Hello there! If you’re looking to learn how to say “how come” in Indonesian, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you want to express curiosity, surprise, or disbelief, understanding how to use this phrase can greatly enhance your Indonesian speaking skills. In this guide, we will explore the formal and informal ways of saying “how come” in Indonesian, provide regional variations if necessary, and offer various tips and examples to help you grasp the pronunciation and usage of this phrase. So, let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Way of Saying “How Come”
When it comes to formal situations, such as professional settings or addressing elders, it’s important to use appropriate language. In Indonesian, the formal way to say “how come” is by using the phrase “bagaimana bisa.” Here, “bagaimana” means “how” and “bisa” means “can” or “able to.” Putting them together translates to “how is it possible?”. Let’s look at an example:
Bagaimana bisa Anda datang terlambat? – How come you arrived late?
In this case, “bagaimana bisa” conveys surprise or curiosity about someone’s late arrival. Remember to maintain a polite and respectful tone when using this phrase in formal situations.
Informal Way of Saying “How Come”
When speaking with friends, family, or in casual situations, you can opt for a more relaxed way to say “how come” in Indonesian. The commonly used phrase for this purpose is “kenapa bisa.” Here, “kenapa” means “why” and “bisa” again means “can” or “able to.” Let’s see an example:
Kenapa bisa kamu tidak tahu? – How come you don’t know?
In this informal context, “kenapa bisa” expresses surprise or disbelief about someone’s lack of knowledge. It is a versatile phrase that can be used to express various emotions based on the specific situation. Just keep in mind that it’s appropriate for casual settings only.
Regional Variations
Indonesia is a vast country with diverse regional languages and dialects. Although the formal and informal ways described above are widely understood and used across the archipelago, some regional variations may exist. It’s always interesting to explore these nuances if you encounter them during your conversations with Indonesians. Here are a couple of examples:
Javanese:
In Javanese, one of the prominent regional languages of Indonesia, “how come” can be expressed as “opo meneh.” This phrase is popularly used in the Javanese language community:
Opo meneh kok ra ngerti? – How come you don’t understand?
Betawi:
The Betawi dialect, mainly spoken in Jakarta, has its own way of saying “how come.” Using “ngapain” in Betawi can convey a similar meaning:
Ngapain lo datang terlambat? – How come you arrived late?
These regional variations add a touch of cultural diversity to the language and provide opportunities for learning more about the local customs and traditions.
Tips for Pronunciation:
Mastering the pronunciation of any language is essential for effective communication. Here are a few tips to help you pronounce “how come” correctly in Indonesian:
- Focus on the “a” sounds: In both “bagaimana” and “kenapa,” the “a” sounds are pronounced as “ah”.
- Keep the vowels clear: Ensure each vowel is enunciated distinctly, especially in “kenapa.” Avoid blending the vowels together.
- Pay attention to stress: Stress the second syllable in “bagaimana” and the first syllable in “kenapa.”
- Listen to native speakers: Listening to native speakers is the best way to familiarize yourself with the natural rhythm and intonation of the language.
Examples:
Let’s explore a few more examples to solidify your understanding of how to use “how come” in Indonesian:
- Bagaimana bisa kamu menang? – How come you won?
- Kenapa bisa tiba-tiba hujan? – How come it suddenly rained?
- Betul ngapain kamu tidak datang kemarin? – How come you didn’t come yesterday?
- Opo meneh kok ora iso dadi? – How come it can’t be done?
These examples serve as practical instances where you can utilize the phrases we discussed earlier. Feel free to practice them and expand your repertoire of Indonesian expressions.
In Conclusion
Congratulations! You have now learned the formal and informal ways to say “how come” in Indonesian. Remember to use “bagaimana bisa” when you want to convey surprise or curiosity in a formal context, and “kenapa bisa” for casual, everyday conversations. Don’t forget to pay attention to pronunciation, explore regional variations when necessary, and practice using the examples provided. With these tips in mind, you’ll be confidently using “how come” in Indonesian in no time! Selamat mencoba (Good luck)!
