. Pay attention to how numbers are used in different scenarios. This will help you get a better grasp of the language and its usage.

Use Mnemonics:
Create memory aids to help you remember the numbers. For example, you can associate the number “empat” (four) with an image of four objects.

Common Uses of Numbers in Malay

Understanding how numbers are used in everyday conversations can be very helpful. Here are some common scenarios where you might use Malay numbers:

Time:
Telling time in Malay involves numbers. For example, “dua belas tengah hari” means “12 PM”.

Money:
When shopping or dealing with money, you’ll need to know numbers. For example, “lima puluh ringgit” means “50 ringgit”.

Dates:
Understanding dates is crucial. For example, “dua puluh lima Disember” means “25th December”.

Phone Numbers:
Sharing or noting down phone numbers involves numbers. For example, “012-3456789” would be read as “kosong satu dua – tiga empat lima enam tujuh lapan sembilan”.

Challenges You Might Face

Learning a new language always comes with its set of challenges. Here are some you might face while learning Malay numbers and how to overcome them:

Pronunciation:
Malay pronunciation might be tricky initially. Listening to native speakers and repeating after them can help improve your pronunciation.

Remembering Numbers:
Memorizing numbers can be difficult. Regular practice and using the numbers in daily conversations can make it easier.

Understanding Context:
Numbers can be used in various contexts, and understanding these can be challenging. Watching Malay content and engaging in conversations can help you get a better understanding.

Advanced Counting: Beyond 50

Once you have mastered counting to 50, you can start learning higher numbers. Here is a quick guide:

60 – Enam puluh
70 – Tujuh puluh
80 – Lapan puluh
90 – Sembilan puluh
100 – Seratus

For example:

– 61 – Enam puluh satu
– 75 – Tujuh puluh lima
– 89 – Lapan puluh sembilan
– 94 – Sembilan puluh empat
– 100 – Seratus

Conclusion

Learning to count in Malay can open up new opportunities for communication and understanding of the Malay culture. By mastering the numbers from 1 to 50 and practicing regularly, you can build a strong foundation in the Malay language. Use the tips provided, engage with native speakers, and immerse yourself in the language to make the learning process enjoyable and effective. Whether you are learning Malay for travel, work, or personal interest, counting is a fundamental skill that will serve you well.