Meaning
Asking for a specific location
Cultural Background
In the capital, people often use 'Mane tuh?' or 'Di mane?' due to the Betawi influence on local slang. Javanese speakers might use 'Pundi?' (formal) or 'Ndi?' (informal) when speaking Javanese, but will stick to 'Di mana itu?' when speaking Indonesian with outsiders. In tourist areas, 'Di mana itu?' is often followed by 'Dekat mana?' (Near where?) to get landmarks familiar to locals. On social media (Twitter/TikTok), users often type 'dimana' (no space) or 'dmn' to save time, though it's grammatically incorrect.
The Space Rule
Always remember the space in 'di mana'. It's the most common spelling error even for native speakers!
Don't use for people
If you ask 'Di mana itu?' about a person, it sounds like you are calling them an object.
Meaning
Asking for a specific location
The Space Rule
Always remember the space in 'di mana'. It's the most common spelling error even for native speakers!
Don't use for people
If you ask 'Di mana itu?' about a person, it sounds like you are calling them an object.
Add 'ya'
Adding 'ya' at the end ('Di mana itu, ya?') makes you sound much more natural and friendly.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct spelling for 'Where is that?'
_______ itu?
Prepositions like 'di' must be followed by a space.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Saya mau pergi ke Dufan. B: Wah seru! ________?
B is asking for the location of Dufan.
Match the Indonesian phrase with its English meaning.
Match the following:
Correct pairings of locative phrases.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercises_______ itu?
Prepositions like 'di' must be followed by a space.
A: Saya mau pergi ke Dufan. B: Wah seru! ________?
B is asking for the location of Dufan.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Correct pairings of locative phrases.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsGrammatically, no. In formal writing, it must be two words. However, in texting, it is very common.
Yes, in very informal settings if the context is clear, but 'Di mana itu?' is safer.
Use 'Di mana dia?' instead of 'itu'.
'Itu' means 'that' (referring to the topic), while 'sana' means 'over there' (referring to a far distance).
It's neutral. To be safer, add 'Pak' or 'Bu' and 'Maaf'. E.g., 'Maaf Pak, di mana itu?'
Related Phrases
Di mana ini?
similarWhere is this?
Ke mana?
similarWhere to?
Dari mana?
similarWhere from?
Di mana-mana
builds onEverywhere
Sebelah mana?
specialized formWhich side?
