Learning a new language encompasses more than just mastering basic greetings and everyday expressions. To truly embrace the intricacies of Indonesian, one must delve into the realm of descriptive comparisons. These phrases enrich conversations and provide clarity in discussions. Let’s discover some essential phrases in Indonesian that will help you compare and contrast with ease.

Lebih besar translates to “bigger” or “larger” in English. This comparative phrase is used to describe something that is of greater size or magnitude than something else.

Rumah ini lebih besar daripada rumah kamu.

This means “This house is bigger than your house.”

Lebih kecil means “smaller”. This phrase is useful when you want to talk about something that is of a lesser size compared to another object.

Kucing itu lebih kecil daripada anjing itu.

Translating to “That cat is smaller than that dog.”

Lebih cepat signifies “faster”. Use this comparison when discussing speed or pace.

Dia berlari lebih cepat daripada saya.

This can be translated as “He runs faster than me.”

Lebih lambat stands for “slower”. Opposite of lebih cepat, it is used when describing something with a slower pace.

Kera ini lebih lambat daripada yang lain.

It means “This monkey is slower than the others.”

Lebih mahal means “more expensive”. This phrase can be used when price is being compared.

Telepon ini lebih mahal daripada yang itu.

Which translates to “This phone is more expensive than that one.”

Lebih murah denotes “cheaper”. When something costs less than another, you would use this descriptive phrase.

Gaun ini lebih murah daripada gaun itu.

Meaning “This dress is cheaper than that dress.”

Lebih baik could be understood as “better”. This term comes in handy when describing an improvement or a preferable state.

Pilihan ini lebih baik untuk lingkungan.

This is translated as “This option is better for the environment.”

Lebih buruk translates to “worse”. It expresses a decline or a less desirable state compared to another.

Sikapnya lebih buruk sekarang daripada sebelumnya.

Meaning “His attitude is worse now than before.”

Lebih jelas means “clearer”. Use this comparison when you’re talking about something that’s more understandable or less ambiguous.

Instruksinya lebih jelas kali ini.

Which can be translated as “The instructions are clearer this time.”

Seperti means “like” or “as”. It is not a comparative phrase per se, but it’s often used in similes to draw a comparison.

Dia bisa berlari seperti kucing.

This can be translated to “He can run like a cat.”

Each of these phrases can elevate your Indonesian-speaking skills significantly. By using descriptive comparisons, you will be able to converse with greater depth and precision. Practice incorporating these comparisons into your Indonesian conversations to find yourself navigating through the language with more confidence and ease. Selamat belajar! (Happy learning!)