nol
[ˈnɔl]
The Indonesian word for zero is nol.
nol is used to refer to the cardinal number before 1, the mathematical concept of zero or zero in scientific/mathematical contexts, such as 'below zero'.
Meaning: cardinal number before 1, denoting nothing (num)
Which one should you use?
kosong can also be used when referring specifically to the numeric symbol of zero. Nihil is used to denote zero, particularly in formal or scientific contexts.
Related words
Did you know?
- While nol is the standard word for zero, Indonesians often use kosong when giving phone numbers or room numbers, as kosong literally means 'empty'.
- The word nol is a loanword from the Dutch word nul, reflecting the long history of Dutch colonial influence on the Indonesian language.
- In certain Indonesian contexts, calling something 'zero' using kosong can imply that a person's memory is 'blank'.
Examples in context
- Enam derajat dibawah nol.It's six degrees below zero.This sentence shows how to use nol when discussing temperatures.Tatoeba #4314049 by xiongmao, translation #2280194 by _undertoad
- Nol adalah bilangan genap.Zero is an even number.This sentence uses nol to describe a mathematical property of the number.Tatoeba #13701708 by HAGNi, translation #13701547 by araneo
- Nol adalah angka yang penting.Zero is an important number.This sentence uses nol to describe the importance of the number.Tatoeba #13640177 by HAGNi, translation #13115446 by rul
- Tolong berikan hasilnya, berapa jumlah siswa yang mendapatkan nol dalam ujian?Please provide the results, how many students got zero in the exam?
- Aku sudah mencoba beberapa kali, tapi skornya tetap kosong!I've tried several times, but the score remains zero!
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing the results of a math quiz.
- MayaApakah kamu dapat nilai bagus?Did you get a good grade?
- DimasTidak, aku dapat nol.No, I got zero.
- MayaKasihan sekali, Dimas.That is too bad, Dimas.
- DimasAku akan belajar lebih giat.I will study harder.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “zero” translations and entries nol, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries nol, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
