Satuannya

Satuannya is a form in Indonesian that combines the noun satuan, meaning unit or measure, with the suffix -nya which marks possession or a definite reference. The result functions as a noun phrase meaning “its unit” or “the unit of [the previously mentioned quantity or object].” It is commonly encountered in technical, scientific, and descriptive writing where the unit used for a particular besaran (quantity) must be indicated.

Morphology and usage notes:

The suffix -nya is a versatile Indonesian morpheme used to indicate possession or to refer back to a definite noun already mentioned in the discourse. When attached to satuan, it signals which unit is being spoken about in relation to a specific subject. The phrase satusannya does not denote a new, standalone concept; rather, it points to the unit associated with something that has already been specified in the text.

Examples:

- Besaran panjang memiliki satuannya, yaitu meter. (The quantity of length has its unit, namely meter.)

- Besaran suhu memiliki satuannya sendiri; satuannya adalah derajat Celsius. (The temperature quantity has its own unit; the unit is degrees Celsius.)

- Nilai X adalah 12, satuannya adalah kilogram. (The value X is 12, its unit is kilogram.)

Nuances:

Satuannya can be ambiguous if the referent is not clear from context. In technical writing, it is best to establish the quantity first and then state its unit clearly to avoid confusion. The form is productive in Indonesian, but speakers typically choose explicit expressions like satuannya adalah … or satuan untuk besaran … to maintain clarity.

See also:

Satuan; Sistem Satuan Internasional; Satuan dasar; Pengukuran.

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