المعنى
Sometimes it is better to stay silent.
خلفية ثقافية
In Javanese culture, silence is a form of 'prihatin' (spiritual discipline). A person who can control their tongue is considered to have high 'wahyu' (divine light) and authority. The Minang people value 'Aka nan panjang' (long logic/thinking). Silence is used as a time to think deeply before making a communal decision (mufakat). Younger generations in Jakarta often use this ironically when they are 'ghosting' someone or avoiding a 'drama' on WhatsApp. Many Indonesians associate this with the Hadith: 'Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should speak good or remain silent.'
Use it to de-escalate
If someone is angry at you, simply saying 'Bagi saya diam itu emas' can sometimes calm the situation down by showing you aren't looking for a fight.
Don't be a robot
If you use this phrase every time someone asks you a question, you will seem rude or uninterested. Use it only for wisdom, not for avoiding basic conversation.
المعنى
Sometimes it is better to stay silent.
Use it to de-escalate
If someone is angry at you, simply saying 'Bagi saya diam itu emas' can sometimes calm the situation down by showing you aren't looking for a fight.
Don't be a robot
If you use this phrase every time someone asks you a question, you will seem rude or uninterested. Use it only for wisdom, not for avoiding basic conversation.
The 'Silver' Contrast
To sound more like a native expert, use the full version: 'Bicara itu perak, diam itu emas.' It shows a higher level of linguistic mastery.
اختبر نفسك
Complete the proverb.
Diam itu ____.
The proverb is 'Diam itu emas' (Silence is gold).
In which situation is 'Diam itu emas' most appropriate?
Situation: Your friend is shouting at you because they are stressed.
Staying silent to avoid escalating a conflict is the core meaning of 'diam itu emas.'
What is the full version of the proverb?
Choose the correct full comparison.
The full proverb contrasts silver (perak) for speaking and gold (emas) for silence.
Complete the dialogue with the correct phrase.
A: 'Aku ingin sekali memarahi dia!' B: 'Sabar, jangan emosi. Ingat, _______.'
'Diam itu emas' is the best advice for someone wanting to vent their anger impulsively.
🎉 النتيجة: /4
وسائل تعلم بصرية
The Value of Communication
بنك التمارين
4 تمارينDiam itu ____.
The proverb is 'Diam itu emas' (Silence is gold).
Situation: Your friend is shouting at you because they are stressed.
Staying silent to avoid escalating a conflict is the core meaning of 'diam itu emas.'
Choose the correct full comparison.
The full proverb contrasts silver (perak) for speaking and gold (emas) for silence.
A: 'Aku ingin sekali memarahi dia!' B: 'Sabar, jangan emosi. Ingat, _______.'
'Diam itu emas' is the best advice for someone wanting to vent their anger impulsively.
🎉 النتيجة: /4
الأسئلة الشائعة
5 أسئلةYes, especially in the age of social media where impulsive comments can have long-term consequences. It's a reminder to think before you 'speak' (or type).
Yes, 'Diam adalah emas' is grammatically correct but sounds more like a definition in a book than a spoken proverb.
It can be if you say it to shut them up. It's better used as a general piece of advice or as a personal principle.
There isn't a direct 'opposite' proverb, but 'Berani karena benar' (Brave because you are right) encourages speaking up.
Yes, but it can also be used figuratively to mean 'precious' or 'excellent' (e.g., Generasi Emas).
عبارات ذات صلة
Tong kosong nyaring bunyinya
contrastAn empty barrel makes the most noise.
Air tenang menghanyutkan
similarStill waters run deep.
Mulutmu harimaumu
builds onYour mouth is your tiger.
Sabar itu subur
similarPatience is fertile/rewarding.
