Learning a new language often involves more than just understanding grammar and vocabulary; it also requires getting to grips with the idiomatic expressions that native speakers use in everyday conversations. Indonesian, a vibrant and diverse language spoken by millions, is rich with idioms that reflect its unique culture and worldview. For English speakers learning Indonesian, mastering these idioms can be a fun and rewarding challenge.
In this article, we will explore some common Indonesian idioms, their meanings, and how they are used in context. By the end, you’ll have a better grasp of the nuances of the Indonesian language and feel more confident in using these expressions yourself.
Berat Sama Dipikul, Ringan Sama Dijinjing
This idiom translates to “Heavy things are carried together, light things are carried individually.” It emphasizes the importance of solidarity and mutual assistance. Essentially, it means that burdens are easier to bear when shared among friends or family.
Usage in context:
– “In our family, we believe in berat sama dipikul, ringan sama dijinjing. We always help each other out with both big and small tasks.”
Air Tenang Menghanyutkan
Literally translating to “Calm waters drown,” this idiom means that something or someone that appears calm and unassuming can actually be very powerful or dangerous. It’s akin to the English saying, “Still waters run deep.”
Usage in context:
– “Don’t underestimate her; she may seem quiet, but air tenang menghanyutkan.”
Bagai Pinang Dibelah Dua
This idiom translates to “Like a betel nut split in two,” and it is used to describe two people who look very similar, much like the English expression “like two peas in a pod.”
Usage in context:
– “The twins are bagai pinang dibelah dua. It’s hard to tell them apart!”
Gajah di Pelupuk Mata Tak Tampak, Semut di Seberang Lautan Tampak
This colorful idiom means “An elephant in the eyelid is invisible, but an ant across the sea is visible.” It highlights the irony of someone who can see small faults in others but is blind to their own significant flaws. It is similar to the English saying, “You can’t see the forest for the trees.”
Usage in context:
– “He criticizes everyone else but never sees his own mistakes. It’s a classic case of gajah di pelupuk mata tak tampak, semut di seberang lautan tampak.”
Bersakit-sakit Dahulu, Bersenang-senang Kemudian
This idiom translates to “Suffer first, enjoy later.” It underscores the value of hard work and perseverance, suggesting that enduring hardship now will lead to future rewards. It is similar to the English saying, “No pain, no gain.”
Usage in context:
– “I know studying for this exam is tough, but remember: bersakit-sakit dahulu, bersenang-senang kemudian.”
Seperti Kacang Lupa Kulitnya
This idiom means “Like a peanut forgetting its shell.” It is used to describe someone who has forgotten their roots or origins, similar to the English phrase “forgetting where you came from.”
Usage in context:
– “Ever since he got that promotion, he’s been acting like seperti kacang lupa kulitnya.”
Mulutmu Harimaumu
This idiom translates to “Your mouth is your tiger,” meaning that your words can be dangerous and have serious consequences. It serves as a reminder to be cautious about what you say, similar to the English saying, “Your words can come back to bite you.”
Usage in context:
– “Be careful with your accusations; remember, mulutmu harimaumu.”
Tak Kenal Maka Tak Sayang
This idiom means “If you don’t know someone, you can’t love them.” It emphasizes the importance of getting to know people before passing judgment or forming an opinion, akin to the English saying, “You can’t judge a book by its cover.”
Usage in context:
– “Give him a chance. Tak kenal maka tak sayang.”
Bagai Makan Buah Simalakama
This idiom translates to “Like eating the fruit of Simalakama.” It describes a situation where all available options have negative consequences, similar to the English phrase “caught between a rock and a hard place.”
Usage in context:
– “Deciding whether to stay or leave the company is bagai makan buah simalakama.”
Besar Pasak daripada Tiang
This idiom means “The peg is bigger than the pole,” and it is used to describe a situation where someone’s expenses exceed their income, akin to the English saying, “Living beyond one’s means.”
Usage in context:
– “You should be careful with your spending habits. Don’t let it be besar pasak daripada tiang.”
Menangis Air Mata Buaya
This idiom translates to “Crying crocodile tears,” which means showing false sorrow or pretending to be sad, similar to the English expression “crocodile tears.”
Usage in context:
– “I don’t believe his apology; it seems like menangis air mata buaya.”
Menepuk Air di Dulang Terpercik Muka Sendiri
This idiom means “Patting water in a basin splashes your own face.” It suggests that criticizing others can often reflect poorly on oneself, similar to the English saying, “What goes around comes around.”
Usage in context:
– “When you spread rumors about others, remember that menepuk air di dulang terpercik muka sendiri.”
Bagai Burung dalam Sangkar
This idiom translates to “Like a bird in a cage,” used to describe someone who feels trapped or confined, much like the English saying “a bird in a gilded cage.”
Usage in context:
– “Despite her luxurious life, she feels bagai burung dalam sangkar.”
Dimana Bumi Dipijak, Disitu Langit Dijunjung
This idiom means “Where the earth is stepped on, there the sky is upheld.” It emphasizes the importance of respecting and adapting to the customs and cultures of the place you are in, similar to the English saying, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.”
Usage in context:
– “During our travels, we always try to remember dimana bumi dipijak, disitu langit dijunjung.”
Bagai Api dalam Sekam
Translating to “Like fire in the husk,” this idiom describes a hidden danger or a problem that is not immediately apparent, similar to the English phrase “a ticking time bomb.”
Usage in context:
– “The tension in the office is bagai api dalam sekam. It could erupt at any moment.”
Buah Tangan
This idiom means “hand fruit,” which refers to a gift or souvenir brought back from a trip. It is similar to the English phrase “a token of appreciation.”
Usage in context:
– “I brought you a little buah tangan from my vacation.”
Berat Sebelah
This idiom translates to “Heavy on one side,” and it is used to describe a situation that is unfair or biased, similar to the English phrase “lopsided.”
Usage in context:
– “The decision seemed berat sebelah in favor of the other team.”
Jauh Panggang dari Api
This idiom means “Far from the grill from the fire,” used to describe something that is far from the truth or reality, akin to the English saying “far-fetched.”
Usage in context:
– “His explanation was jauh panggang dari api.”
Kecil-kecil Cabe Rawit
This idiom translates to “Small but spicy chili,” used to describe someone or something that is small but powerful or impactful, similar to the English phrase “dynamite comes in small packages.”
Usage in context:
– “Don’t underestimate her; she’s kecil-kecil cabe rawit.”
Hangat-hangat Tahi Ayam
This idiom means “Warm like chicken droppings,” used to describe someone who is enthusiastic at first but quickly loses interest, similar to the English phrase “flash in the pan.”
Usage in context:
– “His commitment to the project was hangat-hangat tahi ayam.”
Bagai Katak dalam Tempurung
Translating to “Like a frog in a coconut shell,” this idiom describes someone who has a limited perspective or is unaware of the larger world, similar to the English phrase “living under a rock.”
Usage in context:
– “You need to travel more and see the world; don’t be bagai katak dalam tempurung.”
Setali Tiga Uang
This idiom means “One penny, three coins,” used to describe things that are essentially the same, similar to the English phrase “six of one, half a dozen of the other.”
Usage in context:
– “Whether you choose option A or B, it’s setali tiga uang.”
Di Ujung Tanduk
This idiom translates to “At the tip of the horn,” used to describe a precarious or dangerous situation, similar to the English phrase “on the edge.”
Usage in context:
– “The company’s future is di ujung tanduk.”
Hujan Emas di Negeri Orang, Hujan Batu di Negeri Sendiri
This idiom means “Golden rain in another country, stone rain in one’s own country,” used to express that no matter how good things are elsewhere, home is always best. It is akin to the English saying, “There’s no place like home.”
Usage in context:
– “I love traveling, but hujan emas di negeri orang, hujan batu di negeri sendiri.”
Setitik Nila Merusak Susu Sebelanga
This idiom translates to “A drop of indigo ruins a pot of milk,” highlighting how a small mistake or flaw can ruin something entirely, similar to the English saying “one bad apple spoils the bunch.”
Usage in context:
– “His one mistake was enough to ruin the whole project; it’s setitik nila merusak susu sebelanga.”
Bagai Pungguk Merindukan Bulan
This idiom means “Like an owl longing for the moon,” used to describe someone who desires something unattainable, akin to the English phrase “chasing rainbows.”
Usage in context:
– “Hoping to meet a movie star is bagai pungguk merindukan bulan.”
Menang jadi Arang, Kalah jadi Abu
This idiom translates to “Win becomes charcoal, lose becomes ash,” illustrating that in some conflicts, regardless of the outcome, both sides suffer, similar to the English saying “Pyrrhic victory.”
Usage in context:
– “The lawsuit left both companies in ruins; it was menang jadi arang, kalah jadi abu.”
By understanding and using these common Indonesian idioms, you can add depth and color to your conversations. Idioms are not only a reflection of the language but also the culture and values of the people who speak it. So, the next time you practice Indonesian, try incorporating some of these expressions and see how they enhance your communication skills. Happy learning!
