Significado
Being successful at everything one tries.
Contexto cultural
The concept of 'dingin' (cold/cool) is almost always positive in Indonesian idioms, representing calmness, success, and health (e.g., 'kepala dingin' for a cool head). In Javanese mysticism, 'tangan dingin' is sometimes linked to 'wahyu' or a divine blessing that follows certain individuals. In big cities like Jakarta, 'tangan dingin' is a high compliment for startup founders and venture capitalists. Farmers still use this to describe people who are 'compatible' with certain seeds or soil types.
Complimenting Bosses
This is one of the safest idioms to use with a superior to show appreciation for their leadership.
Literal vs Figurative
If someone says their hands are cold in a doctor's office, don't congratulate them on their success!
Significado
Being successful at everything one tries.
Complimenting Bosses
This is one of the safest idioms to use with a superior to show appreciation for their leadership.
Literal vs Figurative
If someone says their hands are cold in a doctor's office, don't congratulate them on their success!
Use with 'Ber-'
Using 'bertangan dingin' makes you sound much more like a native speaker than just using 'punya tangan dingin'.
Ponte a prueba
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the idiom.
Kebun kakek sangat subur karena kakek punya ______.
A fertile garden (kebun subur) is the result of a 'tangan dingin'.
Which sentence uses the idiom correctly in a professional context?
Pilih kalimat yang benar:
This correctly uses the idiom to describe a director's success in making a profit.
Match the situation to the most appropriate use of 'tangan dingin'.
Situasi: Seorang pelatih membawa tim yang lemah menjadi juara nasional.
Turning a weak team into a champion is a classic example of 'tangan dingin'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Wah, semua tanaman hiasmu tumbuh sangat cepat!' B: 'Iya, banyak orang bilang aku ______.'
The context of plants growing fast requires 'tangan dingin'.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosKebun kakek sangat subur karena kakek punya ______.
A fertile garden (kebun subur) is the result of a 'tangan dingin'.
Pilih kalimat yang benar:
This correctly uses the idiom to describe a director's success in making a profit.
Situasi: Seorang pelatih membawa tim yang lemah menjadi juara nasional.
Turning a weak team into a champion is a classic example of 'tangan dingin'.
A: 'Wah, semua tanaman hiasmu tumbuh sangat cepat!' B: 'Iya, banyak orang bilang aku ______.'
The context of plants growing fast requires 'tangan dingin'.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasYes, it is very common for successful coaches or players who always seem to score.
Not at all. It is a very high compliment.
The opposite is 'tangan panas' (hot hand), meaning someone who fails at nurturing things.
Yes, but it might sound a bit boastful. It's better to use it for others.
No, it applies to business, sports, leadership, and any creative endeavor.
It is neutral. You can use it with friends or in a newspaper.
You say 'Dia punya tangan dingin.'
Yes, you can add 'sangat' or 'sekali' to emphasize the success.
No, Indonesian idioms don't change for plural. You just change the subject.
In Indonesian culture, 'cold/cool' is associated with life and peace, while 'hot' is associated with anger and death.
Frases relacionadas
Kepala dingin
similarCalm and composed.
Tangan kanan
similarRight-hand man / reliable assistant.
Tangan terbuka
similarWelcoming / generous.
Tangan panas
contrastSomeone who fails at growing things or managing tasks.
