adalah
The English word "is" can be translated into Indonesian as adalah.
adalah is a linking verb used to equate a subject with a complement or to define something. It is most commonly used when the complement is a noun phrase that defines the subject.
Which one should you use?
While adalah serves as a way to express "is/are", it is typically used for definitions or equating identities. It is often omitted when the complement of the sentence is an adjective.
How does it change in a sentence?
In many simple sentences, the Indonesian equivalent of "is" can be omitted entirely.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use adalah before adjectives.
Did you know?
- Indonesian speakers often replace adalah with the word itu when defining something in speech, effectively using the word for 'that' to serve as 'is'.
- The word adalah is derived from ada, which means 'to exist' or 'to have'. In Indonesian, the concept of 'being' is conceptually tied to the concept of 'existence'.
- The suffix -lah in adalah is an emphasis particle. Its presence turns a simple statement of existence into a definitive declaration of identity.
Examples in context
- Tom adalah paman Mary.Tom is Mary's uncle.This sentence is useful for showing how to identify a person's relationship to another.Tatoeba #4788300 by Bilmanda, translation #1028532 by CK
- Dia adalah seorang DJ.He is a DJ.This sentence is useful for stating someone's profession.Tatoeba #7061855 by purichan, translation #288669 by CK
- Dia adalah anak nakal.He is a naughty boy.This sentence is useful for describing a person's character with a noun phrase.Tatoeba #8539327 by Jepang, translation #370632 by saeb
- Dia adalah seorang dokterHe is a doctor
- Dia merupakan seorang guruShe is a teacher
- Bangunan tersebut terletak di dekat tamanThe building is located near the park
- Buku ada di atas mejaThe book is on the table
- Dia cantik, katanyaShe is beautiful, they say
- 658 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Dimas and Sari are talking about their hobbies.
- DimasApa hobi kamu, Sari?What is your hobby, Sari?
- SariHobi saya adalah membaca buku.My hobby is reading books.
- DimasItu adalah hobi yang sangat bagus.That is a very good hobby.
- SariTerima kasih, Dimas.Thank you, Dimas.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries adalah, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
