뜻
Asking for the reason behind something.
문화적 배경
Indonesians value 'basa-basi' (small talk). Asking 'Kenapa begitu?' is often a way to show interest in someone's life rather than just being nosy. In Javanese culture, direct questions can be seen as 'kurang sopan' (less polite). 'Kenapa begitu?' is a safe, middle-ground phrase that avoids being too blunt. In the capital, speed is key. 'Kok gitu?' has almost entirely replaced 'Kenapa begitu?' in daily youth slang. In Indonesian schools, students are taught to use 'Mengapa' for 'Why'. Using 'Kenapa' in an essay might result in a lower grade for 'register' errors.
The Power of 'Loh'
Add 'Loh' at the beginning ('Loh, kenapa begitu?') to sound more like a native speaker expressing surprise.
Watch the Tone
Keep your voice soft. A harsh 'Kenapa begitu!' can sound like you're scolding someone.
뜻
Asking for the reason behind something.
The Power of 'Loh'
Add 'Loh' at the beginning ('Loh, kenapa begitu?') to sound more like a native speaker expressing surprise.
Watch the Tone
Keep your voice soft. A harsh 'Kenapa begitu!' can sound like you're scolding someone.
The 'Ya' Softener
If you're worried about being too direct, add 'ya' at the end: 'Kenapa begitu, ya?' It makes you sound more reflective.
셀프 테스트
Fill in the blank to complete the question.
A: Saya tidak suka es krim. B: Loh, ______ begitu?
We use 'Kenapa' to ask for a reason.
Which phrase is the most informal version of 'Kenapa begitu?'
Choose the slang version:
'Kok gitu?' is the common informal/slang variant used with friends.
Complete the dialogue with the most natural response.
Andi: 'Besok kita tidak jadi pergi ke Bali.' Budi: '________? Padahal tiket sudah dibeli.'
Budi is asking for the reason behind the sudden change in plans.
Match the situation to the correct phrase.
You see a blue cat in a cartoon.
You are expressing surprise and asking why the cat is blue.
Add the auxiliary word to make the question sound more surprised.
Kenapa ______ begitu?
'Kenapa bisa begitu?' means 'How can it be like that?' and adds emphasis.
In a formal letter to a professor, which one should you use?
Formal inquiry:
'Mengapa demikian?' is the standard formal form for academic or official use.
🎉 점수: /6
시각 학습 자료
연습 문제 은행
6 연습 문제A: Saya tidak suka es krim. B: Loh, ______ begitu?
We use 'Kenapa' to ask for a reason.
Choose the slang version:
'Kok gitu?' is the common informal/slang variant used with friends.
Andi: 'Besok kita tidak jadi pergi ke Bali.' Budi: '________? Padahal tiket sudah dibeli.'
Budi is asking for the reason behind the sudden change in plans.
You see a blue cat in a cartoon.
You are expressing surprise and asking why the cat is blue.
Kenapa ______ begitu?
'Kenapa bisa begitu?' means 'How can it be like that?' and adds emphasis.
Formal inquiry:
'Mengapa demikian?' is the standard formal form for academic or official use.
🎉 점수: /6
자주 묻는 질문
10 질문Yes, they both mean 'Why'. However, 'Kenapa' is for daily conversation, and 'Mengapa' is for formal writing or speeches.
Yes, but 'Kenapa begitu?' is more complete and points specifically to the situation you just observed.
It means 'like that' or 'in that way'.
Not usually. It's a neutral phrase. It only becomes rude if your tone of voice is aggressive.
You usually start with 'Karena...' (Because...) or 'Jadi begini...' (So, it's like this...).
Yes, it is perfectly polite to use with a teacher if you add 'Pak' or 'Bu' at the end.
'Gitu' is just a shortened, informal version of 'begitu'.
'Kok' adds a layer of 'surprise' or 'wonder' that 'Kenapa' doesn't always have.
No, Indonesian doesn't pluralize this phrase. It stays the same regardless of how many things you are asking about.
It's better to use 'Mengapa demikian?' to sound more professional, but 'Kenapa begitu?' is acceptable in a casual interview.
관련 표현
Kenapa tidak?
similarWhy not?
Ada apa?
similarWhat's up? / What's happening?
Gimana sih?
specialized formHow could this be? / What's going on?
Mengapa demikian?
specialized formWhy is it thus?
