Difference between revisions of "English and Indonesian/Contrastive grammar"

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===Indefinite and Definite===
===Indefinite and Definite===
In Indonesian, there is no usage of articles. For instance, translating a noun with a preceding article in English to Indonesian will render this result:
In Indonesian, there is no usage of articles. For instance, translating a noun with a preceding article in English to Indonesian will render this result:
* {{test|en|a/the table|meja}}
* {{test|eng|a table|meja}}
* {{test|en|a/the boy|lelaki}}
* {{test|eng|the table|meja}}
* {{test|en|a/the bottle|botol}}
* {{test|eng|a boy|lelaki}}
* {{test|en|a/the cat|kucing}}
* {{test|eng|the boy|lelaki}}
* {{test|en|a/the door|pintu}}
* {{test|eng|a bottle|botol}}
* {{test|eng|the bottle|botol}}
* {{test|eng|a cat|kucing}}
* {{test|eng|the cat|kucing}}
* {{test|eng|a door|pintu}}
* {{test|eng|the door|pintu}}


===Possession===
===Possession===
In English the possession is possessor before possessee. However, in Indonesian, it is possessee before possessor.
In English the possession is possessor before possessee. However, in Indonesian, it is possessee before possessor.
* {{test|id|Manusia selalu menguna ubat doktor.|(Good English: People always use the doctor's medicine.) (Literal English: People always use medicine doctor.)}}
* {{test|ind|Manusia selalu menguna obat dokter.|People always use the doctor's medicine.|People always use medicine doctor.}}
* {{test|id|Baju putih terbesar untuk saya.|(Good English: The white clothes are too big for me.) (Literal English: Coat white too big for me.)}}
* {{test|ind|Baju putih terbesar untuk saya.|The white clothes are too big for me.|Coat white too big for me.}}
* {{test|id|Bapa saya pergi ke sekolah.|(Good English: My father went to school.) (Literal English: Father my went to school.)}}
* {{test|ind|Bapak saya pergi ke sekolah.|My father went to school.|Father my went to school.}}
* {{test|id|Ibu saya suka makan kacang.|(Good English: My mother likes eating peanuts.) (Literal English: Mother my likes eating peanuts.)}}
* {{test|ind|Ibu saya suka makan kacang.|My mother likes eating peanuts.|Mother my likes eating peanuts.}}
* {{test|id|Kucing saya mahu makan.|(Good English: My cat wants to eat.) (Literal English: Cat my wants eat.)}}
* {{test|ind|Kucing saya mau makan.|My cat wants to eat.|Cat my wants eat.}}




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In Indonesian, there is a special suffix, "-nya", to reference a particular noun in a '''conversation'''. It is an anaphoric reference to a previously defined third person possessor. Furthermore, it's written together with the noun instead of separately like first person is.
In Indonesian, there is a special suffix, "-nya", to reference a particular noun in a '''conversation'''. It is an anaphoric reference to a previously defined third person possessor. Furthermore, it's written together with the noun instead of separately like first person is.


* {{test|id|John sedih kerana ibunya marah.|John is sad because (his) mother is angry.}}
* {{test|ind|John sedih karena ibunya marah.|John is sad because his mother is angry.}}
* {{test|id|Cikgu memberi Jack kerjarumahnya.|Teacher gave Jack (his) homework.}}
* {{test|ind|Guru memberi Jack kerjarumahnya.|Teacher gave Jack his homework.}}
* {{test|id|Mary ambil bukunya.|Mary took (her) book.}}
* {{test|ind|Mary ambil bukunya.|Mary took her book.}}
* {{test|id|Jessica terlupa namanya.|Jessica forgot (her) name.}}
* {{test|ind|Jessica terlupa namanya.|Jessica forgot her name.}}
* {{test|id|Priscilla suka begnya.|Priscilla loves (her) bag.}}
* {{test|ind|Priscilla suka kucingnya.|Priscilla loves her cat.}}
* {{test|id|Kimiunya ulangkaji.|Chemistry is being studied. (by somebody) (That person must have been referenced previously)}}
* {{test|ind|Kimiunya ulangkaji.|Chemistry is being studied by somebody.}}


* {{test|id|Ibunya marah.|(Someone's) mother is angry. (That person must have been referenced previously}}
* {{test|ind|Ibunya marah.|Someone's mother is angry.}}
* {{test|id|Cikgu memberi kerjarumahnya.|Teacher gave (somebody) homework. (That person must have been referenced previously)}}
* {{test|ind|Guru memberi kerjarumahnya.|Teacher gave somebody homework.}}


If the noun is first referenced in the conversation or text, or if the subject being referenced is ambiguous, then there is no need for "-nya".
If the noun is first referenced in the conversation or text, or if the subject being referenced is ambiguous, then there is no need for "-nya".
* {{test|id|Bapa memberi John ais-krim.|Father gave John ice cream.}}
* {{test|ind|Bapak memberi John es-krim.|Father gave John ice cream.}}
* {{test|id|Saya bermain bola.|I played ball.}}
* {{test|ind|Saya bermain bola.|I played ball.}}
* {{test|id|Mary beritahu John tentang kucing baru Jack.|Mary told John about Jack's new dog.}}
* {{test|ind|Mary beritahu John tentang kucing baru Jack.|Mary told John about Jack's new cat.}}
* {{test|id|Mereka makan makanan malam.|They ate dinner.}}
* {{test|ind|Mereka makan makanan malam.|They ate dinner.}}
* {{test|id|John dan Jack pergi ke perpustakaan di dalam kereta John.|John and Jack went to the library in John's car.}}
* {{test|ind|John dan Jack pergi ke perpustakaan di dalam mobil John.|John and Jack went to the library in John's car.}}


There is also a word, 'tersebut', that is used as a anaphoric reference for previously-mentioned objects, nouns, or ideas, from a longer text or conversation. A good translation of this word to English is "the aforementioned" or "the above".
There is also a word, 'tersebut', that is used as a anaphoric reference for previously-mentioned objects, nouns, or ideas, from a longer text or conversation. A good translation of this word to English is "the aforementioned" or "the above".


* {{test|id|Memberi saya buku tersebut.|Give me '''the aforementioned''' book.}}
* {{test|ind|Memberi saya buku tersebut.|Give me '''the aforementioned''' book.}}
* {{test|id|Pencuri tersebut mencuri dompet ibu.|'''The aforementioned''' thief stole mother's wallet.}}
* {{test|ind|Pencuri tersebut mencuri dompet ibu.|'''The aforementioned''' thief stole mother's wallet.}}
* {{test|id|Sila mengikuti arahan tersebut.|Please follow '''the aforementioned''' instructions.}}
* {{test|ind|Sila mengikuti arahan tersebut.|Please follow '''the aforementioned''' instructions.}}
* {{test|id|John membaca cerita tersebut.|John read '''the above''' story.}}
* {{test|ind|John membaca cerita tersebut.|John read '''the above''' story.}}
* {{test|id|Arash mencuci kereta tersebut.|Arash washed '''the aforementioned''' car.}}
* {{test|ind|Arash mencuci mobil tersebut.|Arash washed '''the aforementioned''' car.}}


===Determiners===
===Determiners===
In English, the determiner comes before the noun. But in Indonesian, the determiner comes after the noun.
In English, the determiner comes before the noun. But in Indonesian, the determiner comes after the noun.
* {{test|id|Saya suka buku itu|I like that book}}
* {{test|ind|Saya suka buku itu|I like that book}}
* {{test|id|Saya suka buku ini|I like this book.}}
* {{test|ind|Saya suka buku ini|I like this book.}}
* {{test|id|Saya suka buku dia|I like his/her book.}}
* {{test|ind|Saya suka buku dia|I like his book.}}
* {{test|id|Saya suka rambut ia|I like its hair.}}
* {{test|ind|Saya suka rambut ia|I like its hair.}}


===Plural===
===Plural===
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For example, the sentence "Serigala itu binatang" can have three interpretations outside of context:
For example, the sentence "Serigala itu binatang" can have three interpretations outside of context:


* {{test|id|Serigala itu binatang|A wolf is an animal}}
* {{test|ind|Serigala itu binatang|A wolf is an animal}}
* {{test|id|Serigala itu binatang|Wolves are animals}}
* {{test|ind|Serigala itu binatang|Wolves are animals}}
* {{test|id|Serigala itu binatang|Wolf is animal}}
* {{test|ind|Serigala itu binatang|Wolf is animal}}


Another example is "Tukang pos selalu membawa surat" with two interpretations.
Another example is "Tukang pos selalu membawa surat" with two interpretations.


* {{test|id|Tukang pos selalu membawa surat|A postman always brings letters}}
* {{test|ind|Tukang pos selalu membawa surat|A postman always brings letters}}
* {{test|id|Tukang pos selalu membawa surat|Postmen always bring letters}}
* {{test|ind|Tukang pos selalu membawa surat|Postmen always bring letters}}


Alternatively, Indonesian can express plurality explicilty with the use of the word 'banyak', which means 'many'.
Alternatively, Indonesian can express plurality explicilty with the use of the word 'banyak', which means 'many'.


* {{test|id|Saya ada banyak surat|I have letters}}
* {{test|ind|Saya ada banyak surat|I have letters}}
* {{test|id|Saya ada banyak surat|I have many letters}}
* {{test|ind|Saya ada banyak surat|I have many letters}}


==Pronouns==
==Pronouns==
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===Personal Pronouns===
===Personal Pronouns===
In Indonesian, the verb doesn't agree in number and person with the pronoun. This is unlike English.
In Indonesian, the verb doesn't agree in number and person with the pronoun. This is unlike English.
* {{test|id|Saya bermain bola sepak|I play soccer.}}
* {{test|ind|Saya bermain sepakbola|I play football.}}
* {{test|id|Awak bermain bola sepak|You (singular) play soccer.}}
* {{test|ind|Awak bermain sepakbola|You play football.}}
* {{test|id|Dia bermain bola sepak|He/she play soccer.}}
* {{test|ind|Dia bermain sepakbola|He plays football.}}
(In Indonesian, there are no distinctions between he or she.)
(In Indonesian, there are no distinctions between he or she.)
* {{test|id|Kami bermain bola sepak|We play soccer}}
* {{test|ind|Kami bermain sepakbola|We play football}}
* {{test|id|Kamu bermain bola sepak|You all (plural) play soccer.}}
* {{test|ind|Kamu bermain sepakbola|You all play football.}}
* {{test|id|Mereka bermain bola sepak|They play soccer.}}
* {{test|ind|Mereka bermain sepakbola|They play football.}}


===Terms of Address===
===Terms of Address===
In Indonesian, the term of address is to differentiate positions of people. It is also used to show politeness in conversation. In English, such terms are not used. English only addresses "You" to all of their interlocutors.
In Indonesian, the term of address is to differentiate positions of people. It is also used to show politeness in conversation. In English, such terms are not used. English only addresses "You" to all of their interlocutors.


* {{test|en|Have you eaten? (To a formal guest)|Anda sudah makan?}}
* {{test|eng|Have you eaten?|Anda sudah makan?}} (To a formal guest)
* {{test|en|Have you eaten? (To a friend or informally)|Awak sudah makan?}}
* {{test|eng|Have you eaten?|Awak sudah makan?}} (To a friend or informally)
* {{test|en|Have you eaten (To father/mother)|Bapa/Ibu sudah makan?}}
* {{test|eng|Have you eaten?|Bapak sudah makan?}} (To father)
* {{test|en|Have you eaten? (To younger/older sibling)|Adik/Kakak sudah makan?}}
* {{test|eng|Have you eaten?|Ibu sudah makan?}} (To mother)
* {{test|eng|Have you eaten?|Adik sudah makan?}} (To younger sibling)


==Adjectives==
==Adjectives==
Adjectives in Indonesian succeed the nouns they modify, unlike English which has the adjective precede the noun it is modifying.
Adjectives in Indonesian succeed the nouns they modify, unlike English which has the adjective precede the noun it is modifying.


*{{test|id|rambut hitam|black hair (literally translated "hair black")}}
*{{test|ind|rambut hitam|black hair|hair black}}
*{{test|id|ikan besar|big fish (literally translated "fish big")}}
*{{test|ind|ikan besar|big fish|fish big}}
*{{test|id|anak kecil|little sister (literally translated "sister little")}}
*{{test|ind|anak kecil|little sister|sister little}}
*{{test|id|lelaki tinggi|tall boy (literally translated "boy tall")}}
*{{test|ind|lelaki tinggi|tall boy|boy tall}}
*{{test|id|cikgu gemuk|fat teacher (literally translated "teacher fat")}}
*{{test|ind|guru gemuk|fat teacher|teacher fat}}
*{{test|id|ibu cantik|beautiful mother (literally translated "mother beautiful")}}
*{{test|ind|ibu cantik|beautiful mother|mother beautiful}}
*{{test|id|kotak tinggi|tall box (literally translated "box tall")}}
*{{test|ind|kotak tinggi|tall box|box tall}}
*{{test|id|taxi kuning|yellow taxi (literally translated "taxi yellow")}}
*{{test|ind|taxi kuning|yellow taxi|taxi yellow}}
*{{test|id|televisyen warna|color television (literally translated "television color")}}
*{{test|ind|televisyen warna|color television|television color}}
*{{test|id|pokok epal|apple tree (literally translated "tree apple")}}
*{{test|ind|pokok epal|apple tree|tree apple}}
*{{test|id|isteri muda|young wife (literally translated "wife young")}}
*{{test|ind|isteri muda|young wife|wife young}}


==Verbs==
==Verbs==
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The verb "be" may or may not have its equivalent in the Indonesian language.
The verb "be" may or may not have its equivalent in the Indonesian language.


* {{test|en|He is clever.|Dia pandai}}
* {{test|eng|He is clever.|Dia pandai}}
In this sentence, the verb 'is' has no equivalent in the Indonesian language.
In this sentence, the verb 'is' has no equivalent in the Indonesian language.


* {{test|en|He is a teacher|Dia se-orang cikgu}}
* {{test|eng|He is a teacher|Dia se-orang guru}}
* {{test|en|He is a teacher|Dia ada se-orang cikgu}}
* {{test|eng|He is a teacher|Dia ada se-orang guru}}
The English sentence has two grammatical Indonesian translations. In this case, the verb 'is' may or may not be translated and both are correct in Indonesian language.
The English sentence has two grammatical Indonesian translations. In this case, the verb 'is' may or may not be translated and both are correct in Indonesian language.


* {{test|en|He is at home|Dia ada di rumah}}
* {{test|eng|He is at home|Dia ada di rumah}}
The verb 'is' is usually translated into 'ada' when the sentence stands alone, but in some situations like an answer of a question: "Dimana dia?" (Where is he?), the question may be answered, "Dia di rumah". The word 'ada' is elliptic.
The verb 'is' is usually translated into 'ada' when the sentence stands alone, but in some situations like an answer of a question: "Dimana dia?" (Where is he?), the question may be answered, "Dia di rumah". The word 'ada' is elliptic.


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However, in Indonesian, prefixes added to the verbs make the tense understood.
However, in Indonesian, prefixes added to the verbs make the tense understood.
* {{test|id|Saya pergi|I went}}
* {{test|ind|Saya pergi|I went}}
* {{test|id|Awak pergi|You (singular) went}}
* {{test|ind|Awak pergi|You went}}
* {{test|id|Dia pergi|He/She went}}
* {{test|ind|Dia pergi|He went}}
* {{test|id|Kami pergi|We went}}
* {{test|ind|Kami pergi|We went}}
* {{test|id|Kamu pergi|You all (plural) went}}
* {{test|ind|Kamu pergi|You all went}}
* {{test|id|Mereka pergi|They went}}
* {{test|ind|Mereka pergi|They went}}






* {{test|id|Saya menjerit|I screamed}}
* {{test|ind|Saya menjerit|I screamed}}
* {{test|id|Awak menjerit|You (singular) screamed}}
* {{test|ind|Awak menjerit|You screamed}}
* {{test|id|Dia menjerit|He/She screamed}}
* {{test|ind|Dia menjerit|He screamed}}
* {{test|id|Kami menjerit|We screamed}}
* {{test|ind|Kami menjerit|We screamed}}
* {{test|id|Kamu menjerit|You all (plural) screamed}}
* {{test|ind|Kamu menjerit|You all screamed}}
* {{test|id|Mereka menjerit|They screamed}}
* {{test|ind|Mereka menjerit|They screamed}}






* {{test|id|Saya melihat|I saw}}
* {{test|ind|Saya melihat|I saw}}
* {{test|id|Awak melihat|You (singular) saw}}
* {{test|ind|Awak melihat|You saw}}
* {{test|id|Dia melihat|He/She/It saw}}
* {{test|ind|Dia melihat|He saw}}
* {{test|id|Kami melihat|We saw}}
* {{test|ind|Kami melihat|We saw}}
* {{test|id|Kamu melihat|You all (plural) saw}}
* {{test|ind|Kamu melihat|You all saw}}
* {{test|id|Mereka melihat|They saw}}
* {{test|ind|Mereka melihat|They saw}}




Below are the same verbs translated to '''present perfect tense''' from Indonesian to English. In the simple present tense, the prefixes change because the tense changed.
Below are the same verbs translated to '''present perfect tense''' from Indonesian to English. In the simple present tense, the prefixes change because the tense changed.
* {{test|id|Saya dipergi|I have gone}}
* {{test|ind|Saya dipergi|I have gone}}
* {{test|id|Awak dipergi|You (singular) have gone}}
* {{test|ind|Awak dipergi|You have gone}}
* {{test|id|Dia dipergi|He/She has gone}}
* {{test|ind|Dia dipergi|He has gone}}
* {{test|id|Kami dipergi|We have gone}}
* {{test|ind|Kami dipergi|We have gone}}
* {{test|id|Kamu dipergi|You all (plural) have gone}}
* {{test|ind|Kamu dipergi|You all have gone}}
* {{test|id|Mereka dipergi|They have gone}}
* {{test|ind|Mereka dipergi|They have gone}}






* {{test|id|Saya dijerit|I have screamed}}
* {{test|ind|Saya dijerit|I have screamed}}
* {{test|id|Awak dijerit|You (singular) have screamed}}
* {{test|ind|Awak dijerit|You have screamed}}
* {{test|id|Dia dijerit|He/She has screamed}}
* {{test|ind|Dia dijerit|He has screamed}}
* {{test|id|Kami dijerit|We have screamed}}
* {{test|ind|Kami dijerit|We have screamed}}
* {{test|id|Kamu dijerit|You all (plural) have screamed}}
* {{test|ind|Kamu dijerit|You all have screamed}}
* {{test|id|Mereka dijerit|They have screamed}}
* {{test|ind|Mereka dijerit|They have screamed}}






* {{test|id|Saya dilihat|I have seen}}
* {{test|ind|Saya dilihat|I have seen}}
* {{test|id|Awak dilihat|You (singular) have seen}}
* {{test|ind|Awak dilihat|You have seen}}
* {{test|id|Dia dilihat|He/She has seen}}
* {{test|ind|Dia dilihat|He has seen}}
* {{test|id|Kami dilihat|We have seen}}
* {{test|ind|Kami dilihat|We have seen}}
* {{test|id|Kamu dilihat|You all (plural) have seen}}
* {{test|ind|Kamu dilihat|You all have seen}}
* {{test|id|Mereka dilihat|They have seen}}
* {{test|ind|Mereka dilihat|They have seen}}


==Prepositions==
==Prepositions==
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Prepositions in Indonesian follow a similar format to English, but there is only one word to indicate it is a preposition, "di", with the direction modifier behind it. "di" alone means "at".
Prepositions in Indonesian follow a similar format to English, but there is only one word to indicate it is a preposition, "di", with the direction modifier behind it. "di" alone means "at".


* {{test|en|above the table|di atas meja}}
* {{test|eng|above the table|di atas meja}}
* {{test|en|below the table|di bawah meja}}
* {{test|eng|below the table|di bawah meja}}
* {{test|en|near me|di dekat saya}}
* {{test|eng|near me|di dekat saya}}
* {{test|en|far from me|di jauh saya}}
* {{test|eng|far from me|di jauh saya}}


* {{test|en|He is at home.|Dia ada di rumah.}}
* {{test|eng|He is at home.|Dia ada di rumah.}}


===Moving Prepositions===
===Moving Prepositions===
In Indonesian, a different word is used to indicate "to" and "from" depending on the context. If the subject is moving to/from a place, the Indonesian equivalent is "ke/dari". But if the subject is receiving an object from another person, the Indonesian equivalent is "kepada/daripada". The "pada" suffix indicated receiving something from another person.
In Indonesian, a different word is used to indicate "to" depending on the context. If the subject is moving to a place, the Indonesian equivalent is "ke". But if the subject is receiving an object from another person, the Indonesian equivalent is "kepada". The "pada" suffix indicated receiving something from another person.


* {{test|en|He came home from school.|Dia pulang dari sekolah}}
* {{test|eng|He went to school.|Dia pergi ke sekolah}}
* {{test|en|He went to school.|Dia pergi ke sekolah}}
* {{test|eng|Father gave him a letter.|Bapak memberi surat kepada dia.}}
* {{test|en|He received a letter from Father.|Dia diberi surat daripada bapa.}}
* {{test|en|Father gave him a letter.|Bapa memberi surat kepada dia.}}


==Questions==
==Questions==
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In English, we put the question word at the front, then the auxiliary verb, then the subject, e.g. "When will you be back?". In Indonesian, "-kah" is attached to the question word, which goes at the beginning of the question. So, the above is translated into "Bilakah awak pulang?". Remember that the verb 'be' need not be translated as well.
In English, we put the question word at the front, then the auxiliary verb, then the subject, e.g. "When will you be back?". In Indonesian, "-kah" is attached to the question word, which goes at the beginning of the question. So, the above is translated into "Bilakah awak pulang?". Remember that the verb 'be' need not be translated as well.


* {{test|en|How did you win?|Bagaimanakah awak jaya?}} (Literal English: How you win?)
* {{test|eng|How did you win?|Bagaimanakah awak jaya?|How you win?}}
* {{test|en|Why did you win?|Mengapakah awak jaya?}} (Literal English: Why you win?)
* {{test|eng|Why did you win?|Mengapakah awak jaya?|Why you win?}}
* {{test|en|When did you win?|Bilakah awak jaya?}} (Literal English: When you win?)
* {{test|eng|When did you win?|Bilakah awak jaya?|When you win?}}
* {{test|en|Who won?|Siapakah menjaya?}} (Literal English: Who won?)
* {{test|eng|Who won?|Siapakah menjaya?|Who won?}}


===Yes/No Questions===
===Yes/No Questions===
In English, we put our auxiliary verbs at the beginning, followed by the subject, followed by the main verb phrase, e.g. "Did you paint the house?". In Indonesian, the auxiliary verb is also omitted, but the question word is not necessarily at the start of the sentence. In fact, in some cases, '-kah' is not necessary.
In English, we put our auxiliary verbs at the beginning, followed by the subject, followed by the main verb phrase, e.g. "Did you paint the house?". In Indonesian, the auxiliary verb is also omitted, but the question word is not necessarily at the start of the sentence. In fact, in some cases, '-kah' is not necessary.


* {{test|en|Are you hungry?|Awak laparkah?}} (Literal English: You hungry?)
* {{test|eng|Are you hungry?|Awak laparkah?|You hungry?}}
* {{test|en|Did you eat? / Have you eaten?|Awak sudah makan?}} (Literal English: You already ate?)
* {{test|eng|Have you eaten?|Awak sudah makan?|You already ate?}}
* {{test|en|Did you paint the house? / Have you painted the house?|Awak sudah mencatkan rumah? }} (Literal English: You already painted house?)
* {{test|eng|Have you painted the house?|Awak sudah mencatkan rumah?|You already painted house?}}
* {{test|en|Will you come tomorrow?|Adakah awak datang hari esok?}} (Literal English: Have you arrived tomorrow?)
* {{test|eng|Will you come tomorrow?|Adakah awak datang hari esok?|Have you arrived tomorrow?}}

Latest revision as of 15:19, 8 December 2015

Nouns[edit]

Indefinite and Definite[edit]

In Indonesian, there is no usage of articles. For instance, translating a noun with a preceding article in English to Indonesian will render this result:

  • (eng) a table → meja
  • (eng) the table → meja
  • (eng) a boy → lelaki
  • (eng) the boy → lelaki
  • (eng) a bottle → botol
  • (eng) the bottle → botol
  • (eng) a cat → kucing
  • (eng) the cat → kucing
  • (eng) a door → pintu
  • (eng) the door → pintu

Possession[edit]

In English the possession is possessor before possessee. However, in Indonesian, it is possessee before possessor.

  • (ind) Manusia selalu menguna obat dokter. → People always use the doctor's medicine. :: People always use medicine doctor.
  • (ind) Baju putih terbesar untuk saya. → The white clothes are too big for me. :: Coat white too big for me.
  • (ind) Bapak saya pergi ke sekolah. → My father went to school. :: Father my went to school.
  • (ind) Ibu saya suka makan kacang. → My mother likes eating peanuts. :: Mother my likes eating peanuts.
  • (ind) Kucing saya mau makan. → My cat wants to eat. :: Cat my wants eat.


"-nya"[edit]

In Indonesian, there is a special suffix, "-nya", to reference a particular noun in a conversation. It is an anaphoric reference to a previously defined third person possessor. Furthermore, it's written together with the noun instead of separately like first person is.

  • (ind) John sedih karena ibunya marah. → John is sad because his mother is angry.
  • (ind) Guru memberi Jack kerjarumahnya. → Teacher gave Jack his homework.
  • (ind) Mary ambil bukunya. → Mary took her book.
  • (ind) Jessica terlupa namanya. → Jessica forgot her name.
  • (ind) Priscilla suka kucingnya. → Priscilla loves her cat.
  • (ind) Kimiunya ulangkaji. → Chemistry is being studied by somebody.
  • (ind) Ibunya marah. → Someone's mother is angry.
  • (ind) Guru memberi kerjarumahnya. → Teacher gave somebody homework.

If the noun is first referenced in the conversation or text, or if the subject being referenced is ambiguous, then there is no need for "-nya".

  • (ind) Bapak memberi John es-krim. → Father gave John ice cream.
  • (ind) Saya bermain bola. → I played ball.
  • (ind) Mary beritahu John tentang kucing baru Jack. → Mary told John about Jack's new cat.
  • (ind) Mereka makan makanan malam. → They ate dinner.
  • (ind) John dan Jack pergi ke perpustakaan di dalam mobil John. → John and Jack went to the library in John's car.

There is also a word, 'tersebut', that is used as a anaphoric reference for previously-mentioned objects, nouns, or ideas, from a longer text or conversation. A good translation of this word to English is "the aforementioned" or "the above".

  • (ind) Memberi saya buku tersebut. → Give me the aforementioned book.
  • (ind) Pencuri tersebut mencuri dompet ibu. → The aforementioned thief stole mother's wallet.
  • (ind) Sila mengikuti arahan tersebut. → Please follow the aforementioned instructions.
  • (ind) John membaca cerita tersebut. → John read the above story.
  • (ind) Arash mencuci mobil tersebut. → Arash washed the aforementioned car.

Determiners[edit]

In English, the determiner comes before the noun. But in Indonesian, the determiner comes after the noun.

  • (ind) Saya suka buku itu → I like that book
  • (ind) Saya suka buku ini → I like this book.
  • (ind) Saya suka buku dia → I like his book.
  • (ind) Saya suka rambut ia → I like its hair.

Plural[edit]

English expresses plurality explicitly by the suffixes '-s' and '-es'. Indonesian on the other hand expresses plurality implicitly. There are no definite rules on creating plural form of a word in Indonesian, except by duplicating the word in the likes of "Buku-buku" (Books) and "Beg-beg" (Bags). That means that plural form of a word can depend on the context.

For example, the sentence "Serigala itu binatang" can have three interpretations outside of context:

  • (ind) Serigala itu binatang → A wolf is an animal
  • (ind) Serigala itu binatang → Wolves are animals
  • (ind) Serigala itu binatang → Wolf is animal

Another example is "Tukang pos selalu membawa surat" with two interpretations.

  • (ind) Tukang pos selalu membawa surat → A postman always brings letters
  • (ind) Tukang pos selalu membawa surat → Postmen always bring letters

Alternatively, Indonesian can express plurality explicilty with the use of the word 'banyak', which means 'many'.

  • (ind) Saya ada banyak surat → I have letters
  • (ind) Saya ada banyak surat → I have many letters

Pronouns[edit]

Personal Pronouns[edit]

In Indonesian, the verb doesn't agree in number and person with the pronoun. This is unlike English.

  • (ind) Saya bermain sepakbola → I play football.
  • (ind) Awak bermain sepakbola → You play football.
  • (ind) Dia bermain sepakbola → He plays football.

(In Indonesian, there are no distinctions between he or she.)

  • (ind) Kami bermain sepakbola → We play football
  • (ind) Kamu bermain sepakbola → You all play football.
  • (ind) Mereka bermain sepakbola → They play football.

Terms of Address[edit]

In Indonesian, the term of address is to differentiate positions of people. It is also used to show politeness in conversation. In English, such terms are not used. English only addresses "You" to all of their interlocutors.

  • (eng) Have you eaten? → Anda sudah makan? (To a formal guest)
  • (eng) Have you eaten? → Awak sudah makan? (To a friend or informally)
  • (eng) Have you eaten? → Bapak sudah makan? (To father)
  • (eng) Have you eaten? → Ibu sudah makan? (To mother)
  • (eng) Have you eaten? → Adik sudah makan? (To younger sibling)

Adjectives[edit]

Adjectives in Indonesian succeed the nouns they modify, unlike English which has the adjective precede the noun it is modifying.

  • (ind) rambut hitam → black hair :: hair black
  • (ind) ikan besar → big fish :: fish big
  • (ind) anak kecil → little sister :: sister little
  • (ind) lelaki tinggi → tall boy :: boy tall
  • (ind) guru gemuk → fat teacher :: teacher fat
  • (ind) ibu cantik → beautiful mother :: mother beautiful
  • (ind) kotak tinggi → tall box :: box tall
  • (ind) taxi kuning → yellow taxi :: taxi yellow
  • (ind) televisyen warna → color television :: television color
  • (ind) pokok epal → apple tree :: tree apple
  • (ind) isteri muda → young wife :: wife young

Verbs[edit]

Verb "be"[edit]

The verb "be" may or may not have its equivalent in the Indonesian language.

  • (eng) He is clever. → Dia pandai

In this sentence, the verb 'is' has no equivalent in the Indonesian language.

  • (eng) He is a teacher → Dia se-orang guru
  • (eng) He is a teacher → Dia ada se-orang guru

The English sentence has two grammatical Indonesian translations. In this case, the verb 'is' may or may not be translated and both are correct in Indonesian language.

  • (eng) He is at home → Dia ada di rumah

The verb 'is' is usually translated into 'ada' when the sentence stands alone, but in some situations like an answer of a question: "Dimana dia?" (Where is he?), the question may be answered, "Dia di rumah". The word 'ada' is elliptic.

Tense Conjugations[edit]

In Indonesian, there are verb conjugations. These conjugations are prefixes attached to the verb. These prefixes make the tense understood. In English, the subject most always has to be stated (an exception for the imperative). Below are some examples of simple past tense in English.

  • I went
  • You (singular) went
  • He/She/It went
  • We went
  • You all (plural) went
  • They went


  • I screamed
  • You (singular) screamed
  • He/She/It screamed
  • We screamed
  • You all (plural) screamed
  • They screamed


  • I saw
  • You (singular) saw
  • He/She/It saw
  • We saw
  • You all (plural) saw
  • They saw


However, in Indonesian, prefixes added to the verbs make the tense understood.

  • (ind) Saya pergi → I went
  • (ind) Awak pergi → You went
  • (ind) Dia pergi → He went
  • (ind) Kami pergi → We went
  • (ind) Kamu pergi → You all went
  • (ind) Mereka pergi → They went


  • (ind) Saya menjerit → I screamed
  • (ind) Awak menjerit → You screamed
  • (ind) Dia menjerit → He screamed
  • (ind) Kami menjerit → We screamed
  • (ind) Kamu menjerit → You all screamed
  • (ind) Mereka menjerit → They screamed


  • (ind) Saya melihat → I saw
  • (ind) Awak melihat → You saw
  • (ind) Dia melihat → He saw
  • (ind) Kami melihat → We saw
  • (ind) Kamu melihat → You all saw
  • (ind) Mereka melihat → They saw


Below are the same verbs translated to present perfect tense from Indonesian to English. In the simple present tense, the prefixes change because the tense changed.

  • (ind) Saya dipergi → I have gone
  • (ind) Awak dipergi → You have gone
  • (ind) Dia dipergi → He has gone
  • (ind) Kami dipergi → We have gone
  • (ind) Kamu dipergi → You all have gone
  • (ind) Mereka dipergi → They have gone


  • (ind) Saya dijerit → I have screamed
  • (ind) Awak dijerit → You have screamed
  • (ind) Dia dijerit → He has screamed
  • (ind) Kami dijerit → We have screamed
  • (ind) Kamu dijerit → You all have screamed
  • (ind) Mereka dijerit → They have screamed


  • (ind) Saya dilihat → I have seen
  • (ind) Awak dilihat → You have seen
  • (ind) Dia dilihat → He has seen
  • (ind) Kami dilihat → We have seen
  • (ind) Kamu dilihat → You all have seen
  • (ind) Mereka dilihat → They have seen

Prepositions[edit]

Direction Prepositions[edit]

Prepositions in Indonesian follow a similar format to English, but there is only one word to indicate it is a preposition, "di", with the direction modifier behind it. "di" alone means "at".

  • (eng) above the table → di atas meja
  • (eng) below the table → di bawah meja
  • (eng) near me → di dekat saya
  • (eng) far from me → di jauh saya
  • (eng) He is at home. → Dia ada di rumah.

Moving Prepositions[edit]

In Indonesian, a different word is used to indicate "to" depending on the context. If the subject is moving to a place, the Indonesian equivalent is "ke". But if the subject is receiving an object from another person, the Indonesian equivalent is "kepada". The "pada" suffix indicated receiving something from another person.

  • (eng) He went to school. → Dia pergi ke sekolah
  • (eng) Father gave him a letter. → Bapak memberi surat kepada dia.

Questions[edit]

Open Ended Questions[edit]

In English, we put the question word at the front, then the auxiliary verb, then the subject, e.g. "When will you be back?". In Indonesian, "-kah" is attached to the question word, which goes at the beginning of the question. So, the above is translated into "Bilakah awak pulang?". Remember that the verb 'be' need not be translated as well.

  • (eng) How did you win? → Bagaimanakah awak jaya? :: How you win?
  • (eng) Why did you win? → Mengapakah awak jaya? :: Why you win?
  • (eng) When did you win? → Bilakah awak jaya? :: When you win?
  • (eng) Who won? → Siapakah menjaya? :: Who won?

Yes/No Questions[edit]

In English, we put our auxiliary verbs at the beginning, followed by the subject, followed by the main verb phrase, e.g. "Did you paint the house?". In Indonesian, the auxiliary verb is also omitted, but the question word is not necessarily at the start of the sentence. In fact, in some cases, '-kah' is not necessary.

  • (eng) Are you hungry? → Awak laparkah? :: You hungry?
  • (eng) Have you eaten? → Awak sudah makan? :: You already ate?
  • (eng) Have you painted the house? → Awak sudah mencatkan rumah? :: You already painted house?
  • (eng) Will you come tomorrow? → Adakah awak datang hari esok? :: Have you arrived tomorrow?
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