How to Express Cause and Effect in Indonesian

Understanding Cause and Effect in Indonesian

Expressing cause and effect is essential in any language to explain reasons and consequences. In Indonesian, this relationship is often shown using specific conjunctions and phrases that connect clauses logically.

Common Indonesian Words for Cause and Effect

Here are some of the most frequently used words and phrases to express cause and effect in Indonesian:

• Karena (because)
• Sebab (because, due to)
• Oleh karena itu (therefore)
• Jadi (so, therefore)
• Maka (then, so)
• Sehingga (so that, therefore)

Using 'Karena' to Express Cause

The word karena is used to indicate the cause of something. It is similar to the English word "because." It usually comes before the cause clause.

Example:
"Saya terlambat karena macet."
Translation: "I was late because of traffic."

Using 'Sebab' as a Formal Cause Connector

Sebab also means "because" or "due to" and is often used in more formal contexts or writing.

Example:
"Acara dibatalkan sebab hujan deras."
Translation: "The event was canceled because of heavy rain."

Expressing Effect with 'Jadi' and 'Maka'

To show the effect or result, Indonesian uses words like jadi and maka, which mean "so" or "therefore." These words connect the cause to its effect.

Example:
"Cuaca buruk, jadi kami tidak pergi."
Translation: "The weather was bad, so we did not go."

Using 'Oleh karena itu' and 'Sehingga' for Formal Cause and Effect

For more formal or written Indonesian, phrases like oleh karena itu (therefore) and sehingga (so that, therefore) are used to clearly express cause and effect relationships.

Example:
"Dia sakit, oleh karena itu tidak masuk kerja."
Translation: "He is sick; therefore, he did not go to work."

Example:
"Hujan deras sehingga jalan menjadi banjir."
Translation: "It rained heavily so that the roads became flooded."

Tips for Using Cause and Effect in Indonesian

• Choose karena or sebab to introduce the cause.
• Use jadi or maka to introduce the effect or result.
• For formal writing, prefer oleh karena itu and sehingga.
• Remember that word order in Indonesian is flexible, but clarity is key.
• Practice by making sentences that explain reasons and consequences in daily life.