Signification
Better quality usually means higher price
Contexte culturel
In traditional markets (Pasar), sellers often use this phrase to stop buyers from haggling too low. It's a polite way to say 'I can't go lower because this item is high quality.' The Javanese version 'Ono rego ono rupo' is widely understood across Indonesia due to the large Javanese population and their influence on the national language. On apps like Shopee or Tokopedia, 'Ada harga ada rupa' is a common phrase in reviews to warn others that 'cheap' versions of products found on the app might be fakes. In the Batik industry, 'Batik Tulis' (hand-drawn) is much more expensive than 'Batik Cap' (stamped). Buyers use this phrase to justify the high cost of hand-drawn pieces.
Use it to end a debate
If someone is complaining about a price, saying this phrase is a polite way to end the discussion by appealing to common logic.
Don't use for people
Never use this to describe a person's value or appearance based on their wealth; it's very rude.
Signification
Better quality usually means higher price
Use it to end a debate
If someone is complaining about a price, saying this phrase is a polite way to end the discussion by appealing to common logic.
Don't use for people
Never use this to describe a person's value or appearance based on their wealth; it's very rude.
The Javanese Twist
Using the Javanese version 'Ono rego ono rupo' in Jakarta can make you sound very 'down-to-earth' and culturally savvy.
Review Power
If you want your online review to sound like a native speaker, just write 'Ada harga ada rupa' and leave 5 stars.
Teste-toi
Complete the proverb.
Ada ____ ada rupa.
The standard proverb is 'Ada harga ada rupa'.
Which situation best fits the proverb 'Ada harga ada rupa'?
Situation: You are buying a high-end laptop that costs $2000, but it is very fast and durable.
The proverb is used to justify high prices for high quality.
What does 'rupa' mean in this proverb?
In 'Ada harga ada rupa', 'rupa' refers to:
'Rupa' literally means appearance/form, representing quality.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Sepatu ini mahal sekali, harganya 2 juta! B: Tapi kulitnya asli dan sangat kuat. ________.
B is justifying the price by pointing out the quality of the leather.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
The Logic of Ada Harga Ada Rupa
Where to use this phrase
Shopping
- • Electronics
- • Clothes
- • Furniture
Services
- • Barber
- • Consultant
- • Hotel
Food
- • Fine Dining
- • Organic Produce
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesAda ____ ada rupa.
The standard proverb is 'Ada harga ada rupa'.
Situation: You are buying a high-end laptop that costs $2000, but it is very fast and durable.
The proverb is used to justify high prices for high quality.
In 'Ada harga ada rupa', 'rupa' refers to:
'Rupa' literally means appearance/form, representing quality.
A: Sepatu ini mahal sekali, harganya 2 juta! B: Tapi kulitnya asli dan sangat kuat. ________.
B is justifying the price by pointing out the quality of the leather.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it with friends, family, or in a business meeting to discuss product value.
Technically people will understand, but it sounds 'backwards' to native speakers. Always put 'harga' first.
Usually, yes. It's used to justify why something isn't cheap. However, it can be used sarcastically for cheap things that break.
'Rupa' means appearance, form, or shape. In this context, it represents the visible quality of an item.
No, it's actually a compliment to their goods if you're buying them. If you're a seller, it's a standard defense of your price.
Younger people might say 'Worth it banget' or 'Kualitasnya gak bohong', but the proverb is still very popular.
Absolutely! It's very common when discussing premium ingredients or high-end restaurants.
Yes, any service where skill level affects the outcome can be described this way.
Yes, it is also used in Malaysia and Singapore, though the Javanese variation is specific to Indonesia.
The Indonesian 'r' is rolled or trilled with the tip of the tongue against the roof of the mouth.
Expressions liées
Harga tidak bisa bohong
similarPrice cannot lie.
Ono rego ono rupo
synonymJavanese version of the same proverb.
Murah meriah
contrastCheap and cheerful.
Barang murahan
builds onCheap/tacky goods.
Kualitas nomor satu
similarNumber one quality.
