How to Use 'dari' and 'dengan' in Indonesian Sentences for English Speakers

Understanding the Prepositions 'dari' and 'dengan' in Indonesian

'Dari' and 'dengan' are two common prepositions in Indonesian that often confuse English speakers. Both words serve different functions and are essential for constructing meaningful sentences. This article will help you understand when and how to use 'dari' and 'dengan' correctly.

What Does 'dari' Mean?

'Dari' generally means 'from' or 'of' in English. It indicates the origin, source, or starting point of something. It can also express possession or cause depending on the context.

Examples of 'dari' in Sentences

• Saya berasal dari Indonesia. (I come from Indonesia.)
• Dia mendapat hadiah dari temannya. (He got a gift from his friend.)
• Kopi ini dibuat dari biji kopi terbaik. (This coffee is made from the best coffee beans.)

What Does 'dengan' Mean?

'Dengan' translates to 'with' or 'by' in English. It is used to indicate the means, instrument, or accompaniment in an action or situation.

Examples of 'dengan' in Sentences

• Saya menulis surat dengan pena. (I write a letter with a pen.)
• Dia pergi ke pasar dengan temannya. (He goes to the market with his friend.)
• Kami belajar bahasa Indonesia dengan giat. (We study Indonesian diligently.)

Key Differences Between 'dari' and 'dengan'

While both are prepositions, 'dari' focuses on origin or source, whereas 'dengan' emphasizes the means or accompaniment. Understanding this distinction is crucial for correct usage.

• dari = from, indicating origin or source
• dengan = with, indicating means or accompaniment

Common Mistakes to Avoid

English speakers sometimes confuse 'dari' and 'dengan' because both can relate to relationships between things. Remember to think about whether you are talking about where something comes from ('dari') or how something is done or with whom ('dengan').

Practice Sentences for You to Try

1. Saya membeli buku ___ toko itu. (I bought a book ___ that store.)
2. Dia pergi ke sekolah ___ sepeda. (He goes to school ___ bicycle.)
3. Hadiah itu diberikan ___ guru kepada murid. (The gift was given ___ the teacher to the student.)

Try filling in the blanks with either 'dari' or 'dengan' based on the meaning of the sentence.