If you’re looking to express the phrase “how come” in Indonesian, you’ll find that it can be translated in various ways depending on the context and level of formality. This guide will cover both the formal and informal ways of saying “how come” in Indonesian, providing you with tips, examples, and even a brief overview of regional variations if necessary.
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Formal Usage: Kenapa Bisa Begitu?
In formal situations, such as business settings, official meetings, or when conversing with someone you’re not familiar with, you can use the phrase “kenapa bisa begitu?” to ask “how come?”. This phrase is versatile and widely understood throughout Indonesia. Let’s take a closer look at its components:
- Kenapa – This is the Indonesian equivalent of “why”.
- Bisa – This translates to “can” or “able to”.
- Begitu – Literally meaning “like that”, it can represent the concept of “how come?” when combined with the other words.
Here are a few examples of how you can use “kenapa bisa begitu?” in formal situations:
Bos: Kenapa kamu tidak menyelesaikan proyek itu tepat waktu?
Karyawan: Maaf, bos. Saya tidak bisa begitu karena ada beberapa kendala teknis.
Direktur: Kenapa penjualan kami menurun di bulan lalu?
Manajer: Di bulan lalu ada berbagai faktor eksternal yang mempengaruhi permintaan pasar.
Informal Usage: Kok Bisa Gitu?
In less formal settings, when talking to friends, family, or in casual conversations, the popular phrase “kok bisa gitu?” is commonly used to convey the meaning of “how come?”. Let’s dissect this phrase further:
- Kok – Derived from “bagaimana bisa” (how can). It is a common colloquial abbreviation and serves as “how” in this context.
- Bisa – Same as in the formal version, meaning “can” or “able to”.
- Gitu – This is a colloquial and shortened form of “begitu” (like that), which gives the phrase its sense of “how come?” when combined.
Now, let’s explore a few informal examples of how to use “kok bisa gitu?” in everyday Indonesian conversations:
Teman: Kok kamu tidak datang ke pesta itu?
Kamu: Aduh, maaf ya. Kok bisa gitu sih? Tadi ada urusan mendesak.
Adik: Kok uang jajanku dikurangi? Padahal kemarin aku belum habis.
Kakak: Itu karena kamu sering jajan sembarangan, adikku. Makanya bisa gitu.
Regional Variations: Adopsi Lokal
While “kenapa bisa begitu?” and “kok bisa gitu?” are widely understood throughout Indonesia, it’s worth mentioning that there are regional variations in different parts of the country. These variations are primarily due to different local languages and dialects. However, they may not be necessary for day-to-day conversations as the generic phrases already covered are comprehensible to most Indonesians.
Remember, when using these phrases, consider your audience and the formality of the situation. It’s important to adapt your language accordingly to ensure effective communication.
In Summary
In formal situations, “kenapa bisa begitu?” is the preferred way to express “how come?”. On the other hand, in informal settings, “kok bisa gitu?” is commonly used in casual conversations. Both phrases are versatile and will enable you to communicate effectively with Indonesians in various contexts.
So, whether you’re engaging with locals in business meetings or having a chat with Indonesian friends, you can now confidently ask “how come?” in Indonesian. Selamat belajar!
