Word Order in Bahasa Indonesia

Much like in English, the typical order of a simple sentence in Indonesian is to place the subject first, followed by the predicate. 

  • Indonesian: Ani tertawa.
  • English: Ani laughs.
  • Subject: Ani; Predicate: tertawa (laughs)
  • Indonesian: Reza berlari.
  • English: Reza runs.
  • Subject: Reza; Predicate: berlari (runs)

When you’re using a verb that requires an object (transitive), simply add an object after the predicate. 

  • Indonesian: Saya minum kopi.
  • English: I drink coffee.
  • Subject: Saya (I); Predicate: minum (drink); Object: kopi (coffee)
  • Indonesian: Mereka membaca buku.
  • English: They read a book.
  • Subject: Mereka (They); Predicate: membaca (read); Object: buku (a book)

Forming a Sentence with Two Objects

If you want to form a sentence with two objects, simply arrange it as follows: 

  • Place the subject first,
  • Followed by the verb, the primary object
  • Place a preposition with the secondary object.  

For example: 

  • Indonesian: Ani memberikan buku kepada Rani.
  • English: Ani gives the book to Rani.
  • Subject: Ani; Verb: memberikan (gives); Primary object: buku (book); Preposition: kepada; Secondary Object : Rani. 

Adding Adverbs

Unlike subjects, predicates, and objects, the placement of adverbs in a sentence is more flexible. They can come before the subject or follow the predicate. However, changing the position of an adverb from its usual place can also change the sentence’s emphasis. 

  • Musisi itu memainkan alat musiknya dengan terampil. (The musician played his instrument skillfully.) [The placement of the adverbs in this sentence is typical]. 
  • Dengan terampil musisi itu memainkan alat musiknya. (Skillfully, the musician played his instrument.) [In this sentence, the stress is on the adverb].  

Subjects and Predicates

Subjects and predicates usually have fixed positions. However, if you see them placed differently, it’s probably because the speaker wants to emphasize them. For instance, in certain types of sentences, such as those that represent a thing or provide information about a thing, you might find the predicate before the subject. In these instances, the intent is to highlight the predicate: 

  • Ibu rumah tangga dia. (She is a housewife.) 
  • Jernih sekali air kolam itu. (That pond water is very clear.)

O! malas benar kau! (Oh! You are so lazy!)

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