How to Form Yes/No and Information Questions in Indonesian

Understanding Yes/No Questions in Indonesian

In Indonesian, yes/no questions are often formed by adding question words like apakah or by using intonation alone. Unlike English, Indonesian does not always require auxiliary verbs to form questions.

Using <em>Apakah</em> to Form Yes/No Questions

The word apakah is placed at the beginning of a sentence to indicate a yes/no question. It is similar to adding "do" or "does" in English questions but is optional in casual speech.

For example:
Statement: Kamu suka kopi. (You like coffee.)
Question: Apakah kamu suka kopi? (Do you like coffee?)

Forming Yes/No Questions with Intonation

In informal Indonesian, you can simply raise your intonation at the end of a statement to turn it into a question without adding apakah. This is common in everyday conversation.

For example:
Statement: Kamu pergi ke pasar. (You go to the market.)
Question: Kamu pergi ke pasar? (Are you going to the market?)

Forming Information Questions in Indonesian

Information questions in Indonesian are formed by using question words at the beginning of the sentence. These question words are similar to English question words like who, what, where, when, why, and how.

Common Indonesian Question Words

• Siapa – Who
• Apa – What
• Di mana – Where
• Kapan – When
• Mengapa / Kenapa – Why
• Bagaimana – How

Examples of Information Questions

Here are some examples of information questions using these question words:

• Siapa dia? (Who is he/she?)
• Apa ini? (What is this?)
• Di mana kamu tinggal? (Where do you live?)
• Kapan kamu datang? (When will you come?)
• Mengapa kamu sedih? (Why are you sad?)
• Bagaimana cara membuatnya? (How do you make it?)

Tips for Asking Questions in Indonesian

• Use apakah for formal yes/no questions.
• In casual speech, intonation alone can indicate a question.
• Place question words at the beginning for information questions.
• No need to invert subject and verb as in English.
• Practice listening to native speakers to get used to question intonation.