How to Use 'di' and 'ke' for Location and Direction in Indonesian

Understanding the Role of 'di' and 'ke' in Indonesian

In Indonesian, the prepositions 'di' and 'ke' are essential for expressing location and direction. While both relate to places, they serve different grammatical functions that are important to grasp for clear communication.

What Does 'di' Mean?

The preposition 'di' is used to indicate a static location - where something or someone is located. It is equivalent to the English preposition "at" or "in" when referring to a place.

For example, in the sentence "Saya tinggal di Jakarta", it means "I live in Jakarta." Here, 'di' shows the location where the subject is.

What Does 'ke' Mean?

On the other hand, 'ke' is used to indicate direction or movement towards a place. It is similar to the English preposition "to" when talking about going somewhere.

For example, "Saya pergi ke sekolah" means "I go to school." The preposition 'ke' shows the direction of movement.

Key Differences Between 'di' and 'ke'

To summarize the difference:

• 'di' = location (where something is)
• 'ke' = direction (where something is going)

Examples of 'di' and 'ke' in Sentences

Here are some examples to illustrate the use of 'di' and 'ke':

• Saya di rumah. (I am at home.)
• Dia di kantor. (He/She is at the office.)
• Kami pergi ke pasar. (We go to the market.)
• Mereka berjalan ke taman. (They walk to the park.)

Important Notes When Using 'di' and 'ke'

Both 'di' and 'ke' are always placed directly before the noun indicating the place, without any article or preposition in between.

Incorrect: Saya pergi ke ke sekolah.

Correct: Saya pergi ke sekolah.

Also, these prepositions are not conjugated or changed based on tense or subject.

Practice Tips for English Speakers Learning Indonesian

To master the use of 'di' and 'ke', try the following:

1. Identify whether the sentence talks about a location or a direction.
2. Use 'di' for locations where someone or something is stationary.
3. Use 'ke' for directions or destinations where someone or something is moving towards.
4. Practice by making simple sentences about your daily activities using both prepositions.