Ways to say it
| Indonesian | IPA |
|---|---|
| guru | /ˈɡuru/ (Standard Indonesian) |
| pengajar | /pəˈŋad͡ʒar/ (Standard Indonesian) |
The term guru is the most common and general word for a teacher in Indonesian. In a specific academic context, such as a university, you would use dosen to refer to a lecturer or professor.
What does it mean word for word?
The word pengajar is formed from the root ajar (to learn/teach) and the prefix pe-, which denotes the person performing the action, effectively meaning one who teaches.
Which one should you use?
Guru is the standard, everyday word for a teacher. In contrast, pengajar translates to instructor or educator and is used to refer to someone in a teaching capacity.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word pengajar is a derivative of the root ajar using the prefix pe- to indicate the person performing the action of teaching.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈɡuru/
When do people say it?
When addressing a male teacher, particularly at the elementary or secondary school level, it is common to use the title Pak (Mr. or sir). For female teachers, use Bu (Ms. or ma'am).
Did you know?
- The word guru is a linguistic relative of the English word 'brutal'. Both stem from the Proto-Indo-European root meaning 'heavy', though one evolved to mean a heavy weight and the other a 'heavy' or weighty person of knowledge.
- While guru is used for school teachers, university instructors are called dosen. This word comes from the Dutch 'docent'.
- In traditional Javanese culture, the guru is seen as a parental figure. This extends the role of a teacher beyond instruction to include moral and emotional guardianship.
Examples in context
- Aku dulu seorang guru.I was a teacher.This sentence shows how to express a past profession using guru.Tatoeba #13706711 by HAGNi, translation #432340 by CM
- Ayah saya seorang guru.My father is a teacher.This sentence uses guru to describe someone's current profession.Tatoeba #3362933 by dbahasa, translation #251708 by CK
- Aku ingin menjadi guru.I want to be a teacher.This sentence uses guru to express a career aspiration.Tatoeba #10687875 by HAGNi, translation #2090872 by CK
- Selamat pagi, Guru. Apa kabar?Good morning, teacher. How are you?
- Pak Budi adalah seorang dosen yang sangat berpengetahuan luas.Mr. Budi is a very knowledgeable professor.
- 79 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a school event.
- RianSiapa guru baru itu?Who is that new teacher?
- PutriDia adalah guru matematika kita.She is our math teacher.
- RianApakah guru itu baik?Is the teacher kind?
- PutriIya, dia sangat ramah.Yes, she is very friendly.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “teacher” translations and entries guru, pengajar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries guru, pengajar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
