How to Use Past Tense and Express Completed Actions in Indonesian

Understanding Past Tense in Indonesian

Unlike English, Indonesian does not have a specific verb conjugation to indicate past tense. Instead, context and time markers are used to express actions that have already been completed.

Using Time Markers to Indicate Past Actions

To express that an action happened in the past, Indonesian speakers often use time adverbs such as kemarin (yesterday), tadi (earlier), or bulan lalu (last month). These words help clarify that the action is completed.

For example:

• Saya makan nasi kemarin. - I ate rice yesterday.
• Dia pergi ke pasar tadi. - He/She went to the market earlier.

Using the Particle 'Sudah' to Express Completed Actions

The word sudah is commonly used to indicate that an action has been completed. It can be placed before the verb to show that something has already happened.

Examples:

• Saya sudah makan. - I have eaten (already).
• Mereka sudah pulang. - They have gone home.

Using the Particle 'Telah' for Formal or Written Indonesian

Telah is similar to sudah but is more formal and often used in written language. It also indicates that an action has been completed.

Examples:

• Dia telah menyelesaikan tugasnya. - He/She has finished his/her task.
• Kami telah tiba di bandara. - We have arrived at the airport.

Expressing Past Actions Without Time Markers or Particles

Sometimes, the past tense is understood from the context without using sudah, telah, or time markers. However, this is more common in casual conversation when the timing is clear.

Example:

• Apa kamu makan? - Did you eat? (context implies past)

Summary of Key Points

• Indonesian verbs do not change form for past tense.
• Use time markers like kemarin or tadi to indicate past actions.
• Use sudah or telah to express completed actions.
• Context often clarifies if an action is in the past.

Common Phrases to Express Past Actions in Indonesian