Signification
Giving back a borrowed book.
Contexte culturel
In Indonesian universities, returning books on time is often linked to your ability to register for the next semester. It is a strict administrative requirement. In rural areas, 'Taman Bacaan' are community-run. Returning a book here is a matter of community trust and 'gotong royong' (mutual help). When returning a book to an elder or a teacher, it is polite to use both hands as a sign of respect. With the rise of apps like iPusnas, younger Indonesians are more used to the 'auto-return' feature, but the phrase 'kembalikan buku' remains the standard UI label.
Use 'Tolong'
Always add 'Tolong' before 'kembalikan' to sound polite, especially with people you don't know well.
Don't forget the '-kan'
Saying just 'kembali buku' is a common beginner mistake that sounds very broken.
Signification
Giving back a borrowed book.
Use 'Tolong'
Always add 'Tolong' before 'kembalikan' to sound polite, especially with people you don't know well.
Don't forget the '-kan'
Saying just 'kembali buku' is a common beginner mistake that sounds very broken.
The Slang 'Balikin'
If you want to sound like a local in Jakarta, use 'balikin' instead of 'kembalikan' with friends.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'kembalikan'.
Tolong ___ buku ini ke perpustakaan.
In a command or request, 'kembalikan' is the correct form to use.
Which sentence is the most formal?
Choose the formal way to say 'I am returning the book'.
The prefix 'me-' makes the verb formal and standard (Bahasa Baku).
Match the Indonesian phrase with its English translation.
Match these:
These are basic verb-object collocations in Indonesian.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Kapan kamu bisa ___ buku saya? B: Besok pagi, saya janji.
The context asks for the action of returning the book.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
Where would you see the sign 'TEMPAT PENGEMBALIAN BUKU'?
'Pengembalian buku' is the noun form for 'book return'.
🎉 Score : /5
Aides visuelles
Formality Levels
Banque d exercices
5 exercicesTolong ___ buku ini ke perpustakaan.
In a command or request, 'kembalikan' is the correct form to use.
Choose the formal way to say 'I am returning the book'.
The prefix 'me-' makes the verb formal and standard (Bahasa Baku).
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
These are basic verb-object collocations in Indonesian.
A: Kapan kamu bisa ___ buku saya? B: Besok pagi, saya janji.
The context asks for the action of returning the book.
Where would you see the sign 'TEMPAT PENGEMBALIAN BUKU'?
'Pengembalian buku' is the noun form for 'book return'.
🎉 Score : /5
Questions fréquentes
10 questions'Kembali' is an intransitive verb meaning 'to return' (e.g., I return home). 'Kembalikan' is a transitive verb meaning 'to return [something]' (e.g., I return the book).
No, it's not rude, but it is informal. Use it with friends, family, or people your age. Use 'mengembalikan' in formal situations.
Indonesian doesn't have past tense verb changes. Just say 'Saya sudah kembalikan buku' (I already returned the book).
Yes! 'Kembalikan uang' means to return money. However, 'kembalian' (noun) means 'change' (the money you get back after a purchase).
You should say 'Saya menghilangkan bukunya' (I lost the book) and then ask 'Bagaimana cara menggantinya?' (How do I replace it?).
Yes, it is usually called 'Kotak Pengembalian' or 'Drop Box'.
In that context, 'kembali' means 'you're welcome'. It's a shortened form of 'sama-sama kembali' (likewise returned).
Yes, 'pulangkan buku' is correct and slightly more formal/literary, but 'kembalikan' is much more common in daily speech.
Say 'Boleh saya minta kembali buku saya?' or 'Tolong kembalikan buku saya kalau sudah selesai ya.'
'Denda' is the fine you pay if you don't 'kembalikan buku' on time.
Expressions liées
Pinjam buku
contrastTo borrow a book
Sewa buku
similarTo rent a book
Donasi buku
similarTo donate a book
Ganti buku
specialized formTo replace a book
Simpan buku
builds onTo put away/store a book
