Language/Indonesian/Grammar/Superlative

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Indonesian → Grammar → 0 to A1 Course → Comparative and Superlative → Superlative

In this lesson, we will explore the use of superlatives in the Indonesian language. Superlatives are used to express the highest degree of a quality or attribute. By using superlatives, we can compare three or more things and identify the one that is the most extreme or superior. Understanding how to use superlatives will greatly enhance your ability to describe and compare things in Indonesian.

Introduction

Superlatives play an important role in expressing opinions, preferences, and making comparisons in everyday conversations and written texts. By mastering the use of superlatives, you will be able to express yourself more accurately and fluently in Indonesian.

In this lesson, we will focus on two main forms of superlatives in Indonesian: "paling" and "ter...di". We will explore their usage, formation, and how they are used in various contexts. Throughout the lesson, we will provide clear explanations, numerous examples, and engaging exercises to help you grasp the concepts effectively.

Superlative with "paling"

The form "paling" is used to express the superlative degree of an adjective or adverb. It is equivalent to the English word "most" or "very". "Paling" is placed before the adjective or adverb it modifies.

Formation

To form the superlative with "paling", follow this pattern: Adjective/Adverb + "paling"

For example:

• Tinggi (tall) → Paling tinggi (the tallest)
• Cantik (beautiful) → Paling cantik (the most beautiful)
• Cepat (fast) → Paling cepat (the fastest)

Examples

Here are some examples of superlatives using "paling":

Indonesian	Pronunciation	English
Mobil ini paling besar.	Mo-beel ee-nee pah-ling be-sar.	This car is the biggest.
Rumah itu paling mahal.	Roo-mah tooh pah-ling ma-hal.	That house is the most expensive.
Dia adalah paling pintar di kelas.	Dee-ah a-dah pah-ling pin-tar dee klaas.	He is the smartest in the class.

Cultural Insight

In Indonesian culture, expressing admiration and appreciation is important. Indonesians often use superlatives to emphasize the greatness or excellence of something or someone. For example, when complimenting a dish, it is common to say "Makanan ini paling enak!" (This food is the most delicious!). By using superlatives, Indonesians convey their enthusiasm and appreciation for the subject at hand.

Superlative with "ter...di"

The form "ter...di" is another way to express the superlative degree in Indonesian. It is used to compare three or more things and identify the one that is the most extreme or superior. "Ter...di" is placed before the adjective or adverb it modifies.

Formation

To form the superlative with "ter...di", follow this pattern: Ter- + Adjective/Adverb + -di

For example:

• Tinggi (tall) → Ter-tinggi (the tallest)
• Cantik (beautiful) → Ter-cantik (the most beautiful)
• Cepat (fast) → Ter-cepat (the fastest)

Examples

Here are some examples of superlatives using "ter...di":

Indonesian	Pronunciation	English
Gunung Everest adalah gunung tertinggi di dunia.	Goo-noong Eh-verest a-dah goo-noong terting-gi dee doo-nee-ah.	Mount Everest is the tallest mountain in the world.
Dia adalah anak terpintar di keluarganya.	Dee-ah a-dah a-nakh ter-pin-tar dee ke-loo-ar-gan-yah.	He is the smartest child in his family.
Baju itu adalah baju terburuk yang pernah saya lihat.	Bah-joo tooh a-dah bah-joo ter-boo-rook yang per-nah sah-yah lee-hat.	That shirt is the worst shirt I have ever seen.

Cultural Insight

In Indonesian society, there is a strong emphasis on hierarchy and social status. Indonesians often use superlatives to describe their admiration for individuals who possess exceptional skills or talents. For example, the title "orang terkaya" (the richest person) is often used to refer to Indonesia's wealthiest individuals. By using superlatives, Indonesians highlight the achievements and status of individuals in various fields.

Exercises

Now, let's practice using superlatives in Indonesian. Choose the correct form of the superlative to complete each sentence.

1. Gunung Kilimanjaro adalah gunung __________ di Afrika. a) tertinggi b) paling tinggi c) tertinggi di

2. Dia adalah __________ murid di sekolah. a) paling pintar b) terpintar c) paling pintar di

3. Restoran ini memiliki makanan __________ di kota ini. a) paling enak b) terenak c) paling enak di

4. Buku itu adalah buku __________ yang pernah saya baca. a) terbaik b) paling baik c) paling baik yang

5. Mobil ini adalah mobil __________ yang pernah saya lihat. a) tercepat b) paling cepat c) paling cepat yang

Solutions

1. a) tertinggi 2. b) terpintar 3. a) paling enak 4. a) terbaik 5. b) paling cepat

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have now learned how to use superlatives in Indonesian. By mastering the forms "paling" and "ter...di", you can express the highest degree of a quality or attribute. Remember to practice using superlatives in your conversations and written exercises to reinforce your understanding. Keep up the great work and continue exploring the fascinating world of the Indonesian language!

Table of Contents - Indonesian Course - 0 to A1

• Course Presentation

  ---

Pronouns and Greetings

• Personal Pronouns
• Greetings and Introductions

  ---

Basic Grammar

• Word Order
• Indonesian Nouns
• Verbs in Indonesian

  ---

Daily Life

• Basic Phrases
• Numbers and Time
• Days, Months, and Seasons

  ---

Sentence Structure

• Adjectives and Adverbs
• Questions and Answers
• Negation and Affirmation

  ---

Indonesian Culture

• Indonesian Festivals
• Indonesian Food

  ---

Travel and Transportation

• Transportation
• Directions

  ---

Verb Tenses

• Present Tense
• Past Tense
• Future Tense

  ---

Shopping and Bargaining

• Basic Shopping Phrases
• Bargaining Strategies

  ---

Indonesian Arts

• Indonesian Music
• Indonesian Dance

  ---

Modal Verbs

• Can and Must
• May and Should

  ---

Colors and Shapes

• Colors
• Shapes

  ---

Comparative and Superlative

• Comparative
• Superlative

  ---

Indonesian Traditions

• Indonesian Weddings
• Indonesian Batik

  ---

Emergencies

• Medical Emergencies
• Natural Disasters

  ---

Indirect and Direct Speech

• Direct Speech
• Indirect Speech

  ---

Jobs and Professions

• Job Titles
• Workplaces

  ---

Indonesian Holidays

• Indonesian Independence Day
• Idul Fitri

Sources

• Indonesian Grammar - Comaratives and Superlatives
• Indonesian Comparative and Superlative - ielanguages.com

Other Lessons

• May and Should
• Plurals
• Adjectives
• Pronouns
• Can and Must
• Adjectives and Adverbs
• 0 to A1 Course
• Verbs in Indonesian
• Give your Opinion
• How to Use Be

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