Meaning
Describing a very low temperature.
Cultural Background
The concept of 'Masuk Angin' (Entering Wind) is a local illness believed to be caused by cold air or drafts. People will say 'Dingin sekali' as a warning to avoid getting sick. Malls and offices in Jakarta are often kept at extremely low temperatures (16-18°C) as a sign of prestige and modern infrastructure. These highland areas are the 'refrigerator' of Java. Visiting them to experience 'dingin sekali' is a popular weekend activity for city dwellers. Indonesians love 'Es' (Ice). A drink that is 'dingin sekali' is considered the best accompaniment to spicy food.
The 'Banget' Rule
If you want to sound like a local in Jakarta, swap 'sekali' for 'banget'. It's the most common way to intensify adjectives in daily life.
Don't say 'Saya dingin'
If you are shivering, say 'Saya kedinginan.' Saying 'Saya dingin' makes you sound like a cold-hearted villain in a movie!
Meaning
Describing a very low temperature.
The 'Banget' Rule
If you want to sound like a local in Jakarta, swap 'sekali' for 'banget'. It's the most common way to intensify adjectives in daily life.
Don't say 'Saya dingin'
If you are shivering, say 'Saya kedinginan.' Saying 'Saya dingin' makes you sound like a cold-hearted villain in a movie!
Complimenting Drinks
Saying 'Dingin sekali!' when served a drink is a great way to show appreciation for the refreshment in the tropical heat.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence to say 'The water is very cold.'
Air ini ____ sekali.
'Dingin' means cold. 'Panas' means hot.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Select the correct way to say 'Very cold'.
The intensifier 'sekali' must follow the adjective.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Kenapa kamu pakai jaket? B: Karena di sini ____.
You wear a jacket because it is very cold.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You just touched an ice cube.
Ice cubes are cold (dingin).
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesAir ini ____ sekali.
'Dingin' means cold. 'Panas' means hot.
Select the correct way to say 'Very cold'.
The intensifier 'sekali' must follow the adjective.
A: Kenapa kamu pakai jaket? B: Karena di sini ____.
You wear a jacket because it is very cold.
You just touched an ice cube.
Ice cubes are cold (dingin).
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsYes, but it means they have a cold personality or are acting distant. It doesn't mean they are physically cold.
Meaning is the same. 'Sangat dingin' is slightly more formal. 'Dingin sekali' is more common in speech.
Yes, 'membeku' (to freeze) or 'sangat dingin sampai membeku'.
Use 'Tidak terlalu dingin' (Not too cold).
Because 20°C is considered 'dingin sekali' in a tropical climate! It's also to avoid 'Masuk Angin'.
Related Phrases
Dingin banget
similarVery cold (informal)
Sejuk
similarCool/Fresh
Beku
specialized formFrozen
Kedinginan
builds onTo feel cold
