satu
/ˈsatu/
The Indonesian word for one is satu.
satu is the cardinal number 1. In informal speech, you may hear the phrase Cuma satu to mean 'only one' or 'just one'.
Meaning: cardinal number 1 (num)
Which one should you use?
While satu is the cardinal number, it is often used to emphasize the number 'one' itself. In contrast, the prefix se- is used for the grammatical function of 'a' or 'one' within noun phrases.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When counting a single object, Indonesian often uses the prefix se- (meaning one) attached to a classifier instead of the standalone word satu.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈsatu/
Did you know?
- The word satu likely evolved from an ancient combination of the word for 'one' and the word batu, meaning 'stone'.
- The prefix se- is used to create words meaning 'entire' or 'whole', such as seumur hidup for 'one lifetime' or 'all my life'.
- In Indonesian time-telling, satu is used for the hour, but the phrase sejam is used to mean 'one hour' of duration, using the prefix se- instead of the full word.
Examples in context
- Apa kamu punya satu?Do you have one?This sentence is useful for asking if someone possesses one of something using satu.Tatoeba #4136935 by Bilmanda, translation #16547 by CK
- Hanya ada satu cara.There's only one way.This sentence shows how to express that there is only one way using satu.Tatoeba #11349140 by Pacific, translation #11200760 by CK
- Aku hanya butuh satu.I only need one.This sentence demonstrates how to say one only needs one of something using satu.Tatoeba #12451831 by HAGNi, translation #5342195 by Amittai
- Saya punya sebuah mobil.I have a car.
- Dia adalah satu-satunya teman saya yang selalu mendukung saya.He/She is my one and only friend who always supports me.
- Kamu bisa memilih cuma satu hadiah untuk ulang tahunmu.You can choose only one gift for your birthday.
- 153 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sari and Rian are at a fruit stall.
- SariRian, berapa harga satu jeruk ini?Rian, how much is one of these oranges?
- RianSatu jeruk harganya lima ribu rupiah.One orange costs five thousand rupiah.
- SariKalau saya beli satu saja?What if I only buy one?
- RianTetap sama, Sari.It's the same price, Sari.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “one” translations and entries satu, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries satu, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
