Exercises on Common Indonesian Idioms and Their Grammar Structures

Mastering a language goes beyond learning vocabulary and grammar rules; it involves understanding the idiomatic expressions that native speakers use in everyday conversation. In Indonesian, idioms play a significant role in adding color and nuance to communication. These expressions often carry meanings that cannot be deduced from the individual words alone, making them a fascinating yet challenging aspect of the language. Our exercises on common Indonesian idioms and their grammar structures aim to enhance your proficiency by delving into these culturally rich phrases, providing a deeper insight into how Indonesians convey complex ideas and emotions succinctly. Each exercise is designed to help you familiarize yourself with various idiomatic expressions while honing your grammatical skills. By contextualizing these idioms within sentences and dialogues, you'll gain a better understanding of their proper usage and the grammatical rules that govern them. Whether you are a beginner eager to expand your vocabulary or an advanced learner looking to refine your linguistic prowess, these exercises will equip you with the tools needed to communicate more naturally and effectively in Indonesian. Dive in and discover the intriguing world of Indonesian idioms, where language and culture intertwine seamlessly.

Exercise 1

1. Dia selalu *angkat* topi kepada gurunya (verb for showing respect).

2. Jangan *besar* kepala hanya karena menang sekali (adjective for ego).

3. Setelah bekerja keras, dia akhirnya bisa *menggapai* bintang (verb for achieving dreams).

4. Tidak perlu *membanting* tulang jika kamu bisa bekerja dengan cerdas (verb for working hard).

5. Jangan *membuang* muka saat berbicara dengan orang lain (verb for avoiding eye contact).

6. Dia selalu *berbunga* hati setiap kali mendapat pujian (verb for feeling happy).

7. Jangan *menepuk* dada jika belum berhasil (verb for bragging).

8. Mereka harus *merendahkan* hati di depan orang tua (verb for being humble).

9. Kita harus *berpikir* panjang sebelum mengambil keputusan besar (verb for considering).

10. Dia dikenal sebagai orang yang tidak pernah *membuat* ulah (verb for causing trouble).

Exercise 2

1. Dia selalu *besar kepala* setelah mendapatkan pujian (idiom for being arrogant).

2. Saat ujian, dia *keringat dingin* karena tidak belajar (idiom for being nervous).

3. Harga barang di toko itu *langit tinggi* (idiom for very expensive).

4. Setelah mendengar kabar buruk, dia merasa *jatuh hati* (idiom for feeling in love).

5. Mereka *main mata* saat di kelas (idiom for flirting).

6. Dia *cuci tangan* dari masalah tersebut (idiom for avoiding responsibility).

7. Pekerjaan ini harus dilakukan dengan *setengah hati* (idiom for lack of enthusiasm).

8. Jangan *makan hati* atas kritik tersebut (idiom for feeling hurt).

9. Meskipun banyak rintangan, dia tetap *berkecil hati* (idiom for feeling discouraged).

10. Anak itu *panjang tangan* di toko (idiom for being a thief).

Exercise 3

1. Dia selalu *angkat tangan* ketika diminta menjelaskan (idiom for giving up).

2. Jangan *besar kepala* setelah mendapat pujian dari bos (idiom for being arrogant).

3. Saya *angkat kaki* dari rumah itu karena sudah tidak nyaman (idiom for leaving).

4. Dia *cuci tangan* setelah masalah besar itu terjadi (idiom for avoiding responsibility).

5. Jangan *tutup mata* terhadap masalah yang ada di sekitar kita (idiom for ignoring).

6. Dia *panjang tangan* sehingga sering mencuri barang orang lain (idiom for stealing).

7. Kita harus *berat hati* untuk menerima keputusan yang sulit ini (idiom for reluctant).

8. Setelah sekian lama bekerja keras, akhirnya dia bisa *mengangkat muka* di depan orang tuanya (idiom for being proud).

9. Dia selalu *berat sebelah* dalam memberikan penilaian (idiom for being biased).

10. Kita harus *buka mulut* jika mengetahui ada kejahatan (idiom for speaking up).