What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of Saya (I) and lapar (hungry), and does not require a verb like "to be" to connect them.
Which one should you use?
There are several ways to express this depending on the level of formality and the person you are talking to. Saya lapar is used formally. For a slightly different nuance of "I feel hungry," you can use Saya merasa lapar. In more casual settings, you might use Aku lapar. In very informal slang, particularly among youth, you may hear Gue lagi laper, deh. or Gue lapar.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Saya lapar is a formal version. For informal situations with friends or people of equal or lower status, use Aku lapar. If you are speaking with peers or in a very casual setting, the slang pronoun Gue can be used, as seen in Gue lagi laper, deh. or the slang expression Gue lapar.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The slang version Gue lapar is commonly used in Jakarta and among youth.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express that you are "very" hungry, you can add banget after the adjective lapar, resulting in Lapar banget.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈsaja ˈlapar/
Did you know?
- The formal pronoun saya actually traces its roots back to the Sanskrit word sahāya, which means 'companion' or 'follower'.
- While lapar refers to the physical sensation of hunger, Indonesians often use the word kenyang to politely decline more food, emphasizing the feeling of being 'full' rather than the lack of desire.
- In Indonesian, you can omit the pronoun saya entirely and just say lapar if the context makes it clear who is speaking.
Examples in context
- Saya lapar karena saya tidak sarapan.I am hungry because I did not have breakfast.This sentence is useful for explaining the reason behind your hunger using Saya lapar.Tatoeba #751559 by frogprincess, translation #460070 by saasmath
- Saya lapar.I am hungry.This is a simple way to state that you are hungry using Saya lapar.Tatoeba #1022580 by ajid, translation #409602 by CC
- Aduh, saya lapar sekali sekarang.Oh, I am very hungry now.
Example conversation
Budi and Maya are walking in a mall and looking for food.
- MayaMaya, saya lapar. Ayo makan.Maya, I am hungry. Let's eat.
- BudiBoleh, saya juga lapar.Sure, I am hungry too.
- MayaKamu mau makan apa?What do you want to eat?
- BudiSaya mau makan nasi goreng.I want to eat fried rice.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (saya, lapar) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries lapar, saya, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
