Significado
Searching for lost keys
Contexto cultural
The 'Tukang Kunci' (locksmith) is a vital part of the informal economy. They can duplicate almost any key for a very low price while you wait. In high-rise apartments, 'cari kunci' is being replaced by 'cari access card'. However, people still often say 'kunci' to refer to the card. There's a common joke that if a mother helps you 'cari kunci', she will find it in the exact place you already looked. In some traditional beliefs, if you can't find your keys, people might jokingly say they are being 'hidden' by a spirit (Tuyul or Jin), prompting a more frantic search.
Drop the prefix
In daily life, don't say 'mencari'. Just say 'cari'. It sounds much more natural.
The 'C' sound
Never pronounce 'Cari' with a 'K' sound. It's always 'Ch'.
Significado
Searching for lost keys
Drop the prefix
In daily life, don't say 'mencari'. Just say 'cari'. It sounds much more natural.
The 'C' sound
Never pronounce 'Cari' with a 'K' sound. It's always 'Ch'.
Use '-nya'
Adding '-nya' (kuncinya) makes it sound like you are looking for 'the' specific key you lost.
Ask for help
Indonesians love helping. If you lose something, 'Bantu cari dong' is a great way to bond.
Ponte a prueba
Fill in the missing verb for searching.
Saya sedang ____ kunci mobil di kamar.
You use 'cari' when you are looking for something that is missing.
Which sentence is the most natural for a casual conversation?
You lost your keys and want to tell your friend.
'Lagi cari kunci nih' is the most common way to express this informally.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Aduh, kunci rumah mana ya? B: Kamu ____ ?
B is asking if A is looking for the keys based on A's confusion.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You are at a locksmith stall.
If you are at a stall, you are looking for the person who makes keys (tukang kunci).
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Formal vs Informal
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosSaya sedang ____ kunci mobil di kamar.
You use 'cari' when you are looking for something that is missing.
You lost your keys and want to tell your friend.
'Lagi cari kunci nih' is the most common way to express this informally.
A: Aduh, kunci rumah mana ya? B: Kamu ____ ?
B is asking if A is looking for the keys based on A's confusion.
Situation: You are at a locksmith stall.
If you are at a stall, you are looking for the person who makes keys (tukang kunci).
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasNo, it's neutral/informal. For formal writing, use 'mencari kunci'.
Yes, 'Saya cari Budi' means 'I am looking for Budi'.
It's the informal/slang version of 'mencari' used mostly in Jakarta.
Yes, 'kunci' can be the noun (key) or the base verb for 'to lock'.
Say 'Kuncinya sudah ketemu'.
You can say 'kunci-kunci', but usually 'kunci' is enough for both singular and plural.
You still say 'cari kunci' or 'cari kartu kunci'.
Yes, in a metaphorical sense, like 'kunci sukses' (key to success).
Yes, the search button on Indonesian Google says 'Cari'.
A street locksmith who duplicates keys.
Frases relacionadas
Kunci jawaban
specialized formAnswer key
Tukang kunci
builds onLocksmith
Kunci inggris
specialized formAdjustable wrench
Kunci mati
specialized formDeadlock / Fixed price
Membuka kunci
contrastTo unlock
