معنی
Used when one lacks information.
زمینه فرهنگی
In Javanese culture, directness is often avoided. Using 'kurang tahu' (less know) instead of 'tidak tahu' (not know) is a linguistic reflection of the value of 'andhap asor' (humility). In Jakarta, the use of 'nggak tau' or 'gak tau' is ubiquitous. It's often paired with the particle 'sih' to sound more casual and less definitive. In some parts of Sumatra, communication can be more direct than in Java. A simple 'tidak tahu' might be used more frequently without being considered rude. On social media, 'tidak tahu' is often abbreviated to 'tdk tau' or 'gatau'. It's used in memes to express confusion or a lack of interest in drama.
The 'Belum' Trick
If you want to sound more optimistic or polite, use 'Belum tahu' (Don't know yet) instead of 'Tidak tahu'.
Avoid 'Bukan'
Never say 'Bukan tahu'. It's a classic beginner mistake that sounds very jarring to native speakers.
معنی
Used when one lacks information.
The 'Belum' Trick
If you want to sound more optimistic or polite, use 'Belum tahu' (Don't know yet) instead of 'Tidak tahu'.
Avoid 'Bukan'
Never say 'Bukan tahu'. It's a classic beginner mistake that sounds very jarring to native speakers.
Jakarta Slang
Use 'Gak tau' or 'Nggak tau' to immediately sound more like a local in casual settings.
Softening the Blow
Always add 'Maaf' (Sorry) before 'tidak tahu' if you are talking to someone older or in a position of authority.
خودت رو بسنج
Choose the correct negator for the verb 'tahu'.
Saya ___ tahu jawabannya.
'Tidak' is the correct negator for verbs in Indonesian.
Fill in the blank to make the sentence polite.
Maaf, saya ___ tahu tentang hal itu.
'Kurang tahu' is a polite way to say 'I don't know'.
Complete the dialogue with the most natural informal response.
A: Kamu tau gak dia di mana? B: ___
'Nggak tau' is the most natural informal response to 'tau gak'.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Which phrase is best for a job interview?
'Saya kurang tahu' is professional and humble.
🎉 امتیاز: /4
ابزارهای بصری یادگیری
بانک تمرین
4 تمرینهاSaya ___ tahu jawabannya.
'Tidak' is the correct negator for verbs in Indonesian.
Maaf, saya ___ tahu tentang hal itu.
'Kurang tahu' is a polite way to say 'I don't know'.
A: Kamu tau gak dia di mana? B: ___
'Nggak tau' is the most natural informal response to 'tau gak'.
Which phrase is best for a job interview?
'Saya kurang tahu' is professional and humble.
🎉 امتیاز: /4
سوالات متداول
12 سوالIt's not inherently rude, but a blunt delivery can be. Adding 'maaf' or using 'kurang tahu' makes it much softer.
'Tidak tahu' is formal/standard, while 'nggak tau' is informal/conversational.
No, use 'tidak kenal' if you mean you aren't acquainted with someone.
You can say 'Saya tidak tahu apa-apa'.
In casual speech, the 'h' is often dropped, making it sound like 'tau'.
Yes, it is the standard form for all formal writing, books, and news.
It means 'how would I know?' and can sound a bit defensive.
Yes, but it's better to say 'Saya kurang tahu' or 'Saya belum tahu pasti'.
It's a more poetic or dramatic way to say 'I don't know' or 'who knows'.
Yes, it's a homonym! Context will always tell you which one is being used.
Use 'Saya tidak tahu pasti'.
Yes, for example, in Javanese-influenced Indonesian, people might say 'ndak tau'.
عبارات مرتبط
Kurang tahu
similarDon't quite know
Belum tahu
similarDon't know yet
Tidak mengerti
similarDon't understand
Tidak kenal
similarDon't know (a person)
Entahlah
specialized formWho knows / I have no idea
Tahu-menahu
builds onTo know anything about
