mengapa
/məˈŋapa/
The Indonesian word for why is mengapa. Wiktionary also lists kenapa.
Meaning: (interrogative) for what reason (adv)
Ways to say it
| Indonesian | IPA |
|---|---|
| mengapa | /məˈŋapa/ (Standard Indonesian) |
| kenapa | /kəˈnapa/ (Standard Indonesian) |
Both mengapa and kenapa are used as interrogative adverbs to ask for the reason behind something. They can also function as the noun meaning 'the reason'.
Which one should you use?
mengapa is the formal version of why, while kenapa serves as a colloquial version used in everyday conversation.
Is it said differently in some regions?
napa is an informal variant of why that is frequently used in Jakarta and other regions in the western part of Indonesia.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/məˈŋapa/
Did you know?
- The colloquial 'why', kenapa, literally translates to 'hit what'. It is a linguistic blend of the word kena, meaning 'to be hit' or 'to be affected', and apa, meaning 'what'.
- In some Indonesian dialects, asking kenapa can be used not just to ask for a reason, but as a way to ask 'what is wrong?' or 'what happened?'
- While mengapa is used in writing, using it in a casual conversation with friends can sound unnaturally stiff or like a textbook.
Examples in context
- Mengapa aku di sini?Why am I here?The sentence is useful for asking why one is in a specific location using mengapa.Tatoeba #13355502 by Pacific, translation #1886542 by CK
- Kenapa kamu di sini?Why are you here?The sentence is useful for asking why someone is in a specific location using kenapa.Tatoeba #13660172 by HAGNi, translation #1481997 by yethay
- Kenapa kamu suka itu?Why did you like it?The sentence is useful for asking about someone's preference using kenapa.Tatoeba #13741140 by HAGNi, translation #1839634 by CK
- Mengapa Anda memutuskan untuk mengundurkan diri dari jabatan tersebut?Why did you decide to resign from that position?
- 307 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Indah and Dimas are discussing a cancelled plan.
- IndahMengapa kamu tidak datang kemarin?Why didn't you come yesterday?
- DimasMaaf, aku sedang sakit.Sorry, I was sick.
- IndahMengapa kamu tidak memberi tahu aku?Why didn't you tell me?
- DimasAku lupa membawa ponselku.I forgot to bring my phone.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “why” translations and entries mengapa, kenapa, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries kenapa, mengapa, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
