What does it mean word for word?
The phrase aku merindukanmu is composed of aku (I), merindukan (to miss/long for) and the suffix -mu (you).
Which one should you use?
The word rindu carries a more poetic, deep or romantic connotation of longing compared to the more casual kangen.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For a more formal and polite approach suitable for professional or respectful contexts, use Saya merindukan Anda. In daily conversation, Indonesians are much more likely to use Aku kangen kamu because it is informal.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb rindu takes the prefix me- and the suffix -kan to become a transitive verb that requires an object. The suffix -mu is a shortened, informal way to attach the second-person possessive or object pronoun to a verb or noun, as seen in the combined form merindukanmu.
Did you know?
- While rindu is used for longing, the word kangen is actually a loanword from Javanese that has become so common it is now the standard way to express missing someone in informal Indonesian.
- The pronoun aku is an ancient word inherited from Proto-Austronesian, meaning it is shared by hundreds of languages across the Pacific and Southeast Asia.
- If you were to say Saya merindukan Anda to a close friend, it would sound strangely cold or even ironic, as if you were distancing yourself emotionally.
Examples in context
- Aku merindukanmu.I miss you.This sentence is useful for expressing that you miss someone.Tatoeba #3493985 by orion17, translation #1308 by brauliobezerra
- Kebetulan saya merindukan Anda, Pak Surya.Coincidentally, I miss you, Mr. Surya.
- Aku kangen kamu, teman.I miss you, friend.
- Saya merasa rindu padamu, sayang.I feel longing for you, darling.
- Aku merindukanmu setiap hari.I miss you every day.
- Sejujurnya, aku merindukanmu.To be honest, I miss you.
Example conversation
Sari calls Rian on the phone to say hello.
- SariHalo, apa kabar, Rian?Hello, how are you, Rian?
- RianKabar baik, Sari. Bagaimana denganmu?I am fine, Sari. How about you?
- SariAku baik, tapi aku merindukanmu.I am fine, but I miss you.
- RianAku juga merindukanmu.I miss you too.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries aku, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
