Introduction to Indonesian Prepositions of Time

Prepositions of time in Indonesian grammar are referred to as kata depan waktu. These words help demonstrate a clear connection between actions, events, or states and specific times. In Indonesian, there are several common prepositions of time, such as:

• Pada
• Sampai
• Sejak
• Setelah
• Sebelum

In the following sections, we will delve deeper into the correct usage and examples of each of these prepositions to develop your proficiency in Indonesian grammar.

Usage of ‘Pada’ in Indonesian Grammar

Pada is perhaps the most versatile preposition of time in Indonesian grammar. It can refer to a specific point in time, such as a date, day, or exact moment. It is equivalent to the English prepositions “on,” “at,” or “in.”

Examples:

• Pada Senin, saya akan pergi ke toko. (On Monday, I will go to the store.)
• Acara itu berlangsung pada tahun 2000. (The event took place in the year 2000.)

‘Sampai’ as a Preposition of Time

Sampai is another crucial preposition of time in Indonesian grammar, indicating the end of an activity, event, or period. It is comparable to the English prepositions “until” or “till.”

Examples:

• Anak-anak belajar sampai pukul 3 sore. (The children study until 3 in the afternoon.)
• Kontrak ini berlaku sampai Desember. (This contract is valid until December.)

Utilizing ‘Sejak’ for Prepositions of Time

The preposition sejak signifies the starting point of an action, event, or period in time. It is synonymous with the English word “since.”

Examples:

• Sejak tahun 1990, ia bekerja di perusahaan ini. (Since 1990, he has been working in this company.)
• Rumah ini kosong sejak mereka pindah. (This house has been empty since they moved.)

The Preposition ‘Setelah’ in Indonesian Grammar

Setelah is a preposition of time that indicates an action occurring after another event. It is equivalent to the English word “after.”

Examples:

• Saya akan pergi ke pesta setelah pulang dari kantor. (I will go to the party after returning from the office.)
• Dia mulai menulis setelah makan malam. (He started writing after dinner.)

Using ‘Sebelum’ as a Preposition of Time

Sebelum denotes an action taking place before another event. It is the counterpart to the English word “before.”

Examples:

• Sebelum ke bioskop, mari kita makan malam. (Before going to the cinema, let’s have dinner.)
• Saya biasanya pergi berolahraga sebelum bekerja. (I usually exercise before going to work.)

Conclusion

This comprehensive guide has provided a detailed examination of the prepositions of time in Indonesian grammar. By understanding the usage and importance of kata depan waktu, such as pada, sampai, sejak, setelah, and sebelum, learners will enhance their proficiency in Indonesian grammar. To further improve your skills in using Indonesian prepositions of time, practice using them in various sentences and contexts.