How to Express Future and Intentions in Indonesian

Understanding Future and Intentions in Indonesian

In Indonesian, expressing future actions and intentions is straightforward because the language does not use verb conjugations to indicate tense. Instead, time is often shown through context or by using specific words that indicate the future or intention.

Using Time Adverbs to Indicate the Future

One common way to express future actions is by using time adverbs such as besok (tomorrow), nanti (later), or akan (will). These words help clarify that the action will happen in the future.

• Besok – tomorrow
• Nanti – later
• Akan – will (used before verbs to indicate future)

For example:
Saya akan pergi ke pasar besok. – I will go to the market tomorrow.

Using <em>Akan</em> to Express Future Intentions

The word akan is often used before a verb to indicate a future action or intention. It is similar to the English auxiliary verb 'will'.

Example sentences:

• Dia akan belajar bahasa Indonesia. – He/She will study Indonesian.
• Kami akan makan malam nanti. – We will have dinner later.

Expressing Intentions with <em>Ingin</em> and <em>Mau</em>

To express intentions or desires, Indonesian uses verbs like ingin and mau, both meaning 'want' or 'intend to'.

Examples:

• Saya ingin pergi ke Bali. – I want to go to Bali.
• Dia mau belajar musik. – He/She intends to study music.

Difference Between <em>Ingin</em> and <em>Mau</em>

While both ingin and mau express desire or intention, mau is more commonly used in everyday conversation and is less formal than ingin.

Example:

• Mau ke mana? – Where do you want to go? (casual)
• Ingin ke mana? – Where do you want to go? (more formal)

Using Context to Express Future Without Specific Words

Sometimes, Indonesians express future actions simply by context or time indicators without using akan or other future markers.

Example:

• Besok saya pergi ke kantor. – Tomorrow I go to the office.
• Nanti saya telepon kamu. – I will call you later.