waktu
/ˈwaktu/
The English phrase "the time" is translated into Indonesian as waktu.
waktu is used to refer to the general concept of time or a specific period or moment.
Which one should you use?
While waktu refers to the abstract concept of time, use jam when you are referring to specific hours, durations or a physical clock or watch. Additionally, saat is a common synonym used when you want to emphasize a specific, brief moment or a particular point in time.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express "at the time" or "during the time" in a more formal or grammatically complete way, you can add the preposition pada before waktu, resulting in pada waktu.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈwaktu/
Did you know?
- Indonesian has a concept called jam karet, which literally translates to 'rubber time'. It refers to the cultural tendency to be flexible or late for scheduled appointments.
- The word waktu is actually an import from Arabic, specifically the word waqt, which entered the Indonesian language through religious and cultural exchange.
- While waktu is the standard word for time, the word masa is specifically used when referring to an era, a long period of history or a certain stage of life.
Examples in context
- Tom tidur sepanjang waktu.Tom sleeps all the time.This sentence shows how to use waktu to mean 'all the time'.Tatoeba #5026567 by amangimam, translation #5024666 by CK
- Aku memikirkanmu sepanjang waktu.I think about you all the time.This sentence demonstrates the use of waktu in the phrase 'all the time'.Tatoeba #8891813 by HAGNi, translation #1923694 by CK
- Hampir setiap waktu saya makan sarapan di sana.I eat breakfast there, most of the time.This sentence illustrates using waktu to mean 'most of the time'.Tatoeba #3888780 by Bilmanda, translation #1726868 by belgavox
- Pukul berapa sekarang?What time is it?
- Sekarang pukul dua belas.It is twelve o'clock now.
- Pukul sebelas kurang lima menit.It is five minutes to eleven.
- Pukul dua siang.Two in the afternoon.
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Dimas and Sari are discussing their busy schedules.
- DimasAku tidak punya banyak waktu hari ini.I don't have much time today.
- SariKenapa kamu terburu-buru, Dimas?Why are you in such a rush, Dimas?
- DimasWaktu terasa berjalan sangat cepat.Time feels like it's moving very fast.
- SariIya, kita harus segera berangkat.Yes, we have to leave soon.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry waktu, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries waktu, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
