Learning Indonesian can be a fascinating journey, especially when it comes to understanding the subtleties of its vocabulary. Two words that often confuse learners are terlalu and amat. Both can be translated into English, but they carry different nuances. This article aims to help you distinguish between these two words and use them correctly in sentences.
Understanding Terlalu
Terlalu is an Indonesian word that translates to “too” or “excessively” in English. It is often used to describe something that goes beyond the desired level or limit. When you want to express that something is more than what is acceptable or necessary, you would use terlalu.
Terlalu
This word means “too” or “excessively”.
Cuaca hari ini terlalu panas untuk berjalan-jalan.
(The weather today is too hot for a walk.)
Panas
This word means “hot”.
Air ini terlalu panas untuk diminum.
(This water is too hot to drink.)
Mahal
This word means “expensive”.
Harga mobil itu terlalu mahal.
(The price of that car is too expensive.)
Using Terlalu in Different Contexts
Terlalu banyak
This phrase means “too much”.
Saya makan terlalu banyak makanan tadi malam.
(I ate too much food last night.)
Terlalu sedikit
This phrase means “too little”.
Gaji saya terlalu sedikit untuk hidup di kota besar.
(My salary is too little to live in a big city.)
Terlalu cepat
This phrase means “too fast”.
Dia mengemudi terlalu cepat di jalan tol.
(He drives too fast on the highway.)
Understanding Amat
Amat is another Indonesian word that translates to “very” or “extremely” in English. It is used to emphasize the degree of an adjective or adverb. When you want to stress how much or to what extent something is, you use amat.
Amat
This word means “very” or “extremely”.
Saya amat senang hari ini.
(I am very happy today.)
Senang
This word means “happy”.
Dia amat senang dengan hasil ujian.
(She is very happy with the exam results.)
Penting
This word means “important”.
Pertemuan ini amat penting untuk masa depan perusahaan.
(This meeting is very important for the company’s future.)
Using Amat in Different Contexts
Amat sangat
This phrase means “extremely”.
Film itu amat sangat menarik.
(That movie is extremely interesting.)
Amat baik
This phrase means “very good”.
Dia adalah orang yang amat baik.
(He is a very good person.)
Amat indah
This phrase means “very beautiful”.
Pantai ini amat indah.
(This beach is very beautiful.)
Comparing Terlalu and Amat
While both terlalu and amat are used to modify adjectives and adverbs, their connotations are different. Terlalu often has a negative connotation, implying an excess that is undesirable. In contrast, amat is generally positive or neutral, simply emphasizing the degree of something without implying it is too much.
Negative Connotation of Terlalu
Makanan ini terlalu asin.
(This food is too salty.)
Positive Emphasis of Amat
Makanan ini amat lezat.
(This food is very delicious.)
Common Mistakes
A frequent mistake for learners is using terlalu when they mean to use amat, and vice versa. Here are a few examples to help clarify:
Incorrect:
Dia terlalu baik hati.
Correct:
Dia amat baik hati.
(He is very kind-hearted.)
Incorrect:
Harga itu amat mahal.
Correct:
Harga itu terlalu mahal.
(That price is too expensive.)
Practice Exercises
To get a better grasp of these words, try the following exercises:
1. Translate the following sentences into Indonesian using terlalu or amat:
– The coffee is too bitter.
– She is very intelligent.
– This book is too thick.
– That sunset is very beautiful.
2. Create sentences using terlalu and amat with the following adjectives:
– Panas (hot)
– Lucu (funny)
– Tinggi (tall)
– Sibuk (busy)
Conclusion
Mastering the use of terlalu and amat can significantly enhance your Indonesian language skills. Remember that terlalu often implies an excess that is undesirable, while amat emphasizes the degree of something in a generally positive or neutral way. By practicing and paying attention to context, you will be able to use these words correctly and naturally in your conversations.
Happy learning, and selamat belajar!
