Language/Indonesian/Grammar/Future-Tense

This lesson can still be improved. EDIT IT NOW! & become VIP

Rate this lesson:

0.00

(0 votes)

Help - Comments

◀️ Past Tense — Previous Lesson	Next Lesson — Basic Shopping Phrases ▶️

Indonesian → Grammar → 0 to A1 Course → Verb Tenses → Future Tense

Introduction[edit | edit source]

In this lesson, we will continue our exploration of Indonesian verb tenses by focusing on the future tense. Understanding how to express future actions or events is essential for effective communication in Indonesian. Whether you want to talk about your plans, make predictions, or discuss future possibilities, the future tense will be a crucial tool in your language toolkit.

In this comprehensive lesson, we will cover the various aspects of the future tense in Indonesian. We will learn how to use the auxiliary verbs "akan," "sudah," "belum," and "nanti" to indicate future actions. We will also explore the different contexts in which each of these verbs is used and provide you with numerous examples to illustrate their usage. By the end of this lesson, you will have a solid understanding of how to express the future tense in Indonesian and be able to confidently communicate about future events or actions.

Let's dive into the fascinating world of the future tense in Indonesian!

Usage of "Akan"[edit | edit source]

The auxiliary verb "akan" is widely used in Indonesian to express future actions or events. It is the most common way to indicate future tense in the language. "Akan" is usually placed before the verb it modifies, and it does not change its form regardless of the subject or number of the noun it refers to.

Here are a few examples:

Indonesian	Pronunciation	English
Saya akan makan di restoran.	"Saya akan makan di restoran."	I will eat at the restaurant.
Mereka akan pergi ke pantai besok.	"Mereka akan pergi ke pantai besok."	They will go to the beach tomorrow.
Kami akan mengunjungi keluarga di kampung halaman.	"Kami akan mengunjungi keluarga di kampung halaman."	We will visit our family in our hometown.

As you can see from the examples, "akan" is used to indicate an action that will happen in the future. It is a straightforward and versatile way to express future tense in Indonesian.

Usage of "Sudah"[edit | edit source]

Although "sudah" is commonly associated with the past tense, it can also be used to indicate future actions or events in certain contexts. When used in this way, "sudah" conveys the idea of something that is already planned or scheduled to happen in the future. It is often used in combination with time expressions to provide additional context.

Let's look at some examples:

Indonesian	Pronunciation	English
Saya sudah beli tiket pesawat.	"Saya sudah beli tiket pesawat."	I have already bought the plane ticket. (implying it's for a future flight)
Mereka sudah mengatur pertemuan dengan klien.	"Mereka sudah mengatur pertemuan dengan klien."	They have already arranged a meeting with the client. (implying it's for a future date)
Dia sudah siap untuk presentasi besok.	"Dia sudah siap untuk presentasi besok."	He/she is already prepared for the presentation tomorrow.

In these examples, "sudah" emphasizes that the action or event has already been planned or prepared for the future. It adds a sense of certainty and readiness to the statement.

Usage of "Belum"[edit | edit source]

The word "belum" is another auxiliary verb used in Indonesian to express the future tense. It is often translated as "not yet" in English and is used to indicate actions or events that have not happened at the time of speaking but are expected to happen in the future.

Let's see how "belum" is used in practice:

Indonesian	Pronunciation	English
Saya belum makan siang.	"Saya belum makan siang."	I haven't had lunch yet.
Mereka belum menyelesaikan proyek itu.	"Mereka belum menyelesaikan proyek itu."	They haven't finished the project yet.
Kami belum memutuskan tanggal pernikahan.	"Kami belum memutuskan tanggal pernikahan."	We haven't decided on the wedding date yet.

As you can see, "belum" is used to express the idea that something has not happened in the present but is expected to happen in the future. It is a useful auxiliary verb for discussing plans or events that are still pending or undecided.

Usage of "Nanti"[edit | edit source]

The word "nanti" is often used in Indonesian to indicate actions or events that will happen in the future. It can be translated as "later" or "soon" in English. "Nanti" is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, including making arrangements, suggesting future actions, or simply talking about events that will happen later.

Here are some examples of "nanti" in action:

Indonesian	Pronunciation	English
Saya akan pulang nanti.	"Saya akan pulang nanti."	I will go home later.
Mereka akan datang nanti malam.	"Mereka akan datang nanti malam."	They will come later tonight.
Kami akan makan malam nanti.	"Kami akan makan malam nanti."	We will have dinner later.

In these examples, "nanti" is used to indicate actions or events that will happen in the near future. It adds a sense of anticipation or expectation to the statement.

Cultural Insights[edit | edit source]

In Indonesian culture, the concept of time and planning is often more relaxed compared to Western cultures. While punctuality is highly valued in formal or business settings, there is generally a more flexible approach to time in social or informal contexts. It is not uncommon for plans to change or events to start later than initially scheduled. Therefore, when discussing future plans or events in Indonesian, it is essential to consider the cultural context and be open to potential changes or adjustments.

Indonesia is a diverse country with various regional languages and dialects. While the future tense is generally expressed using the same auxiliary verbs throughout the country, there may be some variations in usage or pronunciation depending on the region. For example, in some areas, "akan" may be shortened to "ko" or "ke" in colloquial speech. These regional variations add depth and richness to the Indonesian language and reflect the cultural diversity of the country.

Interesting Fact: In Indonesian culture, it is common to use the future tense to express politeness or humility. For example, when offering something to a guest, it is considered more polite to say, "Akan saya sediakan" (I will prepare it for you) instead of "Saya akan menyediakannya" (I will prepare it). This linguistic nuance reflects the Indonesian value of humility and respect towards others.

Practice Exercises[edit | edit source]

Now it's time to practice what you've learned! Below are some exercises to help you solidify your understanding of the future tense in Indonesian. Try to answer each question or complete each sentence using the appropriate auxiliary verb (akan, sudah, belum, nanti).

1. Saya ___________ mengunjungi teman di kota lain besok. 2. Mereka ___________ membeli hadiah untuk ibu di hari ulang tahunnya. 3. Kami ___________ memutuskan ke mana akan pergi liburan. 4. Ayah ___________ selesai membaca buku itu malam ini. 5. Apakah kamu ___________ menghadiri pesta ulang tahun temanmu? 6. Nanti, kami ___________ makan malam di restoran favorit kami. 7. Ibu ___________ memasak makanan lezat untuk acara keluarga besok. 8. Saya ___________ memberi tahu kamu jika ada perubahan rencana.

Solutions:

1. Saya akan mengunjungi teman di kota lain besok. 2. Mereka akan membeli hadiah untuk ibu di hari ulang tahunnya. 3. Kami belum memutuskan ke mana akan pergi liburan. 4. Ayah sudah selesai membaca buku itu malam ini. 5. Apakah kamu akan menghadiri pesta ulang tahun temanmu? 6. Nanti, kami akan makan malam di restoran favorit kami. 7. Ibu akan memasak makanan lezat untuk acara keluarga besok. 8. Saya akan memberi tahu kamu jika ada perubahan rencana.

Take your time to complete the exercises and compare your answers with the solutions provided. If you have any questions or need further clarification, don't hesitate to ask your teacher or fellow learners.

Conclusion[edit | edit source]

Congratulations! You have successfully learned how to use the future tense in Indonesian. By understanding the usage of auxiliary verbs such as "akan," "sudah," "belum," and "nanti," you can confidently express future actions and events in your conversations. Remember to consider the cultural context and be open to the flexibility of time when discussing future plans in Indonesian.

Keep practicing and applying the future tense in your daily conversations or written exercises to reinforce your learning. The more you use it, the more natural it will become. In the next lesson, we will explore another essential aspect of Indonesian grammar: shopping and bargaining. Get ready to learn some useful phrases and strategies for your future shopping experiences in Indonesia!

Table of Contents - Indonesian Course - 0 to A1[edit source]

Course Presentation

Pronouns and Greetings

Basic Grammar

Daily Life

Sentence Structure

Indonesian Culture

Travel and Transportation

Verb Tenses

Shopping and Bargaining

Indonesian Arts

Modal Verbs

Colors and Shapes

Comparative and Superlative

Indonesian Traditions

Emergencies

Indirect and Direct Speech

Jobs and Professions

Indonesian Holidays

Sources[edit | edit source]

Other Lessons[edit | edit source]

◀️ Past Tense — Previous Lesson	Next Lesson — Basic Shopping Phrases ▶️

Contributors

Maintenance script

Create a new Lesson