Bedeutung
Working together in good and bad times
Kultureller Hintergrund
In Java, this is linked to the concept of 'Rukun', which means social harmony. Avoiding conflict and helping others is the highest social virtue. The Minang people use this proverb to describe the responsibility of the 'Niniak Mamak' (elders) to look after their clan members. In cities like Jakarta, this proverb is often used in 'Crowdfunding' campaigns or social media movements to help people in need. This phrase is a pillar of 'Pancasila' (the five principles of Indonesia). It is taught to every child in school as the definition of being Indonesian.
Use it in Speeches
If you are ever asked to give a short speech at an Indonesian wedding or office party, ending with this proverb will earn you massive respect from the locals.
Don't shorten it
Unlike some English idioms (e.g., 'When in Rome...'), you should always say both halves of this proverb. Saying just 'Berat sama dipikul' feels unfinished.
Bedeutung
Working together in good and bad times
Use it in Speeches
If you are ever asked to give a short speech at an Indonesian wedding or office party, ending with this proverb will earn you massive respect from the locals.
Don't shorten it
Unlike some English idioms (e.g., 'When in Rome...'), you should always say both halves of this proverb. Saying just 'Berat sama dipikul' feels unfinished.
Teste dich selbst
Complete the proverb with the correct verbs.
Berat sama ______, ringan sama ______.
The traditional verbs are 'dipikul' (shoulder) and 'dijinjing' (hand).
Which situation best fits this proverb?
A group of neighbors helping to fix a broken bridge after a storm.
This situation involves collective labor and sharing a burden.
What is the figurative meaning of 'ringan sama dijinjing'?
In the context of the proverb, this part means...
The proverb emphasizes sharing both the difficult (heavy) and the easy (light) parts of life.
Complete the dialogue.
Andi: 'Proyek ini sangat melelahkan.' Budi: 'Sabar, Andi. Kita kerjakan bersama. Ingat...'
Budi is encouraging Andi by reminding him of teamwork.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenBerat sama ______, ringan sama ______.
The traditional verbs are 'dipikul' (shoulder) and 'dijinjing' (hand).
A group of neighbors helping to fix a broken bridge after a storm.
This situation involves collective labor and sharing a burden.
In the context of the proverb, this part means...
The proverb emphasizes sharing both the difficult (heavy) and the easy (light) parts of life.
Andi: 'Proyek ini sangat melelahkan.' Budi: 'Sabar, Andi. Kita kerjakan bersama. Ingat...'
Budi is encouraging Andi by reminding him of teamwork.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenYes, but mostly in formal contexts like school, university organizations, or when discussing social issues. It's not common in 'slang' but everyone knows it.
Absolutely. It's a great way to close an email to a team after a successful project or when asking for cooperation.
'Pikul' is carrying on the shoulder (usually with a pole). 'Jinjing' is carrying by the handle with your hand. It's a metaphor for big and small tasks.
In the proverb, it is always 'sama'. While 'bersama' also means together, the proverb uses 'sama' to maintain its traditional rhythm.
Yes, it can. If a group of friends is splitting a bill or raising money for a cause, this proverb is very appropriate.
Not really. The beauty is in the balance of the two parts. If you want something shorter, just say 'Gotong royong'.
No, it is cultural. However, it aligns with the values of many religions in Indonesia, such as Islam, Christianity, and Hinduism, which all emphasize charity and community.
Yes! Indonesians love it when foreigners use their proverbs correctly. It shows you understand their core value of 'Gotong Royong'.
Yes, the exact same proverb is used in Malaysia and Singapore, as they share the same Malay linguistic roots.
If you stop at 'Berat sama dipikul', people will likely finish it for you! But try to memorize both to sound more fluent.
Verwandte Redewendungen
Gotong royong
similarMutual cooperation
Bersatu kita teguh, bercerai kita runtuh
similarUnited we stand, divided we fall
Ringan tangan
builds onHelpful / Quick to help
Makan hati
contrastTo suffer in silence / To be deeply upset
