lima belas — meaning in English: fifteen

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Guess the translation for fifteen

melainkan

berimaginasi

gembira

lima belas

anjing

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neutral very common

Usage

Native speakers use the word 'lima belas' in various everyday situations, such as counting items while shopping or discussing ages. For instance, a parent might say, 'My daughter is lima belas tahun old,' when talking about their child's age during a conversation with friends.

Synonyms & nuances

'Lima belas' specifically denotes the number fifteen, while 'lima' means five and 'belas' indicates the teens. Unlike other number systems, using 'lima belas' provides clarity in conversations, especially when distinguishing it from similar numbers like 'dua puluh' (twenty).

Culture

The term 'lima belas' reflects the Malay counting system, which is based on a mix of native and Arabic influences. Interestingly, in traditional Malay culture, the number fifteen often symbolizes a coming-of-age milestone, marking the transition from childhood to adolescence, which can be seen in local celebrations.

FAQ

Q.How do I pronounce 'lima belas'?

'Lima belas' is pronounced as 'lee-mah beh-lahs.' The emphasis is on the first syllables of both words, making it easy to say once you get the flow.

Q.When should I use 'lima belas' in a sentence?

You can use 'lima belas' in various contexts, such as talking about age, counting money, or indicating a quantity. For example, 'Saya membeli lima belas buku' means 'I bought fifteen books.'

Q.Are there any common mistakes when using 'lima belas'?

A common mistake is confusing 'lima belas' with 'lima' (five). Remember, 'lima belas' specifically refers to fifteen, so it’s important to use it in contexts that require this number.

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Malay Vocabulary