Signification
Speaking about a topic broadly
Contexte culturel
Indonesians value 'Basa-basi' (polite small talk). Using 'secara umum' allows you to be polite and positive before giving any specific negative feedback. In Javanese-influenced Indonesian, being too direct is seen as 'kasar' (rude). 'Secara umum' acts as a linguistic cushion to soften statements. In Indonesian universities, 'secara umum' is essential for 'Seminar Hasil' (result seminars) to summarize data trends without overclaiming. On Indonesian Twitter (X), 'secara umum' is often used to start a 'hot take' or a summary of a viral event.
The 'Softener' Technique
If you have to say something negative, start with 'Secara umum...' and a positive point. It makes you sound much more like a native speaker.
Avoid 'Dalam Umum'
This is the most common mistake for English speakers. Remember: 'Secara', not 'Dalam'!
Signification
Speaking about a topic broadly
The 'Softener' Technique
If you have to say something negative, start with 'Secara umum...' and a positive point. It makes you sound much more like a native speaker.
Avoid 'Dalam Umum'
This is the most common mistake for English speakers. Remember: 'Secara', not 'Dalam'!
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct phrase to say 'In general, the weather is good.'
______, cuacanya bagus.
'Secara umum' is the standard phrase for 'in general.'
Which sentence is the most natural way to say 'Generally, I agree'?
Choose the best option:
Placing 'secara umum' after the subject is a very natural way to emphasize agreement.
Match the Indonesian phrase with its English equivalent.
Match the following:
These are the standard translations for these adverbial phrases.
Complete the dialogue naturally.
A: Bagaimana filmnya? B: ______ aku suka, tapi endingnya aneh.
The speaker is giving a general opinion before a specific criticism.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercices______, cuacanya bagus.
'Secara umum' is the standard phrase for 'in general.'
Choose the best option:
Placing 'secara umum' after the subject is a very natural way to emphasize agreement.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
These are the standard translations for these adverbial phrases.
A: Bagaimana filmnya? B: ______ aku suka, tapi endingnya aneh.
The speaker is giving a general opinion before a specific criticism.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it with your boss or with your friends at a cafe.
Yes! 'Umumnya' is a shorter, slightly more casual version that means the same thing.
Usually at the very beginning, but it can also go after the subject.
Not exactly. 'Usually' is 'biasanya.' 'Secara umum' is more like 'In general.'
Yes, very frequently, though you might see 'pada umumnya' more often in print.
Yes. 'Secara umum, dia orang baik' (In general, he is a good person).
The opposite is 'secara khusus' (specifically).
No, in Indonesian 'c' is always 'ch' like in 'cheese.'
No, that sounds strange. 'Secara umum' doesn't usually take intensifiers like 'sekali.'
Not really. Slang users might just say 'pokoknya' or 'intinya.'
Expressions liées
Pada umumnya
synonymGenerally / In general
Secara khusus
contrastSpecifically
Secara garis besar
similarBroadly speaking / In outline
Umumnya
synonymGenerally
