Digraf
Definition & Context
Noun
A word that functions as the name of a specific object or set of objects, such as living creatures, places, actions, qualities, states of existence, or ideas.
A combination of two letters representing a single sound or phoneme within a spelling system. In standard Indonesian, there are four official digraphs, namely kh, ng, ny, and sy, each representing a distinct consonant sound whose function cannot be separated.
Synonyms & Variants
dwihuruf
A more descriptive Indonesian technical equivalent.
gabungan-huruf
Kombinasi dua huruf atau lebih yang membentuk satu kesatuan bunyi atau makna.
gabungan huruf
A more general and less technical descriptive equivalent for 'digraf', often used in language teaching contexts or popular explanations for lay speakers unfamiliar with formal linguistic terminology.
bigraf
An alternative term occasionally used in linguistics to refer to a combination of two letters representing a single sound, though 'digraf' is more dominant in standard Indonesian orthography.
fonem
Not a direct synonym, but closely related conceptually; digraf is the graphic representation of a single phoneme, so in phonological contexts both are often discussed together in formal academic discourse.
Usage Notes or Etymology
Derived from Greek digraphos, meaning two writings. Used in linguistics and formal spelling instruction contexts. Particularly relevant when analyzing Indonesian orthographic systems, especially in academic-level language learning or dictionary compilation.
Real-world Usage
Bahasa Indonesia memiliki empat digraf resmi, yaitu kh, ng, ny, dan sy.
English Translation
Representative of real-world usage and contextual accuracy.
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