Defining and Explaining in Indonesian

Overview

Being able to define terms and explain concepts is an important skill, especially as you move into intermediate Indonesian. The language has several structures for definitions and explanations: adalah (is, for formal definitions), yaitu (that is/namely), artinya (it means), and disebut/dinamakan (is called). These appear frequently in academic texts, news articles, and explanatory conversations.

These defining structures go beyond the basic use of adalah you learned at the A1 level. At the B1 level, you will learn to use them for more complex explanations and to navigate academic and informational content.

How It Works

Definition Structures

Pattern	Example	English
X adalah Y	Batik adalah kain tradisional.	Batik is a traditional cloth.
X yaitu Y	Ada dua jenis, yaitu X dan Y.	There are two types, namely X and Y.
X artinya Y	"Terima kasih" artinya "thank you."	"Terima kasih" means "thank you."
X disebut Y	Ini disebut batik.	This is called batik.
X itu apa?	Rendang itu apa?	What is rendang?

Explanation Words

Indonesian	English	Use
adalah	is (formal definition)	Connecting subject to definition
yaitu	that is / namely	Specifying or listing
artinya	it means / meaning	Translating or explaining meaning
disebut / dinamakan	is called	Naming something
maksudnya	the meaning is / I mean	Clarifying
dengan kata lain	in other words	Rephrasing

Asking for Definitions

Indonesian	English
... itu apa?	What is ...?
Apa artinya ...?	What does ... mean?
Apa yang dimaksud dengan ...?	What is meant by ...?

Examples in Context

Indonesian	English	Note
Rendang itu apa?	What is rendang?	Asking for definition
Artinya kamu setuju.	It means you agree.	Explaining implication
Yaitu harus mengulang.	That is, we have to redo it.	Clarifying
Ini disebut batik.	This is called batik.	Naming
Indonesia adalah negara kepulauan.	Indonesia is an archipelago nation.	Formal definition
Maksudnya, kita harus lebih hati-hati.	I mean, we need to be more careful.	Clarification
Dengan kata lain, tidak bisa.	In other words, it's not possible.	Rephrasing
Ada dua cara, yaitu A dan B.	There are two ways, namely A and B.	Listing/specifying
Apa artinya kata ini?	What does this word mean?	Asking meaning
Dia dinamakan Si Kancil.	He is called the Mouse Deer.	Naming in stories

Common Mistakes

Using adalah before adjectives

• Wrong: Dia adalah cantik.
• Right: Dia cantik. — adalah only connects two noun phrases
• Why: Adalah is for definitions (noun = noun), not for adjective predicates.

Confusing yaitu and artinya

• Wrong: Using them interchangeably
• Right: Yaitu specifies or lists items; artinya explains meaning
• Why: Yaitu is "namely" (identifies which); artinya is "means" (explains what it means).

Overusing adalah in casual speech

• Wrong: Saya adalah mahasiswa. in casual conversation
• Right: Saya mahasiswa. — adalah is optional in casual contexts
• Why: Adalah sounds overly formal in everyday speech.

Usage Notes

These structures are heavily used in Indonesian education, media, and formal writing. Yaitu is extremely common in academic texts for introducing lists and specifications. Artinya is versatile — it can translate words, explain implications, or draw conclusions. In casual speech, maksudnya (I mean / the meaning is) is the most natural way to explain or clarify something.

Practice Tips

1. Practice defining Indonesian cultural concepts: Batik adalah... Rendang adalah... Gamelan adalah... This builds both vocabulary and defining skills.
2. Use artinya and maksudnya in conversations to clarify your meaning — native speakers use these constantly.

Related Concepts

• Adalah (to be) — the foundational copula for definitions