Language/Indonesian/Vocabulary/Idiomatic-Expressions

Indonesian Vocabulary - Idiomatic expressions

Hi Indonesian learners! 😊
In this lesson, we will learn some of the most common idiomatic expressions in Indonesian. Idioms are phrases that have a figurative meaning, which is different from the literal meaning of the words. They are used to express emotions and ideas in a more vivid way.

Introduction

Idiomatic expressions are an important part of any language. They are used to express emotions and ideas in a more vivid way. In Indonesian, there are many idiomatic expressions that are used in everyday conversations. In this lesson, we will learn some of the most common ones.

Common Idiomatic Expressions

Berpikir di luar kotak

This expression literally means “thinking outside the box”. It is used to describe someone who is creative and thinks outside the box.

Berdiri di atas kaki sendiri

This expression literally means “standing on one’s own feet”. It is used to describe someone who is independent and self-reliant.

Berjalan di atas air

This expression literally means “walking on water”. It is used to describe someone who is able to do something that seems impossible.

Mencuri api dari gunung

This expression literally means “stealing fire from the mountain”. It is used to describe someone who is able to do something that requires a lot of skill and effort.

Membawa kabur

This expression literally means “carrying away”. It is used to describe someone who is able to do something quickly and efficiently.

Menyelamatkan wajah

This expression literally means “saving face”. It is used to describe someone who is able to save themselves from embarrassment or humiliation.

Mencuri hati

This expression literally means “stealing hearts”. It is used to describe someone who is able to win people over with their charm and charisma.

Mencuri show

This expression literally means “stealing the show”. It is used to describe someone who is able to draw attention away from others and become the center of attention.

Mencuri perhatian

This expression literally means “stealing attention”. It is used to describe someone who is able to draw attention away from others and become the focus of attention.

Examples

• Person 1: Apa yang kamu lakukan? (What are you doing?)
• Person 2: Saya sedang berpikir di luar kotak. (I'm thinking outside the box.)
• Person 1: Bagus! (Good!)
• Person 2: Terima kasih! (Thank you!)

Conclusion

Now you know some of the most common idiomatic expressions in Indonesian. To improve your Indonesian Vocabulary, you can also use the Polyglot Club website. Find native speakers and ask them any questions!

---

➡ If you have any questions, please ask them in the comments section below.
➡ Feel free to edit this wiki page if you think it can be improved. 😎

Related Lessons

• Math
• Feelings and Emotions
• Essencial Phrases in Indonesian
• How to Say Hello and Greetings
• Birthday
• Family
• Numbers
• Astronomy
• Parts of the Body
• Count to 10