Sistem Penulisan Angka dalam Bahasa Inggris: Perbedaan dan Kesamaan dengan Bahasa Indonesia

The English language, like many others, has its own set of rules for writing numbers. These rules, while seemingly straightforward, can sometimes be confusing, especially when comparing them to other languages. This article delves into the intricacies of number writing in English, highlighting its differences and similarities with the Indonesian language. By understanding these nuances, writers can ensure accuracy and clarity in their written communication.

Understanding the Basics of Number Writing in English

The English language generally follows a system of writing numbers that involves using words for numbers one to ten, and then combining words and numerals for larger numbers. For instance, "one," "two," "three," and so on, are written out in full, while numbers like "eleven," "twelve," "thirteen," and so on, are also written in words. However, numbers beyond twelve are typically written using a combination of words and numerals. For example, "twenty-one," "thirty-two," "forty-three," and so on, are written using a combination of words and numerals. This system, while seemingly straightforward, has some exceptions and nuances that need to be considered.

Key Differences in Number Writing Between English and Indonesian

One of the most significant differences between English and Indonesian number writing lies in the use of commas and periods. In English, commas are used to separate thousands, millions, and billions, while periods are used to represent decimal points. For example, "1,000,000" represents one million in English. In contrast, Indonesian uses periods to separate thousands, millions, and billions, while commas are used to represent decimal points. For example, "1.000.000" represents one million in Indonesian. This difference can be confusing for writers who are not familiar with both languages.

Another key difference lies in the use of ordinal numbers. In English, ordinal numbers are formed by adding "-th" to the cardinal number, except for the first three numbers, which are "first," "second," and "third." For example, "fourth," "fifth," "sixth," and so on. In Indonesian, ordinal numbers are formed by adding "ke-" before the cardinal number. For example, "keempat," "kelima," "keenam," and so on. This difference in formation can lead to confusion when translating between the two languages.

Similarities in Number Writing Between English and Indonesian

Despite the differences, there are also some similarities in number writing between English and Indonesian. Both languages use the same basic system of writing numbers, with words for numbers one to ten and a combination of words and numerals for larger numbers. Additionally, both languages use the same system for writing fractions, with the numerator written before the denominator and a slash separating the two. For example, "1/2" represents one-half in both English and Indonesian.

Conclusion

The English language has its own unique system for writing numbers, with both similarities and differences compared to the Indonesian language. Understanding these nuances is crucial for writers who are communicating in both languages. By being aware of the differences in the use of commas and periods, ordinal numbers, and other aspects of number writing, writers can ensure accuracy and clarity in their written communication.