Plurals & Reduplication

By Speak Indo, from the Speak Indo Indonesian course.

Usually you don't mark plurals. When you want to, repeat the word.

How it works

Context usually makes number clear. If you need to emphasize plurality, repeat the noun: buku-buku (books), orang-orang (people). Numbers and quantifiers (banyak, beberapa) make reduplication unnecessary. Reduplication can also change meaning, e.g., jalan-jalan = 'to stroll/travel' (from jalan = 'street').

Examples

• Saya punya dua buku.
  I have two books. (no reduplication needed)
• Buku-buku itu mahal.
  Those books are expensive.
• Mari jalan-jalan!
  Let's go for a walk!