Bedeutung
Asking for the identity of a third person
Kultureller Hintergrund
Indonesians often use kinship terms instead of 'dia' if the relationship is known. For example, 'Siapa Ibu itu?' (Who is that mother/lady?) is very common. In Java, levels of politeness are very strict. While 'Siapa dia?' is okay in Indonesian, a Javanese speaker might feel more comfortable using 'Sinten punika?' in their local tongue, which translates to the respectful 'Siapa beliau?'. In Jakarta slang, 'dia' is often shortened to 'die' or replaced with 'doi' (slang for crush/partner). 'Siapa doi?' usually means 'Who is your crush/boyfriend/girlfriend?'. On TikTok or Instagram, 'Siapa dia?' is often used in 'POV' videos to introduce characters or mystery guests.
The 'Kah' Trick
Add '-kah' to 'Siapa' (Siapakah dia?) to sound like a sophisticated detective or a writer.
Avoid 'Adalah'
Never say 'Siapa adalah dia?'. It's the most obvious sign of a beginner translating from English.
Bedeutung
Asking for the identity of a third person
The 'Kah' Trick
Add '-kah' to 'Siapa' (Siapakah dia?) to sound like a sophisticated detective or a writer.
Avoid 'Adalah'
Never say 'Siapa adalah dia?'. It's the most obvious sign of a beginner translating from English.
Use Titles
If you know the person is a teacher, it's better to ask 'Siapa guru itu?' than 'Siapa dia?'.
Gender Neutrality
Embrace the power of 'dia'! You never have to worry about misgendering someone in Indonesian.
Teste dich selbst
Choose the correct Indonesian translation for 'Who is she?'
Who is she?
'Siapa dia?' works for both 'Who is he?' and 'Who is she?'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Lihat foto ini! B: Wah, _____ dia?
We use 'siapa' to ask about people.
Match the phrase to the correct social context.
Asking about the President of Indonesia.
'Beliau' is the respectful form for high-ranking officials.
Fill in the missing part of the informal conversation.
Siska: 'Ada cowok ganteng di sana!' Budi: '_____? Temanmu?'
Budi is asking about the 'cowok' (guy) Siska mentioned.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Formality Levels
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenWho is she?
'Siapa dia?' works for both 'Who is he?' and 'Who is she?'.
A: Lihat foto ini! B: Wah, _____ dia?
We use 'siapa' to ask about people.
Asking about the President of Indonesia.
'Beliau' is the respectful form for high-ranking officials.
Siska: 'Ada cowok ganteng di sana!' Budi: '_____? Temanmu?'
Budi is asking about the 'cowok' (guy) Siska mentioned.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenIt means both! Indonesian doesn't distinguish gender in pronouns.
Yes, 'ia' is a synonym for 'dia', but 'dia' is much more common in spoken 'Siapa dia?'.
Generally no, but if the person is very important or much older, 'Siapa beliau?' is more polite.
Just change 'dia' to 'mereka': 'Siapa mereka?'.
Yes, that's a common informal variation, often used for emphasis.
You can say 'Siapa itu?' (Who is that?) or 'Siapa orang itu?'.
Yes, or use the question word 'siapa' which already signals a question.
Usually we use 'Apa itu?' for animals, but if the pet is like family, some might say 'Siapa dia?'.
The formal version is 'Siapakah beliau?'.
If you are asking about a colleague or manager, yes, but use 'beliau' for superiors.
Verwandte Redewendungen
Siapa itu?
similarWho is that?
Siapa mereka?
builds onWho are they?
Siapa nama dia?
specialized formWhat is his/her name?
Kenal dia?
similarKnow him/her?
Siapa beliau?
specialized formWho is he/she? (Respectful)
