Introduction
Indonesia is a country rich in cultural diversity, and the language reflects this diversity. One aspect of the Indonesian language that can be difficult for learners is idioms. Idioms are phrases that have a figurative meaning that is different from the literal meaning of the words. In this article, we will explore some common Indonesian idioms with examples and meanings.
1. “Air susu dibalas air tuba”
This idiom means “to repay kindness with ungratefulness”. Literally, it translates to “breast milk is paid with rusty water”. An example of this idiom in use could be: “Dia selalu meminta bantuanmu tapi ketika kamu membutuhkan bantuan darinya, dia malah menolak. Air susu dibalas air tuba.”
2. “Berkat air susu ibu”
This idiom means “thanks to one’s mother’s milk”. It is used to express gratitude for something that has been received. For example: “Berkat air susu ibu, aku tumbuh menjadi orang yang sehat dan cerdas.”
3. “Buat air susu dibalas air susu, buat air tuba dibalas air tuba”
This idiom means “to repay kindness with kindness, and ungratefulness with ungratefulness”. It is a more positive version of the first idiom we discussed. An example of this idiom in use could be: “Kamu harus selalu memperlakukan orang lain dengan baik. Buat air susu dibalas air susu, buat air tuba dibalas air tuba.”
4. “Buka telinga hati-hati”
This idiom means “to listen carefully”. Literally, it translates to “open your ears carefully”. An example of this idiom in use could be: “Jangan terlalu cepat mengambil keputusan. Buka telinga hati-hati karena keputusan yang buruk bisa berakibat fatal.”
5. “Cakar ayam, cakar harimau”
This idiom means “to treat everyone equally, regardless of status”. Literally, it translates to “scratch the chicken, scratch the tiger”. An example of this idiom in use could be: “Sebagai pemimpin, kamu harus bisa cakar ayam, cakar harimau. Tidak boleh ada pilih kasih.”
6. “Cuci tangan”
This idiom means “to distance oneself from a situation”. Literally, it translates to “wash your hands”. An example of this idiom in use could be: “Dia selalu cuci tangan ketika ada masalah. Tidak pernah mau bertanggung jawab.”
7. “Diam-diam ubi berisi”
This idiom means “still waters run deep”. Literally, it translates to “quietly, the sweet potato is full”. An example of this idiom in use could be: “Dia tidak terlihat seperti orang yang pandai, tapi diam-diam ubi berisi. Dia sangat pintar.”
8. “Goreng tanpa minyak”
This idiom means “to do something without preparation or proper planning”. Literally, it translates to “frying without oil”. An example of this idiom in use could be: “Dia langsung mengikuti ujian tanpa belajar sama sekali. Dia seperti goreng tanpa minyak.”
9. “Hati-hati di ujung tanduk”
This idiom means “to be careful in a dangerous situation”. Literally, it translates to “be careful at the tip of the horn”. An example of this idiom in use could be: “Kamu harus hati-hati di ujung tanduk. Jangan sampai terjebak dalam situasi yang berbahaya.”
10. “Jatuh cinta”
This idiom means “to fall in love”. Literally, it translates to “falling in love”. An example of this idiom in use could be: “Saat pertama kali melihatnya, aku langsung jatuh cinta.”
Conclusion
Indonesian idioms can be challenging to understand for non-native speakers, but they are an important part of the language. By learning common idioms and their meanings, learners can improve their understanding of Indonesian culture and language. We hope this article has been helpful in providing examples and meanings of some common Indonesian idioms.