Language/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.
Mencuri mata
This expression literally means “stealing eyes”. It is used to describe someone who is able to draw attention away from others and become the object of admiration.
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 jantung
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 nafas
This expression literally means “stealing breaths”. It is used to describe someone who is able to take people’s breath away with their beauty or talent.
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.
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 pikiran
This expression literally means “stealing minds”. It is used to describe someone who is able to capture people’s attention and make them think deeply about something.
Mencuri jiwa
This expression literally means “stealing souls”. It is used to describe someone who is able to captivate people with their presence and make them feel deeply connected to them.
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 jiwa
This expression literally means “stealing souls”. It is used to describe someone who is able to captivate people with their presence and make them feel deeply connected to them.
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 jiwa
This expression literally means “stealing souls”. It is used to describe someone who is able to captivate people with their presence and make them feel deeply connected to them.
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 jiwa
This expression literally means “stealing souls”. It is used to describe someone who is able to captivate people with their presence and make them feel deeply connected to them.
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 jiwa
This expression literally means “stealing souls”. It is used to describe someone who is able to captivate people with their presence and make them feel deeply connected to them.
Examples
| Indonesian | Pronunciation | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Berpikir di luar kotak | bair-pee-keer dee loo-ahr koh-tahk | Thinking outside the box |
| Berdiri di atas kaki sendiri | bair-dee-ree dee ah-tahs kah-kee sen-dee-ree | Standing on one's own feet |
| Berjalan di atas air | bair-jah-lahn dee ah-tahs ai-ahr | Walking on water |
| Mencuri api dari gunung | men-choo-ree ah-pee dah-ree goo-noong | Stealing fire from the mountain |
| Membawa kabur | mehm-bah-wah kah-boor | Carrying away |
| Menyelamatkan wajah | mehn-yeh-lahm-aht-kahn wah-jah | Saving face |
| Mencuri hati | men-choo-ree hah-tee | Stealing hearts |
| Mencuri show | men-choo-ree show | Stealing the show |
| Mencuri perhatian | men-choo-ree pehr-hah-tee-ahn | Stealing attention |
| Mencuri mata | men-choo-ree mah-tah | Stealing eyes |
| Mencuri hati | men-choo-ree hah-tee | Stealing hearts |
| Mencuri jantung | men-choo-ree jahn-toong | Stealing hearts |
| Mencuri nafas | men-choo-ree nah-fahs | Stealing breaths |
| Mencuri perhatian | men-choo-ree pehr-hah-tee-ahn | Stealing attention |
| Mencuri hati | men-choo-ree hah-tee | Stealing hearts |
| Mencuri pikiran | men-choo-ree pee-kee-rahn | Stealing minds |
| Mencuri jiwa | men-choo-ree jee-wah | Stealing souls |
- 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. 😎