koran
/ˈkoran/
The Indonesian word for newspaper is koran. Wiktionary also lists surat kabar.
Meaning: publication (noun)
Ways to say it
| Indonesian | IPA |
|---|---|
| koran | /ˈkoran/ (Standard Indonesian) |
| surat kabar | /ˌsurat ˈkabar/ (Standard Indonesian) |
Both koran and surat kabar refer to a newspaper as a printed publication.
What does it mean word for word?
The formal term surat kabar is a compound word made of surat, meaning letter or mail and kabar, meaning news or information.
Which one should you use?
Koran is the common everyday term, whereas surat kabar is a more formal way to say newspaper.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Koran is a colloquial term used frequently in daily, informal conversation. Surat kabar is the more formal version.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkoran/
Did you know?
- Even though koran is the common term used in casual speech, its linguistic ancestors are found in the Old French word 'corant'.
- The term surat is so versatile that it can be used to refer to any written document or text, not just a letter sent in an envelope.
Examples in context
- Tom sedang membaca koran.Tom is reading a newspaper.This sentence shows how to describe someone currently reading a koran.Tatoeba #13198668 by HAGNi, translation #3413284 by CK
- Pria itu sedang membaca koran.That man is reading the newspaper.This sentence illustrates the use of koran when referring to a specific man reading a newspaper.Tatoeba #13708699 by HAGNi, translation #8804403 by moman
- Dia cocok dengan apa yang tertulis di koran.He fits the description in the newspaper.This sentence demonstrates how to use koran when referring to something written within a newspaper.Tatoeba #4184308 by Bilmanda, translation #1061739 by CM
- Anda sudah membaca koran hari ini?Have you read the newspaper today?
- Apakah Anda sudah membeli surat kabar pagi ini?Have you bought the morning newspaper?
- 12 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maya and Dimas are talking in the living room.
- MayaDimas, apakah kamu sudah baca koran hari ini?Dimas, have you read the newspaper today?
- DimasBelum, korannya belum sampai di rumah.Not yet, the newspaper hasn't arrived at home.
- MayaSayang sekali, ada berita penting di sana.That's too bad, there is important news in there.
- DimasAku akan mengeceknya nanti sore.I will check it later this afternoon.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “newspaper” translations and entries koran, surat kabar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries kabar, koran, surat, surat kabar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
