How to Use Conditional Sentences in Indonesian for English Speakers

Understanding Conditional Sentences in Indonesian

Conditional sentences express situations that depend on a certain condition being met. In Indonesian, these sentences are commonly formed using the word jika or kalau, both meaning "if" in English.

Common Words for 'If' in Indonesian

The two most common words used to introduce conditional clauses are jika and kalau. Both can be used interchangeably, but kalau is more informal and frequently used in everyday conversation.

• Jika (formal) - if
• Kalau (informal) - if

Basic Structure of Conditional Sentences

The typical structure of a conditional sentence in Indonesian is similar to English: If + condition, result. For example:

Jika saya punya waktu, saya akan pergi ke pasar.
Translation: If I have time, I will go to the market.

Using 'Akan' to Express Future Result

In Indonesian, the word akan is used to indicate a future action or result in the main clause of a conditional sentence. It is similar to "will" in English.

Example:
Kalau hujan, saya akan tinggal di rumah.
Translation: If it rains, I will stay at home.

Conditional Sentences Without 'Akan'

Sometimes, the result clause does not use akan if the action is habitual or a general truth.

Example:
Jika kamu makan terlalu banyak, kamu sakit.
Translation: If you eat too much, you get sick.

Using 'Kalau' in Everyday Conversation

Kalau is often preferred in casual speech and can also mean "when" depending on context.

Example:
Kalau saya lapar, saya makan.
Translation: When I am hungry, I eat.

Negative Conditional Sentences

To form negative conditional sentences, simply negate the verb in the condition or result clause using tidak or jangan.

Example:
Jika kamu tidak belajar, kamu tidak akan lulus.
Translation: If you do not study, you will not pass.

Summary of Key Points

• Use jika or kalau to mean "if".
• Use akan to indicate future actions in the result clause.
• Omit akan for habitual or general truths.
• Negate verbs with tidak or jangan to form negative conditionals.
• Kalau is more informal and common in spoken Indonesian.