When using "butuh", the subject doing the needing comes before it. The thing being needed comes after "butuh". For example, Saya butuh makan. means I need to eat. and Kamu butuh istirahat. means You need to rest.
It can also be used as an adjective meaning "needy" or "in need of", e.g. orang butuh (needy person). Or as a noun meaning "need", e.g. kebutuhan pokok (basic needs).
butuh in 30 Sekunden
- Butuh means 'to need.'
- It's used when you require something.
- You can use it for things, help, or time.
§ What 'Butuh' Means and When to Use It
The Indonesian word butuh (CEFR A1) is a verb that means 'to need'. It's one of the most fundamental words you'll learn in Indonesian, and you'll find yourself using it all the time. Think about how often you say 'I need' in English – it's just as common in Indonesian.
- DEFINITION
- To need
You use butuh when you want to express a necessity, a requirement, or a desire for something. It can be used for both tangible things (like food, money, or a car) and intangible things (like help, information, or rest).
Let's look at some basic examples to get you started:
- When you need an object:
Saya butuh air.
This translates to 'I need water.' (Saya = I, air = water).
Dia butuh uang.
This means 'He/She needs money.' (Dia = He/She, uang = money).
- When you need help or assistance:
Kami butuh bantuan.
'We need help.' (Kami = We, bantuan = help).
Anda butuh informasi?
'Do you need information?' (Anda = You, informasi = information). Notice how a question is often formed simply by intonation, though you can also add 'apakah' at the beginning for emphasis.
Butuh can also be used to express that someone needs to do something. In this case, it's followed by a verb.
Saya butuh tidur.
'I need to sleep.' (Tidur = to sleep).
Kita butuh belajar.
'We need to study.' (Kita = We (inclusive), belajar = to study).
You can also use butuh to ask someone what they need:
Apa yang kamu butuhkan?
'What do you need?' (Apa = What, yang = that/which, kamu = you). You might notice the suffix '-kan' here. This is a common affixes in Indonesian that can change a verb's nuance, often making it more transitive. For now, just recognize it in this common phrase. We'll cover affixes in more detail later.
The flexibility of butuh makes it incredibly useful. Whether you're in a shop, asking for directions, or simply expressing a personal desire, this word will be a cornerstone of your Indonesian communication.
Wichtige Grammatik
The word 'butuh' (to need) is often followed directly by the thing needed. For example, 'Saya butuh kopi' (I need coffee).
Saya butuh istirahat. (I need a rest.)
When expressing the need for an action, 'butuh' is followed by the prefix 'me-' verb, or it can be followed by 'untuk' (to/for) and then the verb. For example, 'Kamu butuh makan' (You need to eat) or 'Kamu butuh untuk makan' (You need to eat).
Kami butuh makan. (We need to eat.)
To ask 'Do you need...?', you can simply say 'Butuh...?' or 'Apakah kamu butuh...?'
Butuh bantuan? (Do you need help?)
To express 'don't need', use 'tidak butuh'. For example, 'Saya tidak butuh itu' (I don't need that).
Mereka tidak butuh uang. (They don't need money.)
You can use 'butuh' with an intensifier like 'sangat' (very) to say 'really need'. For example, 'Saya sangat butuh tidur' (I really need sleep).
Dia sangat butuh teman. (He really needs a friend.)
Beispiele nach Niveau
Saya butuh air.
I need water.
Kamu butuh tidur.
You need sleep.
Dia butuh bantuan.
He/She needs help.
Kami butuh makanan.
We need food.
Mereka butuh istirahat.
They need a rest.
Apakah kamu butuh payung?
Do you need an umbrella?
Saya tidak butuh uang.
I don't need money.
Dia butuh istirahat yang cukup.
He/She needs enough rest.
Pemerintah butuh dukungan penuh dari rakyat untuk melaksanakan reformasi ekonomi yang ambisius ini.
The government needs full support from the people to implement these ambitious economic reforms.
Here, 'butuh' emphasizes a critical requirement for a large-scale endeavor.
Setelah insiden kebakaran hebat itu, komunitas lokal butuh bantuan mendesak berupa makanan, pakaian, dan tempat tinggal sementara.
After the major fire incident, the local community needs urgent help in the form of food, clothing, and temporary shelter.
'Butuh' is used to express immediate and critical necessities for a group of people.
Para ilmuwan butuh data yang lebih komprehensif dan analisis mendalam sebelum bisa menarik kesimpulan definitif mengenai fenomena aneh ini.
Scientists need more comprehensive data and in-depth analysis before they can draw definitive conclusions about this strange phenomenon.
This example highlights the need for extensive information in an academic or research context.
Untuk mencapai pertumbuhan ekonomi yang berkelanjutan, negara ini butuh investasi asing langsung yang signifikan serta pengembangan sumber daya manusia.
To achieve sustainable economic growth, this country needs significant foreign direct investment and human resource development.
'Butuh' here indicates a strategic necessity for national development.
Setelah melalui proses negosiasi yang panjang dan rumit, kedua belah pihak butuh waktu untuk mengevaluasi kembali proposal dan mencari titik temu.
After a long and complex negotiation process, both parties need time to re-evaluate the proposals and find common ground.
This usage of 'butuh' expresses the need for a pause or interval for reflection and strategy.
Seorang seniman sejati butuh kebebasan berekspresi tanpa batasan untuk menghasilkan karya-karya yang orisinal dan inovatif.
A true artist needs freedom of expression without limitations to produce original and innovative works.
'Butuh' describes an essential condition for creative output.
Perusahaan rintisan yang sedang berkembang pesat ini butuh talenta-talenta muda dengan keahlian digital yang relevan dan semangat kewirausahaan.
This rapidly growing startup needs young talents with relevant digital skills and an entrepreneurial spirit.
Here, 'butuh' specifies the type of human capital required for a company's growth.
Demi menjaga stabilitas regional, semua negara anggota butuh komitmen kolektif untuk mematuhi perjanjian internasional dan menyelesaikan sengketa secara damai.
For the sake of regional stability, all member states need collective commitment to adhere to international agreements and resolve disputes peacefully.
'Butuh' emphasizes the necessity of shared responsibility and action for geopolitical harmony.
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenYou can use 'butuh' like 'need' in English. For example, 'Saya butuh air' means 'I need water.' The subject comes before 'butuh', and the thing you need comes after. You can also say 'Butuh istirahat' which means 'Need a break.' This is a more direct, common way of speaking, similar to how you might just say 'Need coffee?' to a friend.
No, 'butuh' doesn't change based on who needs something. It's the same for 'saya' (I), 'kamu' (you), 'dia' (he/she), and so on. For instance, 'Dia butuh uang' (He/She needs money) and 'Kami butuh bantuan' (We need help) both use 'butuh' without any changes.
'Butuh' is generally neutral and can be used in most situations. It's not overly formal or informal. You'll hear it in everyday conversations and see it in written materials.
Both 'butuh' and 'membutuhkan' mean 'to need.' 'Butuh' is the more common and direct form used in everyday speech. 'Membutuhkan' is slightly more formal and often implies a deeper or more significant need. Think of it like the difference between 'I need a pen' and 'I am in need of a pen.' For A1 learners, focus on 'butuh' first.
While 'butuh' means 'to need,' sometimes in informal contexts, it can overlap with a strong desire. However, it's safer to use 'mau' or 'ingin' for 'want.' For example, 'Saya mau makan' (I want to eat) is better than 'Saya butuh makan' if you're not actually starving. Use 'butuh' for genuine needs.
You can simply say 'Kamu butuh...?' (Do you need...?) or 'Anda butuh...?' (Do you need...?, more formal). Indonesians often omit 'apakah' (a question word) in casual questions. For example, 'Kamu butuh kopi?' (Do you need coffee?).
Yes, you can. You would say 'Saya butuh bantuan segera' (I need help urgently). 'Segera' means 'immediately' or 'urgently.' The adverb usually comes after the thing you need.
To make 'butuh' negative, you put 'tidak' (not) before it. So, 'Saya tidak butuh' means 'I don't need.' For example, 'Saya tidak butuh uang' (I don't need money).
Yes, a very common one is 'Butuh waktu' (It needs time / Takes time). Another is 'Butuh bantuan?' (Need help?). You'll hear these a lot in daily conversations. Practice these!
At its core, 'butuh' always means 'to need.' The specific nuance might change slightly depending on the context of the sentence, but the fundamental meaning of requiring something remains constant. For A1, just stick to 'to need.'
Teste dich selbst 30 Fragen
Write a sentence saying 'I need water.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Saya butuh air.
Write a sentence saying 'He needs coffee.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Dia butuh kopi.
Write a sentence asking 'Do you need help?'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Kamu butuh bantuan?
What does Andi need?
Read this passage:
Andi merasa haus. Dia butuh air.
What does Andi need?
The passage states 'Dia butuh air', meaning 'He needs water'.
The passage states 'Dia butuh air', meaning 'He needs water'.
What does Budi need?
Read this passage:
Budi tidak punya pensil. Dia butuh pensil.
What does Budi need?
The passage says 'Dia butuh pensil', indicating 'He needs a pencil'.
The passage says 'Dia butuh pensil', indicating 'He needs a pencil'.
Who does Ani need?
Read this passage:
Ani sakit. Dia butuh dokter.
Who does Ani need?
The passage states 'Dia butuh dokter', meaning 'She needs a doctor' because she is sick.
The passage states 'Dia butuh dokter', meaning 'She needs a doctor' because she is sick.
Saya ___ bantuanmu untuk mengangkat kotak ini.
The sentence expresses a need for help. 'Butuh' means 'to need'.
Mereka ___ waktu lebih banyak untuk menyelesaikan proyek.
The context implies requiring more time. 'Butuh' is the correct verb for 'to need' or 'to require'.
Apakah kamu ___ pensil? Aku punya satu ekstra.
The speaker is offering a pencil, implying the listener might 'need' one. 'Butuh' fits here.
Dia ___ istirahat setelah bekerja seharian.
After working all day, one 'needs' a rest. 'Butuh' is the appropriate word.
Kami ___ peta untuk menemukan jalan ke pantai.
To find the way, a map is 'needed'. 'Butuh' is the correct choice.
Anak-anak ___ makan banyak untuk tumbuh sehat.
For healthy growth, children 'need' to eat a lot. 'Butuh' is the best fit.
The speaker needs more time for a project.
Someone is offering help with homework.
The discussion is about business improvement.
Read this aloud:
Saya sangat butuh istirahat setelah bekerja seharian.
Focus: istirahat
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Read this aloud:
Dia butuh dukungan moral dari teman-temannya.
Focus: dukungan
Du hast gesagt:
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Read this aloud:
Pemerintah butuh kebijakan yang lebih efektif untuk mengatasi inflasi.
Focus: kebijakan
Du hast gesagt:
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The government needs the people's support to implement this new policy.
I need more time to complete this complex project.
The company needs continuous innovation to remain competitive in the global market.
Read this aloud:
Bisakah Anda menjelaskan mengapa perusahaan butuh ekspansi ke pasar regional saat ini?
Focus: ekspansi, regional
Du hast gesagt:
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Read this aloud:
Menurut Anda, apa yang paling butuh diperbaiki dalam sistem pendidikan kita?
Focus: pendidikan, diperbaiki
Du hast gesagt:
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Read this aloud:
Bagaimana cara kita meyakinkan investor bahwa butuh investasi jangka panjang untuk proyek ini?
Focus: meyakinkan, investasi
Du hast gesagt:
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You are organizing a community event and need several items. Write a short paragraph listing what you 'butuh' (need) for the event. Be specific and include at least three different items. Focus on using 'butuh' correctly in different contexts.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Untuk acara komunitas besok, kami sangat butuh beberapa hal penting. Pertama, kami butuh sukarelawan lebih banyak untuk membantu persiapan dan jalannya acara. Selain itu, kami juga butuh tambahan kursi dan meja agar semua peserta nyaman. Terakhir, untuk konsumsi, kami butuh sumbangan makanan ringan dan minuman.
Imagine you are writing a persuasive essay arguing for a new public policy. Describe three different societal needs that this policy would address, using 'butuh' in each description. Explain why these needs are critical.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Masyarakat butuh kebijakan yang lebih proaktif dalam penanganan limbah plastik karena dampak lingkungan yang semakin mengkhawatirkan. Selain itu, kita butuh program pendidikan yang lebih merata di daerah-daerah terpencil untuk mengurangi kesenjangan sosial. Terakhir, pemerintah butuh investasi lebih besar dalam infrastruktur digital untuk mendukung pertumbuhan ekonomi di era modern.
You are a consultant advising a struggling business. Identify three key areas where the business 'butuh' (needs) improvement or resources to survive and thrive. Justify each need.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Bisnis ini butuh strategi pemasaran yang lebih agresif untuk menjangkau target pasar yang lebih luas dan meningkatkan penjualan. Kedua, perusahaan butuh inovasi produk yang berkelanjutan agar tetap relevan di tengah persaingan ketat. Terakhir, untuk meningkatkan efisiensi operasional, mereka butuh pelatihan karyawan dalam penggunaan teknologi baru.
Mengapa Perusahaan X sangat 'butuh' dana segar?
Read this passage:
Perusahaan X butuh dana segar untuk ekspansi ke pasar internasional. Tanpa suntikan modal ini, mereka tidak akan bisa bersaing dengan perusahaan global lainnya. Selain itu, mereka juga butuh keahlian dalam manajemen risiko lintas budaya untuk memastikan kelancaran operasi di negara-negara baru.
Mengapa Perusahaan X sangat 'butuh' dana segar?
Teks dengan jelas menyatakan bahwa 'Perusahaan X butuh dana segar untuk ekspansi ke pasar internasional'.
Teks dengan jelas menyatakan bahwa 'Perusahaan X butuh dana segar untuk ekspansi ke pasar internasional'.
Apa yang 'butuh' pemerintah daerah dari masyarakat?
Read this passage:
Pemerintah daerah butuh partisipasi aktif dari masyarakat dalam menyusun rencana pembangunan kota. Keterlibatan warga sangat esensial agar kebijakan yang dihasilkan sesuai dengan kebutuhan riil di lapangan. Tanpa masukan dari akar rumput, implementasi program akan menemui banyak kendala.
Apa yang 'butuh' pemerintah daerah dari masyarakat?
Paragraf tersebut menyebutkan 'Pemerintah daerah butuh partisipasi aktif dari masyarakat dalam menyusun rencana pembangunan kota'.
Paragraf tersebut menyebutkan 'Pemerintah daerah butuh partisipasi aktif dari masyarakat dalam menyusun rencana pembangunan kota'.
Apa yang 'butuh' seorang ilmuwan untuk memvalidasi hipotesisnya?
Read this passage:
Seorang ilmuwan butuh data yang akurat dan lengkap untuk memvalidasi hipotesisnya. Tanpa data yang memadai, kesimpulan yang ditarik bisa menjadi bias atau tidak tepat. Oleh karena itu, proses pengumpulan data harus dilakukan dengan cermat dan metodologi yang teruji.
Apa yang 'butuh' seorang ilmuwan untuk memvalidasi hipotesisnya?
Teks tersebut menyatakan bahwa 'Seorang ilmuwan butuh data yang akurat dan lengkap untuk memvalidasi hipotesisnya'.
Teks tersebut menyatakan bahwa 'Seorang ilmuwan butuh data yang akurat dan lengkap untuk memvalidasi hipotesisnya'.
/ 30 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
Use 'butuh' to express that you require or feel a want for something.
- Butuh means 'to need.'
- It's used when you require something.
- You can use it for things, help, or time.
